Madam Speaker, I welcome the opportunity to speak to the House and to Canadians about Canada's gun control program.
We have heard a lot in recent months about the focal points of the public safety initiative of the bill and the program. We have also heard much about the costs of the firearms program and the concerns expressed by the Auditor General in her recent report.
Canadians are justifiably concerned about the program's delivery costs and problems. At the same time they continue to support our efforts to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who may pose a risk to themselves, their families, their neighbours or their communities. Those are important efforts.
We must not forget why the government brought in this public safety program in the first place. Yes, we decided to act because of incidents like that which occurred at École Polytechnique in Montreal and other gun incidents. The government acted also because Canadians demand that their laws reflect our values as a society, the values of Canadians generally, not just in one part of the country but across the country.
Canadians demand safe homes and communities now and in the future. That is what we are committed to deliver. The firearms program encourages the safe use of firearms, provides vital information to police and helps to keep guns out of the wrong hands. The gun control program enhances public safety by controlling access to firearms and ammunition, deterring their misuse and controlling specific types of firearms.
When I hear the heckling and yelling from across the way, it reminds me that of course is the party which came to Ottawa promising to bring new decorum to the House of Commons, to act in a civilized manner, to show respect--