PRAYERS

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

Messages were received from the Senate informing this House that the Senate had passed the following Bills to which the concurrence of this House is desired:

Bill S-5, An Act to amend the Canada Evidence Act and the Criminal Code in respect of persons with disabilities, to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act in respect of persons with disabilities and other matters and to make consequential amendments to other Acts;

Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Canada Shipping Act (maritime liability).

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

At 11:00 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 30(6), the House proceeded to the consideration of Private Members' Business.

The House resumed consideration of the motion of Mr. Robinson (Burnaby -- Douglas), seconded by Ms. Davies (Vancouver East), -- That a special committee be appointed, pursuant to Standing Order 68(4)(b), to review the provisions of the Criminal Code dealing with euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide and that the Committee be instructed to prepare and bring in a bill, in accordance with Standing Order 68(5); (Private Members' Business M-123)

And of the amendment of Mr. Bellehumeur (Berthier -- Montcalm), seconded by Mr. Brien (Témiscamingue), -- That the motion be amended by deleting the word ``68(4)(b)'' and by substituting the word ``105'', by deleting the words ``to prepare and bring in a bill, in accordance with Standing Order 68(5)'', and by adding after the words ``and that the Committee be instructed'', the words ``to report to the House''.

The debate continued.

Pursuant to Standing Order 93, the Order was dropped to the bottom of the order of precedence on the Order Paper.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

The Order was read for the second reading and reference to the Standing Committee on Finance of Bill C-28, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act, the Income Tax Application Rules, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Canada Pension Plan, the Children's Special Allowances Act, the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, the Cultural Property Export and Import Act, the Customs Act, the Customs Tariff, the Employment Insurance Act, the Excise Tax Act, the Federal- Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act, the Income Tax Conventions Interpretation Act, the Old Age Security Act, the Tax Court of Canada Act, the Tax Rebate Discounting Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, the Western Grain Transition Payments Act and certain Acts related to the Income Tax Act.

Mrs. Stewart (Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development) for Mr. Martin (Minister of Finance), seconded by Mrs. Stewart (Minister of the Environment), moved, -- That the Bill be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Finance.

Debate arose thereon.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Pursuant to Standing Order 31, Members made statements.

ORAL QUESTIONS

Pursuant to Standing Order 30(5), the House proceeded to Oral Questions.

MOTIONS

By unanimous consent, it was ordered, -- That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of this House, on Wednesday, February 4, 1998, no proceedings pursuant to Standing Order 38 shall take place, and, commencing at the ordinary hour of daily adjournment on that day, a motion to adjourn shall be deemed to have been proposed and shall be debated under the following conditions:

1. Members may speak for no more than 20 minutes on the ice storm of January, 1998, provided that two Members may be permitted to divide one 20-minute time period;

2. During the debate, no dilatory motions or quorum calls may be received;

3. When no Members wish to speak, the motion shall be deemed to have been adopted.

DAILY ROUTINE OF BUSINESS

Tabling of Documents

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), Mr. Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons) laid upon the Table, -- Government responses, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), to the following petitions:

-- Nos. 361-0002, 361-0003 and 361-0053 concerning the regulation of food and drugs. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-25;

-- Nos. 361-0010 and 361-0079 concerning the Senate. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545- 361-26;

-- Nos. 361-0044, 361-0045, 361-0054, 361-0066, 361-0084 and 361-0090 concerning national unity. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-27.

First Reading of Senate Public Bills

Pursuant to Standing Order 69(2), on motion of Ms. McLellan (Minister of Justice), seconded by Mr. MacAulay (Minister of Labour), Bill S-5, An Act to amend the Canada Evidence Act and the Criminal Code in respect of persons with disabilities, to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act in respect of persons with disabilities and other matters and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, was read the first time and ordered for a second reading at the next sitting of the House.

Presenting Petitions

Pursuant to Standing Order 36, petitions certified correct by the Clerk of Petitions were presented as follows:

-- by Mr. Borotsik (Brandon -- Souris), one concerning the Canadian Wheat Board (No. 361-0332);

-- by Mr. Johnston (Wetaskiwin), two concerning radio and television programming (Nos. 361-0334 and 361-0334);

-- by Mr. Riis (Kamloops), one concerning the tax system (No. 361-0335);

-- by Mr. Earle (Halifax West), one concerning aboriginal affairs (No. 361- 0336) and one concerning the Canada Pension Plan (No. 361-0337);

-- by Mr. Robinson (Burnaby -- Douglas), one concerning the Canada Pension Plan (No. 361-0338) and one concerning nuclear weapons (No. 361-0339);

-- by Mr. Solomon (Regina -- Lumsden -- Lake Centre), one concerning the tax system (No. 361-0340).

