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39th PARLIAMENT, 2nd SESSION

Journals No. 38 Monday, January 28, 2008 11:00 a.m.

Prayers

Vacancies

The Speaker informed the House that a vacancy had occurred in the representation in the House of Commons, for the Electoral District of Westmount—Ville-Marie, in the Province of Quebec, by reason of the resignation of Ms. Lucienne Robillard, and that, pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, he had addressed, earlier today, his warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy.

Messages from the Senate

A message was received from the Senate informing this House that the Senate has passed the following Bill to which the concurrence of the House is desired:

Bill S-215, An Act to protect heritage lighthouses.

Private Members' Business

At 11:03 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 30(7), the House proceeded to the consideration of Private Members' Business.

The Order was read for the second reading and reference to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development of Bill C-469, An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (use of phosphorus).

Mr. André (Berthier—Maskinongé), seconded by Mr. Lussier (Brossard—La Prairie), moved, — That the Bill be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.

Debate arose thereon.

Pursuant to Standing Order 93(1), 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 Justice and Human Rights of Bill C-31, An Act to amend the Judges Act.

Mr. Strahl (Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians) for Mr. Nicholson (Minister of Justice), seconded by Mr. Lunn (Minister of Natural Resources), moved, — That the Bill be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

Debate arose thereon.

Motions

By unanimous consent, it was ordered, — That the following change be made to the membership of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs: Mrs. Jennings (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine) for Ms. Robillard (Westmount—Ville-Marie).

Government Orders

The House resumed consideration of the motion of Mr. Nicholson (Minister of Justice), seconded by Mr. Lunn (Minister of Natural Resources), — That Bill C-31, An Act to amend the Judges Act, be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

The debate continued.

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

Accordingly, Bill C-31, An Act to amend the Judges Act, was read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

The House resumed consideration of the motion of Mr. Cannon (Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities), seconded by Ms. Finley (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration), — That Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Canada Transportation Act (railway transportation), be now read a third time and do pass.

The debate continued.

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.

Daily Routine Of Business

Tabling of Documents

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), Mr. Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform) laid upon the Table, — Government responses, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), to the following petitions:

— Nos. 392-0093 and 392-0176 concerning the mining industry. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-52-02;

— Nos. 392-0113, 392-0154, 392-0191, 392-0211 and 392-0212 concerning gun control. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-32-03;

— No. 392-0116 concerning the Employment Insurance Program. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-29-02;

— Nos. 392-0117, 392-0197 and 392-0198 concerning the situation in Sudan. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-64-01;

— Nos. 392-0118, 392-0139, 392-0174 and 392-0229 concerning the Canada Post Corporation. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-58-01;

— Nos. 392-0122, 392-0127, 392-0136 and 392-0230 concerning asbestos. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-27-03;

— Nos. 392-0134 and 392-0199 concerning Canada's railways. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-23-03;

— Nos. 392-0138, 392-0140, 392-0220 to 392-0226 concerning federal programs. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-16-04;

— Nos. 392-0145, 392-0168, 392-0177, 392-0182, 392-0185, 392-0186, 392-0202 to 392-0204 and 392-0227 concerning the income tax system. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-19-04;

— Nos. 392-0147 and 392-0150 concerning political parties. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-62-01;

— No. 392-0156 concerning Canadian heritage. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-34-03;

— Nos. 392-0160 and 392-0219 concerning health care services. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-22-02;

— Nos. 392-0166 and 392-0216 concerning the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-59-01;

— No. 392-0178 concerning the World Trade Centre. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-66-01;

— No. 392-0180 concerning federal-provincial agreements. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-61-01;

— Nos. 392-0181, 392-0184, 392-0200 and 392-0201 concerning the Canadian Human Rights Act. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-5-06;

— Nos. 392-0183, 392-0192 and 392-0228 concerning the Canada Labour Code. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-6-03;

— Nos. 392-0187 and 392-0188 concerning the Copyright Act. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-60-01;

— No. 392-0189 concerning student loans. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-50-02;

— No. 392-0190 concerning banks. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-2-02;

— Nos. 392-0194, 392-0205 and 392-0208 concerning the situation in Sri Lanka. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-63-01;

— Nos. 392-0196 and 392-0233 concerning immigration. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-20-04;

— No. 392-0207 concerning a national child care program. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-17-04;

— Nos. 392-0213 to 392-0215 concerning marriage. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-25-02;

— No. 392-0217 concerning the United Nations. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-65-01;

— No. 392-0218 concerning China. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-12-04;

— No. 392-0231 concerning prosperity partnership. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-51-02.

