Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I was not intending to ask a question. I was happy to stand and applaud the minister's lovely speech. Obviously, I am very pleased at the result here and that we worked so well together, so I will give him the opportunity to say a few more words about the importance of getting this done, particularly as my colleague's private member's bill with respect to bereavement leave was included in it.

Criminal Code and Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, I want to talk about inspiring rhetoric for a second. The minister himself, in his announcement, actually pointed out that the vast majority of federally regulated private sector workers already have more generous paid sick leave programs, and this may not have that massive an impact on those positions in the private sector.

Criminal Code and Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, what concerns me about trying to close down debate on this issue is that it is an issue where we have had fairly general and broad support across the House. It is a shame that we are being pushed to end this debate, because it is not just about a debate. Often, this chamber is a place for members to sing the praises of people on the front lines, for example, of health care in their communities.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the opportunity to list off many more, but I have run out of time. I am happy to sit down with the hon. member and go through it in great detail. Maybe I can convince him to support all of our wonderful proposals to support workers and families.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I feel like we are not basking in the glow of warmth and love. The Conservatives have always believed in supporting workers and making sure they do not have to make the choice between putting food on the table and going to work sick. I am pleased we are here today.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, my hon. colleague's question is one that is very much worthy of discussion and consideration, which is all the more reason why we need to get committees up and running, so we can discuss these important issues.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I am not exactly certain if I can give much more detail than I have right now. I appreciate the member's kind comments, but they may come to an end since I cannot give him much more of an answer than that. I will just say it is very important for us to be in committee working on these issues and having these pragmatic discussions about what would be supportive of workers and families.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, may I request unanimous consent to split my time this morning?

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, I appreciate that and the generosity of all my colleagues here. I will be splitting my time with the member for Northumberland—Peterborough South. I always appreciate the opportunity to stand in the House and speak to the important issues of the day. This is quite clearly an important issue.

House debate  Madam Chair, I wonder how my hon. friend feels about the fact that in this take-note debate tonight, which is a very important debate, not a single cabinet minister from the government has participated in the it. It is crucially important and I wonder how he feels about that.

House debate  Madam Chair, the hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands has been around here a lot longer than me and has seen this issue go back and forth so many times. The softwood lumber dispute will sort of feel as though we have solved it, then all of a sudden, we are back into it again. I wonder if the member might give some thought to a more longer-term solution to this problem, so we are not constantly battling with our neighbour.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Madam Speaker, quite simply, yes I would. Training is crucially important in our economy, and we need to be doing more of it. There is also the issue of immigration and making sure new Canadians have access to the jobs they are fully trained to do. I will make note of the work being done in the province of Ontario right now with the minister of labour there.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Madam Speaker, I would not suggest the wage subsidy amount was too high. It was probably just right. I am grateful the member cites at least one example when the Liberals actually did listen, which was a rare thing to see in those day. It was finally an accurate amount, after they listened to us, but it was spread far too wide.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Madam Speaker, the simple answer is that I cannot explain it. The government has put together a package that seems to have completely ignored that sector. This is all the more reason for committees to get to work, so important points like this can be made, and we can make sure the truly hardest hit sectors are supported and helped.

An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19  Madam Speaker, it is an honour to stand up in the House of Commons and speak about any issue. Of course, this particular bill, Bill C-2, is an important one that requires a lot more study. Targeted support sounds really good, especially for the tourism and hospitality sectors, which are some of the hardest-hit sectors in our economy.