Mr. Speaker, it is great to be back in the House after a busy two weeks in my riding of Cariboo—Prince George.
Today I have the honour of welcoming to the House two regional leaders: Sherry Ogasawara and Tracy Calogheros.
While the Prime Minister was busy taking selfies with movie stars, I and three of my colleagues attended the B.C. premier's natural resource forum, one of the largest forums of its kind in Canada.
The forum was held in Prince George, B.C. The event was attended by over 900 leading industry professionals, provincial and municipal representatives, and indigenous leaders.
The government's absence and silence was heard loud and clear. I am greatly disappointed that not one member of the Liberal Party was present, not even the member opposite, the Minister of Natural Resources.
This is the very minister who just yesterday stood up in the House and said he was meeting with industry leaders and yet declined the invitation to attend one of the largest natural resources events in the country.
Therefore, I offer this to my colleague. While he may want us to be known for—