Income Tax Act  Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in the House to join the debate on Bill C-2. I would like to spend some of my time speaking on why definitions of the middle class are so important. In the last election the Liberals campaigned on a promise to reduce taxes for the middle class and support those working hard to enter the middle class.

Foreign Affairs  Mr. Speaker, six months ago, my constituent, Alison Azer, experienced one of the worst nightmares a parent can ever face. Her four children were taken by her ex-husband. Alison has reason to believe that her children are now in Kurdistan in northern Iraq. Today she is here in Ottawa, urging the government to do everything it can to help bring her children safely home.

Canada's Contribution to the Effort to Combat ISIL  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for his speech. I know him to be a proud Canadian. Given that the Liberals have gone on the record and stated that Canada should not have a combat role, how can they guarantee that Canadian troops will not face combat in their advise and assist role?

Telecommunications  Mr. Speaker, that will not bring down cell phone prices. Canadians pay some of the highest cell phone bills in the world, yet the previous government failed to make any progress, and the Liberals have shown no interest. Yesterday the CRTC denied an appeal to spark real competition in the wireless sector by allowing new small players into the market.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton for sharing her personal story. She also talked about the Conservative track record in standing up for the rights of women. The Conservatives are known for gutting the status of women in Canada in the last government.

Income Tax Act  Mr. Speaker, before I start, I want to quickly wish my eldest daughter a happy 16th birthday today. In the member's speech, I did not hear a lot about Bill C-2. He talked about consultation with Canadians and going around the country. We know that the bill benefits 40% of Canadians, those who earn over $45,000.

Income Tax Act  Madam Speaker, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, it is estimated that 17.9 million Canadians who will file income tax returns in 2016 fall within the first tax bracket of $45,282 or less. They are going to get nothing out of this tax break. What do the Liberals define as the average income for the middle class?

Canadian Coast Guard  Mr. Speaker, the Conservative decision to close the Tofina MCTS centre in Ucluelet left coastal communities without protection. My community is still reeling from the sinking of the Leviathan II and the recent loss of lives. This tragedy underlined that having local eyes and ears is essential for coastal safety.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I congratulate the hon. member for his passionate speech bringing forward the concerns of his region. Coming from a coastal community on Vancouver Island, I know that families, seniors, and small business people are having a harder and harder time making ends meet.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the hon. member from Gatineau on his election. I appreciate the member bringing forward concerns for seniors and families struggling to make ends meet. The latest Bank of Canada report shows the record low price of oil that has rocked Canada's economy has not been matched by changes to prices at the pumps.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. member for Sarnia—Lambton for her great opening speech and for her election. Just last week in my riding, gas prices hit an all-time high. In Qualicum Beach it was $1.16 a litre, and $1.12 in Parksville. It was the highest in the country, more than even the Northwest Territories.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the member for Edmonton Riverbend on his election and a great speech. I appreciate that he elaborated on important things like the future of our children and taking care of our grandparents and the mothers in our country. We have a lot in common; we both want to grow the economy while protecting the environment.

Business of the House  Mr. Speaker, I would first like to congratulate my colleague on her maiden speech. I thank her for bringing forward her values, passion, and strong principles for the people of Essex and Canada. As I articulated earlier, in my riding Parksville has a median age of 58. When I was door-knocking in Parksville, I met seniors who had gone to food banks for the first time in their lives.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I have a personal connection to the forestry sector. My great-grandfather was a papermaker at a mill in Ocean Falls on the central coast of British Columbia. That town was a bustling community of 4,000 people. It produced Olympic swimmers back in the day. Today, that community has 75 people in it.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, of course we welcome giving money to people in need, especially parents and children who need help. I will give the House an example. I knocked on a woman's door in Parksville. Her name was Karlin. Karlin pulled out her child care bill and it was $750. She pulled out her paycheque and it was $750.