Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Newton—North Delta went through the Speech from the Throne and itemized many of the shortcomings that I agree wholeheartedly make this a speech that is unworthy of our vote and support. The obvious question that comes to mind is how members of his party who have been completely critical of virtually every aspect of the Speech from the Throne in good conscience can either stay in their places and not vote at all or vote in favour of a Speech from the Throne which on principle and in fact they claim to be opposed to in virtually every way.
Does it not weigh on his conscience as a member of Parliament to not stand up for his principles and to not be an official opposition? Does he not understand the role of the official opposition? If all the Liberals are going to do is rubber stamp whatever the government wants to do, how are they being an effective official opposition? I would argue that they are not.
I know my colleague is relatively new to this place, but I ask him again, how in all good conscience is he going to allow the Speech from the Throne to pass without any activity from the official opposition in terms of doing its job and opposing the government?