Minister Guilbeault, just before we rose for the summer, I tabled an Order Paper question about the use of patriotic symbols like Canadian flags or pins by federal public servants and Crown corporation employees.

Over the summer, I received the government’s response: No federal department, agency or Crown corporation, including Canada Post, has policies preventing employees from displaying such symbols at work. Yet, a Canada Post employee in Montreal was bullied and harassed by colleagues for months and even reprimanded by management simply for displaying a Canadian flag at his work station. He was forced to take it down and ultimately went on health leave.

Minister, how was this allowed to happen, especially when we should be celebrating our sovereignty and our national pride? What will you do to ensure that federal employees can proudly display the Canadian flag without fear of reprisal?

Minister, you are the minister responsible for Canadian Heritage and for defending our national identity. Minister, this employee has now returned to work but was forced to take his flag down and even change locations because of the harassment he suffered.

All Canadians deserve a clear response from you here today. Will you assure us that this employee will be free from harassment or retaliation going forward and that he and others are free to display the Canadian flag in all public corporations, Crown corporations and our public service?