Ethics  Mr. Speaker, I am glad the member recognized that we are indeed following the rules and the laws of this land. That is something we are doing. When one is following the laws, there cannot be a conflict of interest. The Conservatives know that, because we are following the same rules the Conservatives had in place when they were in government.

Ethics  Mr. Speaker, I am somewhat disappointed. The truth will kind of set us free. I must say that the opposition members do seem to be confused about how donations to charities actually work. If they need a lesson on how independent charities and donations work, perhaps they should ask the member for Chilliwack—Hope to call his father.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, although I totally disagree with many of the comments from across the way, I appreciate what the member is saying. Earlier today I made reference to the fact that New Democrats seem to take the position that there is no such thing as a good trade agreement. They say that they have supported one.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I want to go back to some of the member's opening comments. She talked about Christmas and the fact that this agreement was a gift given to the Liberal government. I stated earlier that there was no doubt these negotiations began a number of years back. I believe it was in 2009 when it first came up.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I was a bit taken aback by the member's statement about 50 trade agreements. Fifty plus trade agreements is just not true. Twenty-eight of those agreements are included in the debate we are having today. The 28 countries the member just made reference to are a part of the bill we are debating today.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, provinces in Canada have been part of this process, provinces of different political stripes, including New Democratic parties and premiers. Is CETA a perfect agreement? I would suggest this is the best we can get at this point in time and that millions of Canadians directly, and all Canadians indirectly, will benefit from the agreement.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, unless the leader of the Green Party knows something I do not know, to the very best of my knowledge, we have 28 countries abroad that are a part of this agreement, some of which were no doubt fairly persistent on having this as part of the final agreement. When we have trade agreements, it means we have to take into consideration both sides.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, my colleague brings up a good point. There is so much support for this document that goes beyond the national levels of government. Provinces have been a part of this agreement, and it might even be somewhat unprecedented. I do not know that for a fact. I do know there has been a lot of reaching out by the different stakeholders, and we have come up with a fantastic agreement that will see more jobs being created, better trade, and a better relationship between Canada and the European Union.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I am somewhat disappointed, but not necessarily surprised, that the NDP appears to be wanting to vote against the CETA. It seems to be in the NDP's DNA to oppose trade agreements. I do not believe that is the best way to approach the debate. We have seen many European countries deal with this issue, and they feel comfortable with this.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, what a privilege it is to stand in my place today to talk about a very significant piece of legislation that goes a long way in fulfilling the Liberal government agenda in terms of international trade. Canada is a trading nation. We are dependent on international trade.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, to that end, I am sure the member across the way would acknowledge that what we have seen in the last 12 months is a very progressive, aggressive government dealing with the whole issue of trade. We can talk about the Prairies and the canola, the beef, and the pork, whether it is China or other countries.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, CETA has been achieved over a number of years. Over the last year it has been a high priority of this government. The minister responsible has visited Europe on numerous occasions, along with the parliamentary secretary and other components of government, to ensure that we get the best deal for Canadians.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, the member made reference to interprovincial trade. We recognize that the government needs to give attention to interprovincial trade and try to work with provinces to see where we could improve the conditions that would ultimately allow for more interprovincial trade and increase access to foreign markets, especially when we take into consideration the move toward globalization and trade.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, could my colleague comment on how trade will help Canada's middle class? A healthy middle class means a healthier economy, and we all benefit.

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, I can assure the member that Liberal members of Parliament are quite willing to stand up on the progressive nature of all trade agreements. I am a bit surprised. From my perspective, it looks as if the NDP is trying to justify voting against yet another trade agreement.