Madam Speaker, I have to admit that I am somewhat confused because I am never sure which New Democratic Party I am going to see in the House today. When my colleague from Edmonton West was speaking, there were members of the NDP standing up and holding the government to account. When I get up to speak, there are members of the NDP looking like they want to join the Liberal Party and parroting its talking points.
It is so important that we focus on the debate here today. I find it kind of odd that the New Democrats claim to stand up for indigenous communities and indigenous small businesses. I know that the member from Edmonton Griesbach was very eloquent on this. Maybe he should be speaking with his colleagues and reminding them how important it is to stand up for them so they can access the programs and ask questions that are relevant to the subject matter we are speaking about today.
The fact is that indigenous-owned businesses have been under-represented in our country and that the funding programs that were designed to increase their capacity and economic empowerment have been taken advantage of by bad actors who are using shell companies and consultants to exploit indigenous peoples to access funds and enrich themselves. It is absolutely wrong and shameful that a member of the NDP is not championing the issue each and every day in the House.