Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question and for his empathy for the trauma that Alain Therrien and I experienced in the House when we were called racists by the former NDP leader.
My colleague is absolutely right. In our debates, we often talk about files and cases, but behind the refugee claims are human beings, families and children. Basically, the vast majority of these people want protection and a better life. Leaving one's country and one's family behind and going into exile is no picnic for those who do it for the right reasons. It is a big decision.
My point is that in order for us to accommodate them properly, our intake capacity needs to be respected. We in the Bloc Québécois have always said that what is really important is for the responsibility be shared among the provinces. Niagara Falls, Ontario, had decided to do its part for a few weeks. However, when tourist season was coming up, the city said that its hotels were full of immigrants and refugees and asked that they be taken back because it needed the space. That hurts.
We are being told that something is not working. However, the Liberals continue to sit on their hands. Why are the Liberals not requiring the provinces to take in their fair share of these refugees? That is a question I would like to ask a Liberal member, if there is an opportunity later today.