moved for leave to introduce Bill C-251, an act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (members who cross the floor).
Mr. Speaker, this is now the fourth year that I have had this bill on the books.
If an elected member of Parliament wishes to cross the floor from his or her current position to another party, or as an independent to another party, that member of Parliament should be made to resign his or her seat, seek nomination for the new party he or she wishes to fly under, go back to the constituents and allow the people of the riding to determine if they wish to be represented by a different party. That is what we call democracy.
I am sure that with careful consideration the bill will have great support from all members of Parliament in the House.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)