Madam Speaker, I learned very quickly when I was first elected back in 1988, because it was a minority government and I was part of the House leadership team even back then. Reg Alcock, who might be known to some individuals, became a member of Parliament and was House leader. One thing we took very seriously, because we were in a minority situation, is that we had to be responsible in recognizing that the government is the government and that when we could support legislation, even if we opposed it, it was important to allow it to go through the process.
Here in Ottawa, after a bill goes through second reading it goes to a standing committee. Standing committees allow Canadians from across the country to participate in what is being put together. Not every member has to speak on every piece of legislation. If we were to do that, we would only be able to pass two or three pieces of legislation maximum in one year.
It takes nothing to prevent legislation from passing. However, It takes a responsible House to ensure that private members' business and government business are properly dealt with for the benefit of all Canadians.