Democratic Institutions  Mr. Speaker, what is happening right now is ridiculous. The victim here is the member for Wellington—Halton Hills, and the aggressor this morning is the Liberal government. Instead of defending the member, they attack him. That is what happened this morning. The parliamentary secretaries attacked him not once, but twice.

Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act  Madam Speaker, I have a lot to say to address the question raised by my colleague from the NDP. Just to be very clear and very appropriate on this, I think it is a work in motion. Yes, I think that this bill addresses some issues, some specific issues, and maybe not enough for some people.

Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act  Madam Speaker, I deeply appreciate working with the hon. member and all the other members of the environmental committee. That was my first hard work, I would say, on this issue since I was appointed on the climate change issue. I am very proud to be the shadow minister on this issue.

Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act  Madam Speaker, I want to commend my colleague's contribution. We were elected at the same time in 2015 and, no matter what anyone says, there is always a special connection between members who were elected the same year. I want to acknowledge her support and her efforts when it comes to the environment.

Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise to take part in this debate on Bill S‑5, dealing with the important issues of the environment and climate change. As hon. members know, I have the pleasure and privilege of being the official opposition critic on the environment and climate change.

Democratic Institutions  Mr. Speaker, our country is a country of law and order that respects international agreements. Article 9 of the Vienna Convention states that a country may without having to explain its decision expel a person declared persona non grata. The question is very simple. Since at least Monday, Canadians have been aware that there is a so-called Chinese diplomat here who should be expelled.

Democratic Institutions  Mr. Speaker, if the minister does not have the honour or dignity to provide a clear answer to a very precise question, then we will need to default to the parliamentary secretary. The Vienna Convention is very clear. Article 9 gives a country the full authority to expel any diplomat it wants.

Democratic Institutions  Mr. Speaker, it is a very simple question that deserves a clear answer. When did the government find out that the Communist regime in Beijing was threatening people elected to the House of Commons?

Democratic Institutions  Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the responses are not answering the questions we are asking. Once again, we are asking a very simple question. When did cabinet and the minister find out that a member of the House of Commons was being harassed by Beijing?

The Economy  Mr. Speaker, 1.5 million Canadians are using food banks. Today, the reality is that rent costs twice as much as it did eight years ago. For Canadians, mortgages currently cost twice as much as they did eight years ago, when the Liberals took office. Something is wrong here in Canada.

The Economy  Mr. Speaker, the Neufchâtel neighbourhood of Quebec City is home to Amélie et Frédérick, a community assistance organization and food bank that has seen an increase in demand. The same is true of the community fridge in Loretteville, the Val Bon Coeur community fridge in Val‑Bélair and the Boîte à FringAL community fridge in Ancienne‑Lorette.

Labour  Madam Speaker, while the Prime Minister is living large in New York with his jet-setting lifestyle, Canadians are being impacted by the ongoing public service strike. In my riding, Ms. Hamel, a mother with a three-year-old, was planning a trip. Unfortunately, she did not receive the passport she needed in time, by a matter of hours.

Labour  Madam Speaker, that is precisely why it is time that the Prime Minister assumed his responsibilities as head of the government. The government has been negotiating for 10 days and has nothing to show for it. It is time to change tactics, otherwise another 10 days will pass without any results.

Labour  Mr. Speaker, as we speak, there is a Canadian in New York whom I know, whom everyone here knows, and he is out there living it up. Meanwhile, here at home, millions of Canadians are struggling. It is a very serious situation. Over the course of eight years, this government has increased the public service budget by more than 50%.

Labour  Mr. Speaker, we do want to talk about the economy. Consider the $22 billion in additional spending. We want to talk about about jobs. Consider the 150,000 workers currently on strike. That is Canada's reality under this Liberal government. I want to be fair. I want to give them credit for one thing.