Parliament having been convoked by Proclamation of the Governor General for the despatch of business, the Members of the House assembled.

The Speaker informed the House that a vacancy had occurred in the representation in the House of Commons, for the Electoral District of Toronto Centre, in the Province of Ontario, by reason of the resignation of Mr. Bill Graham, and that, pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, he had addressed, Tuesday, July 3, 2007, his warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy.

The Speaker informed the House that a vacancy had occurred in the representation in the House of Commons, for the Electoral District of Willowdale, in the Province of Ontario, by reason of the resignation of Mr. Jim Peterson, and that, pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, he had addressed, Friday, July 13, 2007, his warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy.

The Speaker informed the House that a vacancy had occurred in the representation in the House of Commons, for the Electoral District of Vancouver Quadra, in the Province of British Columbia, by reason of the resignation of Mr. Stephen Owen, and that, pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, he had addressed, Monday, July 30, 2007, his warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy.

The Speaker informed the House that a vacancy had occurred in the representation in the House of Commons, for the Electoral District of Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean, in the Province of Québec, by reason of the resignation of Mr. Michel Gauthier, and that, pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, he had addressed, Monday, July 30, 2007, his warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy.

The Speaker informed the House that a vacancy had occurred in the representation in the House of Commons, for the Electoral District of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, in the Province of Saskatchewan, by reason of the resignation of Mr. Gary Merasty, and that, pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, he had addressed, Tuesday, September 4, 2007, his warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy.

The Speaker informed the House that the Clerk had received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election of Mrs. Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot).

Mrs. Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac (Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot), having taken and subscribed the oath required by law, took her seat in the House.

The Speaker informed the House that the Clerk had received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election of Mr. Thomas Mulcair (Outremont).

Mr. Thomas Mulcair (Outremont), having taken and subscribed the oath required by law, took his seat in the House.

Pursuant to Standing Order 86.1, all items of Private Members’ Business originating in the House of Commons that were listed on the Order Paper at prorogation, on Friday, September 14, 2007, are deemed to have been considered and approved at all stages completed at the time of prorogation and shall stand, if necessary, on the Order Paper or, as the case may be, referred to committee.

Pursuant to Standing Order 87, the Speaker ordered, — That Private Member's motion M-302, standing in the order of precedence on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. Lemieux (Glengarry—Prescott—Russell), be withdrawn.

Accordingly, Bill C-207, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for new graduates working in designated regions), was deemed introduced, read the first time and read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Finance.

Accordingly, Bill C-265, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (qualification for and entitlement to benefits), was deemed introduced, read the first time and read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Accordingly, Bill C-305, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (exemption from taxation of 50% of United States social security payments to Canadian residents), was deemed introduced, read the first time and read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Finance.

Accordingly, Bill C-327, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act (reduction of violence in television broadcasts), was deemed introduced, read the first time and read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

Accordingly, Bill C-343, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (motor vehicle theft), was deemed introduced, read the first time and read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

Accordingly, Bill C-377, An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change, was deemed introduced, read the first time and read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.

Accordingly, Bill C-428, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (methamphetamine), was deemed introduced, read the first time and read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

Accordingly, Bill C-280, An Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (coming into force of sections 110, 111 and 171), was deemed introduced, read the first time, read the second time and referred to a committee, reported without amendment, concurred in at report stage and read the third time and passed.

Accordingly, Bill C-292, An Act to implement the Kelowna Accord, was deemed introduced, read the first time, read the second time and referred to a committee, reported without amendment, concurred in at report stage and read the third time and passed.

Accordingly, Bill C-293, An Act respecting the provision of official development assistance abroad, was deemed introduced, read the first time, read the second time and referred to a committee, reported with amendments, concurred in at report stage with further amendments and read the third time and passed.

Accordingly, Bill C-299, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (identification information obtained by fraud or false pretence), was deemed introduced, read the first time, read the second time and referred to a committee, reported with amendments, concurred in at report stage and read the third time and passed.

The Speaker informed the House that Their Excellencies, the Governor General and Jean Daniel Lafond, will arrive at the Peace Tower at 6:35 p.m., and, when it has been indicated that all is in readiness, Their Excellencies will proceed to the Chamber of the Senate to formally open the Second Session of the Thirty-Ninth Parliament.

A Message was received from Her Excellency the Governor General desiring the immediate attendance of the House in the Senate.

Accordingly, the Speaker, with the Commons, proceeded to the Senate.

The Commons returned to the Chamber.

The Speaker informed the House that, in accordance with the representation made by the government under the provisions of Standing Order 55(1), he had caused to be published a special Order Paper giving notice of two government bills.

Pursuant to Standing Orders 68(2) and 69(1), on motion of Mr. Harper (Prime Minister), seconded by Mr. Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform), Bill C-1, An Act respecting the Administration of Oaths of Office, was introduced and read the first time.

The Speaker reported that when the Commons was in the Senate, Her Excellency the Governor General was pleased to make a speech to both Houses of Parliament.

Mr. Harper (Prime Minister), seconded by Mr. Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform), moved, — That the Speech from the Throne delivered this day by Her Excellency the Governor General to both Houses of Parliament be taken into consideration later this day.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

Pursuant to Standing Order 81, Mr. Toews (President of the Treasury Board), seconded by Mr. Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform), moved, — That the Business of Supply be considered at the next sitting of the House.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

The Speaker informed the House that, pursuant to Standing Order 81(10), a total of 5 days will be allotted for the Supply period ending December 10, 2007.

By unanimous consent, it was ordered, — That the following changes be made to the membership of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs: Mr. LeBlanc for Mr. Owen and Mr. Lemieux for Mr. Hill.

The Order for the consideration of the Speech from the Throne delivered by Her Excellency the Governor General to both Houses of Parliament was read.

Debate arose thereon.

Mr. Dion (Saint-Laurent—Cartierville), seconded by Mr. Goodale (Wascana), moved, — That the debate be now adjourned.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

Mr. Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform), seconded by Mr. Hill (Secretary of State), moved, — That this House do now adjourn.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

Accordingly, at 8:49 p.m., the Speaker adjourned the House until tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).