Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his very enlightening speech.
I think the crux of the debate here is not whether we need to tackle contraband tobacco. The bill makes a lot of sense. I think the debate should focus more on what we need to do before we pass such a bill.
I would like to know what my colleague thinks about the role that aboriginal communities should play in designing and passing this kind of bill. This will surely affect many aboriginal communities.
A number of reports, experts and studies have all said that the first nations should have a key role in tackling contraband tobacco in Canada.
Since my colleague is a member of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, and since this bill, if it is passed at second reading, will be sent to this committee for study, I would like to know what he would like to see in terms of consultation and collaboration with the first nations before such a bill is passed?
Since he will have to speak to this bill in committee, what would he be prepared to accept or not accept?