Yes, Madam Speaker, my friend across the way is correct. First nations communities do have their own way of working through different problems and I encourage them to continue to do so.
What we are seeing is blockades being put up, in some cases, by people who have no connection to these first nations communities. That is the issue. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said today that it could be up to four days before supplies start flowing properly again. Businesses are trying to export goods and are being told their deadlines cannot be met.
CP Rail, CN Rail and VIA Rail are laying off people. Border crossings are being blocked. This is real. The government has let this process bubble and continue to evolve into the situation it is now. It is only because it has hit this crisis mode that the government has finally decided it should actually pay attention.
As I mentioned in my speech, the Prime Minister was in no hurry to get back from his UN Security Council trip to Africa to deal with the problems affecting Canadians. This is how we have gotten to this situation.
Yes, I think it is high time the government stops with its words and takes action.