Presenting Reports from Committees

Mr. Sorenson (Crowfoot), from the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, presented the Third Report of the Committee, “Canada's International Policy Put to the Test in Afghanistan: a Preliminary Report”. — Sessional Paper No. 8510-392-41.

A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meetings Nos. 5 to 9) was tabled.

Introduction of Private Members' Bills

Pursuant to Standing Orders 68(2) and 69(1), on motion of Mr. Dewar (Ottawa Centre), seconded by Ms. Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North), Bill C-497, An Act to prohibit the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in specified products and to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, was introduced, read the first time, ordered to be printed 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 , one concerning the income tax system (No. 392-0234);

— by , one concerning Kyoto Protocol (No. 392-0235);

— by , one concerning the Criminal Code of Canada (No. 392-0236);

— by , one concerning the sexual exploitation of minors (No. 392-0237);

— by , one concerning the Canada Post Corporation (No. 392-0238);

— by , one concerning health care services (No. 392-0239);

— by , two concerning the Criminal Code of Canada (Nos. 392-0240 and 392-0241);

— by , one concerning gun control (No. 392-0242).

Questions on the Order Paper

Mr. Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform) presented the answers to questions Q-103, Q-105, Q-109, Q-110, Q-112, Q-114, Q-115, Q-117, Q-118, Q-120, Q-125, Q-136, Q-141, Q-145, Q-146, Q-152, Q-153, Q-162 and Q-163 on the Order Paper.

Pursuant to Standing Order 39(7), Mr. Lukiwski (Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform) presented the returns to the following questions made into Orders for Returns:

Q-9 — — With regard to export of bulk water and intra-basin diversions from Canada: (a) what is the current policy of the government; (b) has there been any change to this policy since January 23, 2006 and, if so, what changes have been made; (c) how many applications for the export of bulk water have been received by the government, listing of the requestors and the municipality within which they are located, and what is the current status of these requests; (d) in terms of bulk water exports and the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) negotiations, (i) in what context has bulk water been discussed, (ii) what is the substance of our trading partners demands, (iii) have any agreements, either in preliminary or final form, been reached in this regard with corporations or foreign governments; (e) what did the Minister's briefing book to the SPP meetings say about bulk water; (f) are there other trade discussions currently on going that involve bulk water exports or intra-basin diversions and, if so, (i) what is the substance of these discussions, (ii) what is being asked of the government, (iii) what is the current state of the negotiations; (g) what legal advice has the government received regarding the export of bulk water from Canada; and (h) what scientific advice has the government received in regard to the export of bulk water and intra-basin diversions from Canada? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-9.

Q-66 — — With respect to the $6.4 million reduction in grants to voluntary sector organizations for adult literacy in the 2007-2008 Main Estimates, broken down between non-profit and for-profit groups: (a) which voluntary sector organizations have received funding from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) from September 2006 to May 2007 and from which province or territory those organizations or entities are located; (b) what was the dollar amount for each grant that each organization received from September 2006 to September 2007; (c) on which dates the grants were awarded to the voluntary sector organizations that received funding from HRSDC from September 2006 to September 2007; (d) what are the expiration dates for the grants that were awarded to voluntary sector organizations that received funding from HRSDC from September 2006 to September 2007; (e) in what way were evaluation criteria modified mid-way through the application process, and whose decision was it to make this change; (f) which organizations received reduced funding, including to reduction to zero, for the 2007-2008 fiscal year compared with the 2006-2007 fiscal year; (g) is the government aware of how those organizations have addressed this shortfall in their budget, providing details, if so; (h) how does the government explain the reduction of funding for voluntary sector organizations (as stated on p. 14-9 of the 2007-2008 Estimates), but then the increase in funding for voluntary sector organizations (as stated on p. 14-11 of the 2007-2008 Estimates); and (i) what is the detailed breakdown as to the difference between the two line items in (h)? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-66.

