Mr. Speaker, this past summer British Columbia was hit by the worst forest fire season in recent memory, with numerous fires destroying people's homes, businesses and lives.
The Canadian armed forces did send some troops to assist but these troops had to come from other provinces as the Liberal government closed down the only military base on the mainland of British Columbia.
While British Columbians were pleased to receive the assistance of the military, they were shocked to hear that the federal government might seek reimbursement from the province for the use of these troops.
However the Liberals did spend a great deal of taxpayer money sending out countless Liberal politicians, including the Prime Minister and the new Liberal leader, for photo ops in the fire ravaged area. I suppose British Columbians will be billed for these travel costs as well.
If the new Liberal leader is truly serious about building new relations in the west, here is some advice for him: Send the money, send the troops, but keep the Liberal politicians at home.