Questions on Order Paper

Mr. Adams (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons) presented the answers to questions Q-20, Q-25, Q-35, Q-36, Q-43, Q-44 and Q-50 on the Order Paper.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

The House resumed consideration of the motion of Mr. Martin (Minister of Finance), seconded by Mrs. Stewart (Minister of the Environment), -- That Bill C-28, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act, the Income Tax Application Rules, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Canada Pension Plan, the Children's Special Allowances Act, the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, the Cultural Property Export and Import Act, the Customs Act, the Customs Tariff, the Employment Insurance Act, the Excise Tax Act, the Federal- Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act, the Income Tax Conventions Interpretation Act, the Old Age Security Act, the Tax Court of Canada Act, the Tax Rebate Discounting Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, the Western Grain Transition Payments Act and certain Acts related to the Income Tax Act, be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Finance.

The debate continued.

RETURNS AND REPORTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(1), the following papers, deposited with the Clerk of the House, were deemed laid upon the Table on Wednesday, December 17, 1997:

-- by Mr. MacAulay (Minister of Labour) -- Report on the implementation of the Employment Equity Act for the year 1997, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, s. 20. -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-539. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities)

-- by Mr. Vanclief (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food) -- Federal-Provincial Crop Insurance Agreements for the ten provinces, pursuant to the Farm Income Protection Act, S. C. 1991, c. 22, sbs. 6(1). -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-483. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food)

-- by Mr. Vanclief (Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food) -- Copies of Orders in Council P.C. 1996-1014, P.C. 1996-1015, P.C. 1996-1016, P.C. 1996-1019, P.C. 1996-12/2000, P.C. 1996-11/2000, P.C. 1997-2/311, P.C. 1997-1/311, P.C. 1995- 3/1404, P.C. 1995-5/1404, P.C. 1997-1/923, P.C. 1997-3/311, P.C. 1996-1037, P.C. 1996-1/1389, P.C. 1996-7/2000, P.C. 1996-8/2000, P.C. 1996-9/2000, P.C. 1996-1032, P.C. 1996- 1033, P.C. 1996-1034, P.C. 1995-1357, P.C. 1996-1041, P.C. 1996-1042, P.C. 1996-1028 and P.C. 1996-1029 concerning federal-provincial crop insurance agreements for the ten provinces, pursuant to the Farm Income Protection Act, S.C. 1991, c. 22, sbs. 12(7). -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-719. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food)

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(1), the following papers, deposited with the Clerk of the House, were deemed laid upon the Table on Wednesday, January 21, 1998:

-- by Mr. Boudria (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons) -- Orders in Council approving certain appointments made by the Governor General in Council, pursuant to Standing Order 110(1), as follows:

-- P.C. 1997-1861. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-1C. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development);

-- P.C. 1997-1888, P.C. 1997-1889 and P.C. 1998-38. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-2D. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food);

-- P.C. 1998-12, P.C. 1998-13, P.C. 1998-14, P.C. 1998-15 and P.C. 1998-17. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-3E. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage);

-- P.C. 1997-1854, P.C. 1997-1855, P.C. 1997-1856, P.C. 1997- 1857, P.C. 1997-1870, P.C. 1997-1884, P.C. 1997-1885, P.C. 1998-35, P.C. 1998-36 and P.C. 1998-37. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-14I. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration);

-- P.C. 1997-1852 and P.C. 1997-1853. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-9B. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Finance);

-- P.C. 1997-1844, P.C. 1997-1863, P.C. 1997-1878, P.C. 1998- 6 and P.C. 1998-18. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-8F. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade);

-- P.C. 1997-1858, P.C. 1997-1859, P.C. 1997-1860 and P.C. 1997-1886. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-18E. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Health);

-- P.C. 1997-1881, P.C. 1997-1882, P.C. 1997-1883, P.C. 1997- 1985, P.C. 1998-21, P.C. 1998-22, P.C. 1998-23, P.C. 1998-24 and P.C. 1998-34. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-16E. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities);