Q-88 — — What was the justification for the policy that the Minister of Finance announced on October 31, 2006 with regard to income trusts? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-88.

Q-106 — — With regard to Canada’s immigration system: (a) how many Canadians have family members who have been deported since 2000, listed by each year, to 2006, and projected into 2007; (b) how many individuals have been deported from Canada since the year 2000, listed by each year, to 2006, and projected into 2007; (c) how many of these individuals had been in Canada for five or more years; (d) what is the cost of deporting these individuals per year, since 2000, listed by departments, including the court cost; (e) how many of these individuals had filed appeals to Federal Court; (f) how many of these individuals were ordered removed with their children, provide a list of the ages of all those under the age of 18 and how many of each age group were ordered removed; (g) how many of these individuals had Canadian born children, and how many of these Canadian children have been removed out of Canada and what are their ages; (h) how many of these individuals left Canadian-born children in Canada when removed; (i) how many of these individuals have immediate family (as defined by Citizenship and Immigration under the Family Class) in Canada, and how many individuals have non-family class relatives in Canada; (j) how many of these individuals were married to a Canadian citizen while in Canada; (k) how many of these individuals were ordered removed to countries for which the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has issued any travel warnings; (l) how many of these individuals have returned to Canada since their ordered removal, provide a list of countries for which these individuals returned to Canada from after their removal; (m) how many of these individuals returned to Canada since their ordered removal with children under the age of 18, and how many of these children were born in Canada; and (n) what immigration categories did these individuals apply under when they arrived in Canada originally and when they return? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-106.

Q-108 — — With respect to crime prevention programs: (a) what studies and evaluations have been undertaken, requested or commissioned by the government with respect to budget cuts to social programs and the rise in violent crime since 1995; (b) which studies are related specifically to the rise in violent youth crime; (c) what individuals, department, or organization undertook these studies; (d) what is the cost of these studies; (e) what are the findings and recommendations of these studies; (f) how many projects have been funded through the Crime Prevention Action Fund since 2000; (g) how many of these projects were pilot projects, and how long did each last for; (h) how long were the projects funded for; (i) how many and which projects have been funded in the city of Toronto since 2000; ( j)how much has been invested in the Youth Gang Prevention Fund every year since 2000; (k) which programs have been funded through the Youth Gang Prevention Fund in the city of Toronto since 2000 and how much was granted in each case; (l) how many of these projects were pilot projects and how long did each last; (m) what is the annual funding for the National Centre for Crime Prevention; (n) how much was cut or re-allocated from the refocusing of some funding from the National Centre for Crime Prevention in the 2006 budget; (o) where did the 2006 budget cuts come from and which projects or organizations were cut; (p) what was the purpose, goal, and outcome of the refocusing of funding to the National Centre for Crime Prevention; (q) how many programs were funded by the National Centre for Crime Prevention in every year since 2000; (r) how many programs were funded through the national drug strategy in every year since 2000; (s) how many of the programs have been evaluated in the past four years; (t) how many young people received services as a result of this funding; (u) how many of these evaluations were positive; (v) of all the programs that are evaluated as having positive outcomes, how many programs have since lost their funding; (w) how many young people lost their opportunities for services as a result; and (x) how many neighbourhoods were affected as a result and what impact did these lost programs have on the crime rate in these neighbourhoods? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-108.

Q-113 — — With respect to programs and funding: (a) which accounts, budgets and envelopes used less than 50 per cent of their allotted funds last year and how much was actually spent; (b) when evaluating a program that did not spend either most or its entire budget in the past year, how are the levels of funding determined for subsequent years; and (c) what incentives are there for programs to not spend leftover funds on superfluous expenditures in order to re-secure the same higher funding levels the next year? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-113.

