Mr. Speaker, I am astonished and appalled by the statements made by the member on the other side. Once again we have a member, who purports to represent the views of Canadians, impugning the integrity of elected officials of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police . I would assume that he would then broaden his comments to include the Canadian Police Association, which represents the frontline officers, on its good faith and on its objective and impartial analysis of Canada's gun control program and firearms registry program. I am appalled that the member would have the gumption to stand in the House and make statements like that.
I wish the hon. member would have the same gumption to stand outside the House and make those kinds of statements, impugning the words, the opinion, the impartiality and the integrity of the chief of police of Ottawa, Vince Bevin; David Griffin of the Canadian Police Association; and Pierre-Paul Pichette, assistant director of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
I will not in any way endorse or let anyone listening to this debate believe that on this side of the House the government does not believe in the integrity of the members of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Police Association. We believe that they are impartial and that they are people of integrity. We also believe in them even when we do not always agree with some of their positions.
Is it not distasteful for the members that on this particular occasion the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Police Association have come out in support of Canada's gun control program and firearms registry program? Obviously the members of certain parties on the opposite side, the Progressive Conservatives and the Canadian Alliance, have attempted to stake their reputation on destroying this effective public safety tool, this effective law enforcement tool.
On this side of the House we will not have it. We will represent Canadians who support these programs. We agree with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Police Association. For once we are on the same side on a particular program. However even when we are not on the same side, never do we disrespect them or impugn their integrity and impartiality. We may disagree but we know that these are valuable organizations and that the people who make up these organizations have valuable experience to bring to the House, to the government and to Canadian society. I say shame on that member.