Mr. Speaker, I would like to address a question to the member opposite.
The fact that this debate is even taking place tonight is precedent setting. The fact is that this government campaigned on this issue and said that any major treaties that were signed would come to this House for a debate and for a vote, and that is about to happen.
I can remember, in my past nine years here, many treaties being signed by the former Liberal government that never did come to this House for a debate or a vote.
I have served on the defence committee with the member opposite. I have a lot of respect for him, because I do believe his heart is in the right place when it comes to the armed forces. Over the years I think our committee has developed that rapport where we work together for the betterment of the armed forces in this country.
It seems to me it would be a little disingenuous for him to stand and complain about the fact that we are even having this debate. His ability to stand in this House and raise these issues is an opportunity that has not been granted to the other parties in the past by his own government.
I would like him to clarify his position on the fact that tonight we are standing in this House, we are having this debate and we will have a vote.