Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to participate in today's debate. Before I address the substance of this bill, I would like to make two observations.
First, today, October 31, marks the beginning of poppy season, a time when all Canadians remember the great sacrifice, and in too many cases, the ultimate sacrifice, made by the men and women serving in the Canadian military. It is thanks to them that we have lived and, most importantly, continue to live in a free country, a land of freedom where every Canadian is respected. We must always remember the sacrifices of our military personnel. I want to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to my late father, who was a Second World War soldier and veteran.