-- P.C. 1997-1850 and P.C. 1997-1862. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-22F. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Industry);

-- P.C. 1997-1879, P.C. 1997-1880, P.C. 1997-1887, P.C. 1997- 1986, P.C. 1997-1987, P.C. 1998-19 and P.C. 1998-20. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-13F. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights);

-- P.C. 1997-1813. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-6F. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Government Operations);

-- P.C. 1998-9. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-5B. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs);

-- P.C. 1997-1848, P.C. 1997-1849, P.C. 1997-1872, P.C. 1997- 1873, P.C. 1997-1874, P.C. 1997-1875, P.C. 1997-1876, P.C. 1997-1877, P.C. 1998-10 and P.C. 1998-11. -- Sessional Paper No. 8540-361-24H. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Transport).

-- by Mr. Boudria (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons) -- Government responses, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), to the following petitions:

-- Nos. 361-0001, 361-0034, 361-0040, 361-0042, 361-0043, 361- 0057, 361-0071, 361-0072, 361-0078, 361-0201, 361-0202, 361- 0203, 361-0204, 361-0205, 361-0206, 361-0207, 361-0208, 361- 0209, 361-0210, 361-0211, 361-0212, 361-0213, 361-0214 and 361-0239 concerning the regulation of food and drugs. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-21;

-- Nos. 361-0069 and 361-0070 concerning the theft of motor vehicles. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-22;

-- Nos. 361-0119 and 361-0120 concerning aboriginal affairs. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-4A;

-- No. 361-0165 concerning human rights in Vietnam. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-23;

-- No. 361-0175 concerning the abduction of children from Canada by a parent. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-24;

-- Nos. 361-0178, 361-0195, 361-0245, 361-0249, 361-0252, 361- 0262, 361-0291 and 361-0296 concerning the income tax system. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-10E;

-- Nos. 361-0271 and 361-0272 concerning the highway system. -- Sessional Paper No. 8545-361-11D.

-- by Mr. Mifflin (Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)) -- Amended summaries of the Operating and Capital Budgets for 1996-97 of the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R. S. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4). -- Sessional Paper No. 8562-361-855. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Industry)

-- by Mr. Rock (Minister of Health) -- Report of the President of the Medical Research Council of Canada, together with the Auditor General's report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, pursuant to the Medical Research Council Act, R. S. 1985, c. M-4, sbs. 17(2). -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361- 299. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Health)

-- by Mr. Rock (Minister of Health) -- Report on the administration and operation of the Canada Health Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, pursuant to the Canada Health Act, R. S. 1985, c. C-6, s. 23. -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-458. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Health)

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(1), papers deposited with the Clerk of the House were laid upon the Table as follows:

-- by Mr. Eggleton (Minister of National Defence) -- Report on the Administration of the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, pursuant to the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, R.S. 1985, c. C-17, ss. 57 and 72. -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-92. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs)

-- by Mr. Massé (President of the Treasury Board) -- Report on the receipts and disbursements of the Office of the Auditor General for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, pursuant to the Auditor General Act, R. S. 1985, c. A-17, sbs. 21(2). -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-100. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts)

-- by Mr. Scott (Solicitor General of Canada) -- Report on the examination of the Financial Statement of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Account (Part I) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, pursuant to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, R. S. 1985, c. R-11, s. 31. -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-231. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights)

-- by Mr. Scott (Solicitor General of Canada) -- Report of the Auditor General on the examination of the Financial Statement of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Dependants) Pension Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, pursuant to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pension Continuation Act, R. S. 1970, c. R-10, sbs. 55(4). -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-232. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights)

-- by Mr. Scott (Solicitor General of Canada) -- Report on the use of electronic surveillance for the year ended December 31, 1995, pursuant to the Criminal Code, R.S. 1985, c. C- 46, sbs. 195(4). -- Sessional Paper No. 8560-361-510. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights)

PETITIONS FILED WITH THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

Pursuant to Standing Order 36, a petition certified correct by the Clerk of Petitions was filed as follows:

-- by Mr. Milliken (Kingston and the Islands), one concerning child poverty (No. 361-0341).

PROCEEDINGS ON ADJOURNMENT MOTION

At 6:30 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 38(1), the question "That this House do now adjourn" was deemed to have been proposed.

After debate, the question was deemed to have been adopted.

ADJOURNMENT

At 6:35 p.m., the Speaker adjourned the House until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).