Mr. Speaker, my comments will be short out of respect for other colleagues in the opposition parties who would like to pose a question.
I said two nights ago that I was certainly supportive of a free vote in the House to bring this issue to a head. I stand by those words. I notice the member from the Bloc Quebecois included those sentiments in his opening remarks on the debate today.
I ask the minister if there will there be a free vote on the government side on this issue so that people can represent their constituents? That is the first thing.
Second, if the vote is overwhelmingly against this motion and in support of the missile defence shield, will the government then get on with it and sign on as a partner in this with our American allies so we can move forward in developing this missile defence shield for North America?