Q-119 — — With regard to federal spending in the federal riding of , what has been the total federal spending in each of the last five years by the following departments, described by individual line item and program: (a) Canadian Heritage; (b) Human Resources and Social Development Canada; (c) Veteran's Affairs; (d) Infrastructure Canada; (e) Transport Canada; (f) National Defence; (g) Industry Canada; and (h) Environment Canada? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-119.

Q-121 — — With regard to the Small Craft Harbours program of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, what was the funding amount allocated, granted, or contributed to each harbour in the federal electoral district of Labrador, in each of the years 2003 through 2007 inclusive? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-121.

Q-122 — — With regard to Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund: (a) what is the funding amount, recipient organization name, date and location of each grant or contribution made under that fund since January 1, 2006; and (b) who made the public announcement of that grant or contribution? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-122.

Q-123 — — With regard to Veterans Affairs Canada’s Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program: (a) what is the funding amount, recipient organization name, date and location of each grant or contribution made under that Program since January 1, 2006; and (b) who made the public announcement of that grant or contribution? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-123.

Q-124 — — With respect to the ''internal reallocation of resources'' of $36,778,000 from Vote 1 to Vote 5 by the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development in the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2007-2008, as tabled in the House of Commons on October 30, 2007: (a) what programs or services will be cut or reduced as a result of the proposed reduction of $36,778,000 under Vote 1; and (b) to what programs or services will this sum be reallocated under Vote 5? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-124.

Q-126 — — With regard to the use of depleted uranium (DU) weapons: (a) what is the government's position on this issue; (b) why did the government abstain from the UN First Committee resolution vote on effects of the use of armaments and ammunitions containing depleted uranium; (c) how many DU-tipped stockpiled weapons exist within the Canadian armed forces; (d) have DU weapons been utilized in any combat missions involving Canadian forces in Afghanistan; (e) have DU weapons been used in any Canadian military operations in Kandahar; (f) what measures has the government taken to ensure other International Security Assistance Force or Operation Enduring Freedom partners do not use DU weapons; and (g) what research, if any, has the government sponsored or funded analyzing the potential risks or health hazards associated with the use of DU weapons, and what have been the findings, conclusions or recommendations produced by this research? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-126.

Q-128 — — With regard to crime prevention initiatives: (a) how do the departments of Justice and Public Safety currently define ''crime prevention initiatives''; (b) what are the specific eligibility requirements, admissibility conditions or criteria and evaluation criteria established for each program; (c) what was the process by which eligibility requirements were changed; (d) what was the total spending between January 1, 2006 and September 13, 2007, by the departments of Justice and Public Safety, on crime prevention initiatives, including previously existing programs and initiatives, new programs and initiatives, but excluding those programs which have been announced but not yet implemented; (e) what was (i) the number of applications for funding in each program, (ii) the number of applications deemed eligible, (iii) the number of applications approved for funding; (f) what was the percentage of amount requested, represented by the actual funding approval; (g) what was the median length of project life; (h) what was the number of applications approved for (i) 1-year funding, (ii) 2-year funding, (iii) 3-year funding, (iv) 4-year funding, (v) 5-year funding, (vi) 6-year funding, (vii) 7-year funding, (viii) 8-year funding, (ix) 9-year funding, (x) 10-year funding; and (i) what is the current projected annual cost of crime prevention programs and initiatives for the years 2007 and 2008? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-128.

Q-130 — — With regards to the recent statement in the House by the Minister of Public Safety that the government will not actively pursue bringing back to Canada murderers who have been tried in a democratic country that supports the rule of law: (a) how many Canadians are in prisons abroad and in which specific countries and penitentiaries; (b) how many Canadians are currently subject to this reversal of government policy; (c) what does the government consider to constitute ''democracies'' that would meet this new condition for not appealing for the commutation of death sentences in democratic states; and (d) were these new directives communicated to officials in Canadian consulates abroad? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-130.

Q-131 — — With regard to the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America: (a) what is the current status of this initiative, including details of any activity in relation to this project in the last 20 months; (b) what are the details of any direction on this file in the last 20 months; and (c) what legislative or regulatory changes or initiatives are being planned in relation to this ongoing initiative? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-131.

