Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to speak to this point of privilege in the House today. I've been here for a little bit longer than some of the Members on this side of the House and I think I've pretty well seen it all when it comes to different forms of intimidation, threats, I think since I've been here. I take it very seriously, because I think since I've been here I've had my business threatened, I've had my family threatened, I've been threatened. As a matter of fact, there was even an RCMP inquiry had to made into a threat that was made, that somebody actually physically wanted to harm me in my service and in my standing to represent my constituents in this House. That goes back a long ways and I have no intention of standing here and dredging up history; however, I think we have a responsibility to uphold a high standard of integrity and accountability in this government.

It's very unfortunate the events that happened yesterday. I also saw the gesture and I did hear the words. Mr. Miltenberger knows that certainly I think he is one of the hardest working Members on that side of the House and certainly makes a very, very valuable contribution. But having said that, I guess we're all human, we're all susceptible to making errors in judgment, saying things that we wished we hadn't said and doing things that we wished we hadn't done. But when we begin to compromise on the responses that we have when these sorts of things happen, I think we embark on a downward spiral and we lower the bar, and I think that is a dangerous thing for us to do.

It is not always easy for people outside of this Chamber to know all the nuances, and all the workings, and all the different things that go on in the exchanges in this House. Sometimes people say, well, you know, let's just talk about positive things, let's just be constructive. You know, sometimes we have to stop, correct the course, deal with a matter, and then move on.

So I wanted to stand and speak to this today to confirm that I did see the gesture. It was extremely unfortunate and I believe we have to have a very low tolerance for anything that is perceived to intimidate or obstruct Members in the performance of their duty on behalf of their constituents. It is an extremely honourable and high calling and it must be treated with the greatest of respect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.