Mr. Speaker, the hypocrisy of the opposition during last Wednesday night's vote on our mission in Afghanistan is shocking. Opposition members are on record as supporting our troops and yet they played politics and voted against the government instead of voting for our troops.
The member for Vancouver South said:
We support the mission, absolutely, and in unqualified fashion...If you had a vote in Parliament, I have no doubt in my mind that there would be absolutely overwhelming support.
Yet he voted against our troops.
The member for Esquimalt--Juan de Fuca said:
The courageous Canadians who are in this dangerous theatre must have our unequivocal and steely support....We cannot afford to give them anything less.
Yet he voted against our troops.
The member for Markham--Unionville said:
...it is right that Canada step up to the plate and do its part. Canada is committed to Afghanistan.
This is not an easy mission and these are not easy decisions. I applaud those opposition members who were steadfast in their support, put politics aside and did the right thing, voting for our mission and for our troops.