Q-132 — — Within the Atlantic Canada provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, during the period from July 2, 2007 to September 21, 2007, inclusive: (a) what was the number of employment insurance claims submitted, by office location; and (b) what was the number of claims administered and finalized for payment, by office location, (i) within 4 days or less including the 4th day, (ii) within 5-8 days including the 8th day, (iii) within 9-13 days including the 13th day, (iv) within 14-18 days including the 18th day, (v) within 18-23 days including the 23rd day, (vi) within 24-28 days including the 28th day, (vii) requiring more than 28 working days from the date of submission by the applicant? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-132.

Q-133 — — With regards to the Canada Shipping Act: (a) what are the names and nationalities of all military and coast guard vessels which registered with the Eastern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone since January 1, 2000; and (b) what are the names and nationalities of all military and coast guard vessels which registered with the Western Canada Vessel Traffic Service Zone since January 1, 2000? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-133.

Q-138 — — With respect to Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan since the 2001-2002 fiscal year, what are the direct costs related: (a) to the deployment of the Canadian Forces; (b) to the deployment of correctional services; and (c) to other costs? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-138.

Q-147 — — With regard to spending by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs: (a) what is the amount per student that is allocated under the Band Operated Funding Formula (BOFF) for education for the 2007-2008 fiscal year; (b) what is the historical BOFF amount per student each year for the past 10 years; (c) what is the projected BOFF allocation per student for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 fiscal years; (d) how much additional funding is allocated per student for the 2007-2008 fiscal year towards important supports such as libraries, data management systems, technology integration, language and culture programs and vocational training; and (e) what was the projected BOFF per student allocation for the 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 fiscal years under the Kelowna Accord 2005 agreement that included $1.8 million for education? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-147.

Q-148 — — With regard to the findings within the May 2007 report of the Auditor General of Canada, entitled “Chapter 3, Human Resources Management—Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada”: (a) what specific actions and programs has the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade undertaken to respond to the Auditor General’s findings in regards to barriers to spousal employment being a disincentive for employees working abroad; (b) what is the percentage of resignations at the department currently attributed to spousal employment issues; (c) has the department been, or is it planning to re-address the spousal employment issues listed in the Auditor General’s report through the National Joint Council; (d) in regards to the department surveying other countries spousal support programs and activities, what has the department thus far learned; (e) in regards to sub-question (d), what programs and activities does the department plan to adopt or emulate; and (f) why does the government not provide as high a degree of spousal support program as is found in other countries? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-148.

Q-149 — — With regard to the tax on income trusts announced on 31 October 2006, using the same model that was used to calculate the government’s estimates of tax leakage described by the Minister of Finance during his appearance at the Standing Committee on Finance on January 30, 2007, what would the government’s estimates of tax leakage have been if the corporate tax rate had been 15% rather than 21% as they were in 2007? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-149.

Q-150 — — With respect to transfers of medical files on military personnel and former military personnel: (a) where at this time are the medical files on the personnel treated at the military’s Deer Lodge Hospital from 1973 to 1976 inclusively, which were transferred by the Hospital to the Department of National Defence and to the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (b) what steps must be taken so that military personnel and former military personnel can prove their pension entitlement when their medical files have been lost in the course of a transfer? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-150.

Q-151 — — With respect to the Clean Air and Climate Change Trust Fund: (a) what was the amount each province and territory received from this trust fund in 2006-2007; (b) what conditions were attached to the transfer of funds to the provinces and territories; (c) what programs where funded by the Clean Air and Climate Change Trust Fund since January 1, 2006; and (d) what is the amount of emissions reduced from the programs funded by the Clean Air and Climate Change Fund by province and territory? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-151.

Q-154 — — With regard to the Small Craft Harbours Program of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, what are the total reported landings for 2006-2007 in the federal electoral districts of , , and ? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-154.

