Mr. Speaker, it has been two long years since an overwhelming majority of members of the House supported a Progressive Conservative motion to ensure that Canada has enforceable national drinking water standards. It has been two years since the Liberal government promised to act immediately. Despite the tragedies of Walkerton, North Battleford, and hundreds of boil advisories across the country, the government's response has been lukewarm at best.
Canada is one of the only modern countries in the world without national drinking water standards. Whether it is E. coli, carcinogens or parasites, Canadians have a right to know what is in their drinking water. The attitude of complacency is what led to tragedies like Walkerton.
The Liberal government has had two years to make good on its promise to establish national drinking water standards as expressed by Parliament. Instead the government is sitting on its hands and waiting for another tragedy to strike. Shame on the Liberal government.