Mr. Speaker, as this is my first time rising in the House, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the constituents of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex for electing me to represent them here in Parliament. I would also like to take a quick opportunity thank all of my volunteers and my family, who have supported me throughout this journey. I am proud to represent everybody from Lambton—Kent—Middlesex here in the House.
My colleague is talking about guns and restricted weapons. I come from a rural community. I do sympathize with the crimes that happen in our cities. A lot of these weapons have been smuggled into Canada. It is not our law-abiding gun owners who are the ones committing the crimes. I would ask that the government stop treating our law-abiding gun owners and sport shooters and hunters as though they are the criminals.
When will the government start focusing on criminals? When will it make tougher penalties for the criminals who are actually committing the crimes and keep them behind bars? When will the government stop treating our gun owners who respect the law and are law-abiding citizens as criminals?