Mr. Speaker, with regard to this point of order, I agree that we want to give new members a chance to be heard and to finish their speeches. However, there is such a thing as parliamentary privilege. When a member asks a question, he or she can expect to receive an answer.
I have no problem with the member making a speech, and she will have an opportunity to come back to it another time, but now is the time for questions and comments, and a question deserves an answer. The official opposition should not mimic the government's usual approach, but should instead answer the questions asked by members during the questions and comments period.