Mr. Speaker, I could give a very short answer and just say no. No Canadian family should ever be put in that position. Perhaps that is the best answer. I do not think there is any “if this” or “but that”; I do not think any family should have to face that kind of decision.
That is exactly what the committee is saying with this policy change. It has been very conservative in how it has worded its recommendation to the government we are debating in the House this morning. The committee has looked at all the possible contingencies with regard to it. It has enumerated them in its motion and it has said this is an unacceptable situation for any Canadian family to face. Certainly, where there is a child involved, we know how important having a family is to the development of a child. I do not think there is any excuse for that.
The simple, clear and only answer to the member's question is no. It is absolutely inappropriate to put a family in that position.