Finance  Mr. Speaker, the government has completely lost control of the public purse, and that is putting it mildly. Members will remember that, during the election campaign, the Prime Minister spoke of a maximum deficit of $10 billion. Now, that amount has become the minimum deficit. Members will also recall that the tax changes were supposed to be revenue-neutral, when in actual fact, they are going to put us $1.7 billion in debt.

Finance  Mr. Speaker, the question is for the Minister of Finance. His own department reported in the Fiscal Monitor that from April to November 2015 there was a $1 billion budget surplus. We post surpluses, while they post deficits. Yesterday, we voted on a motion to express confidence in the Deputy Minister of Finance and his team.

Canada Labour Code  Mr. Speaker, earlier I heard the member say that, in 2012, he learned that his union was spending his dues on endorsing a separatist party in Quebec, which was against his wishes. Did his union personally consult him before it decided what to do with his money?

Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, I want to ask my NDP colleague about a specific point. We keep hearing the Liberals talk about backdoor bills, bills introduced by MPs who are not ministers. In that regard, I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Alexandrine Latendresse. A few years ago, she introduced a private member's bill in the House and it passed, proving how effective this tool can be and how important it is to allow members to introduce bills even though they are not ministers.

Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, earlier the member mentioned my membership card, which I actually have with me. Unfortunately, the standing orders prevent me from displaying it. However, I definitely have it with me, and I can assure the House that I am very proud of it. Why? Back in 1981, when I was a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, we believed in democracy, transparency, and accountability, and those exact issues are in play with Bill C-4 because it is an attack on those three pillars of our democratic system.

Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, I want to pay my respects to my hon. colleague. His style is very strong, and I like that, even if I disagree. I want to remind the member that I was once a union member and I was proud of my union and my union representatives, because they worked hard for the well-being of the workers.

Canada Labour Code  Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to the speech by the member for Cape Breton—Canso, whom I salute. I would like to point out that, unlike three of his colleagues this morning, he did not mention the back room or back-door bill issue. The two bills which were introduced in past legislation were identified this morning by three Liberal members as “back-door bills”.

Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, my question is very simple. The bills that were introduced under the Conservative government were introduced by members who were not ministers. Would the member approve of allowing other members who are not ministers, or about 150 people in the Liberal Party right now, to introduce bills, or should they all be regarded as bills brought in through the back door?

Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, I commend the hon. member. This is not the first time he has risen to speak in the House, to say the least. I greatly appreciate his eloquence. However, given that he is an experienced politician, I am disappointed in one thing in particular. He keeps talking about the back door.

Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, first, I want to thank my colleague for his good speech. I really appreciate the fact that he worked hard on that and it was clear. I do not agree, but it was clear. There was one point that I strongly disagree with. At the beginning of his speech he said clearly that in this part of the House we always say that unions are undemocratic.

Regional Economic Development  Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Transport's earlier response regarding funding for the Port of Québec was vague to say the least. The port is not the only organization in Quebec City waiting for news from this government. There is also the National Optics Institute, which is a very important institute that generates jobs.

Regional Economic Development  Mr. Speaker, words are nice, but firm commitments are needed. The port and the National Optics Institute are not the only ones with needs. Université Laval also needs funding for the Institut nordique du Québec. The Liberal Party has yet to follow through on its commitments. The people of Quebec City want answers.

Canada Labour Code  Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to the speech given by the member for Yukon. His speech was clear and very interesting, even if I disagree with it close to 100%. However, I respect the hon. member. How can a gentleman like him, a very strong and good parliamentarian, oppose secret ballot votes?

Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, it is obvious. The purpose of the bills was to strengthen unions' moral authority. It always pays to have more democracy, more accountability, and more transparency. Making a vote secret improves credibility. We know what we are talking about. We were all elected by secret ballot.

Canada Labour Code  Madam Speaker, before I address the substance of the question, I would like to remind members that I mentioned men and women, so yes, I was also talking about mothers who get up in the morning, who work hard, who are required to pay union dues, and who want to get their money's worth.