Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question.
Any organization, whether it is a university, a foundation, or a charity, must be transparent to all of its members or donors regarding the donations it receives. The same goes for the government and for unions.
To paraphrase someone we all know, it's 2016. Clearly, public funds of any kind must be spent in a way that gives people confidence in all the organizations they give money to, whether as employees or as donors.
As for unions, workers pay dues directly from their pay cheques to create a fund intended to protect and defend their interests, and that is entirely as it should be.
Once again, I would like to say to my colleague and all members of the House that I have absolutely nothing against unions. On the contrary, I see them as necessary and important, and I believe the vast majority are very respectful.
If unions have nothing to hide, however, why do they not support these bills? Transparency is crucial.