Q-155 — — With regards to fisheries allocations to foreign countries, within Canada’s 200-mile economic limit on the Bay of Fundy, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Atlantic Ocean, Labrador Sea, Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, outside Canada’s 200-mile limit on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks, and on the Flemish Cap, what are or were: (a) the species allowed for capture; (b) the total allowable catch; and (c) the actual catch under each allocation, giving for each (i) the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization division or divisions, (ii) the country receiving the allocation, (iii) the date on which the allocation was made, and (iv) the trade or any other consideration which Canada was offered or received in return for that allocation? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-155.

Q-156 — — With regard to pay equity and the initiatives proposed by the government that include education, specialized mediation assistance, and compliance monitoring: (a) what educational materials on pay equity have been produced; (b) which federal departments, agencies, and crown corporations were such educational materials sent to; (c) what site visits have taken place to further inform the employers, chief compensation executive, compensation analysts, and employee representatives of their statutory obligations; (d) has pay equity training for conciliation or mediation officers taken place and, if so, how many officers underwent training, when did it take place and how long was it; (e) have monitoring visits been conducted throughout the implementation process to reinforce and encourage voluntary compliance and collect information and, if so, how many have occurred and where did they occur; (f) has the Labour Program consulted with key stakeholders to gather their views on the effective implementation of these equal pay measures and, if so, what are the names of the stakeholders consulted and when were they consulted; (g) has the Canadian Human Rights Commission been invited to participate in these consultations; and (h) has the Canadian Human Rights Commission participated in these consultations? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-156.

Q-157 — — With regard to sexual harassment in the federal public service including all departments, federal agencies, and crown corporations: (a) what number of sexual harassment cases were reported by women; (b) what number of sexual harassment cases were reported by men; (c) in what percentage of the cases was the accused reprimanded; (d) what steps have been made to raise awareness about sexual harassment in the public service; (e) what department had the highest percentage of sexual harassment cases reported based on the total number of employees; (f) what department had the lowest percentage of sexual harassment cases reported based on the total number of employees; (g) what are the difference in sexual harassment prevention policies between (e) and (f); (h) has the number of sexual harassment cases in the public service increased or decreased in the last ten years; and (i) what was the percentage increase or decrease of '(h)'? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-157.

Q-164 — — With regard to the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) working groups: (a) what are the regulatory changes, regulatory harmonization, procedural changes, and new programming initiatives proposed by each SPP working group; (b) what are the proposal and the proposals that have led, or are leading to regulatory changes, regulatory harmonization, procedural changes, and new programming initiatives, in every area covered by each working group; (c) what are the names of any and all sub-working groups along with a description of their tasks and issues to cover; (d) what is the lead country, the agency and the department responsible for each sub-working group; (e) who are the lead officials and the members for each sub-working group; (f) how many person-hours each division with responsibility for a part of the SPP has dedicated to SPP-related tasks, by year for 2005, 2006 and 2007; (g) what share, by division, do SPP-related tasks account by year for 2005, 2006 and 2007; (h) in which working group and sub-working group are copyright-related issues covered; (i) what role have the ongoing SPP negotiations in this area played in the formulation of the government’s copyright-reform legislation; (j) at which SPP meetings was Canadian copyright reform discussed, and who were the participants; (k) how much coordination is there among SPP working groups and their sub-working groups; (l) what is the nature of this coordination, for which the government has indicated it has hired several individuals in the Public Safety and Industry Departments; (m) what are the duties and responsibilities of these individuals; (n) at what level are tradeoffs among the various working groups discussed; (o) how does the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC) interact with the sub-working groups; (p) how often do NACC members interact with officials working on SPP-related projects; (q) who are the lead NACC contacts for each working group and sub-working group; (r) what are the names of the senior private sector representatives at the NACC; (s) what are the recommendations provided to the government by the NACC since its inception; (t) which stakeholders have worked and are currently working with the working groups; and (u) what were their specific recommendations? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-164.

Government Orders

The debate continued.

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

Accordingly, the Bill was read the third time and passed.

The Order was read for the consideration at report stage of Bill C-9, An Act to implement the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States (ICSID Convention), as reported by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development without amendment.

Mr. Clement (Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario) for Mr. Bernier (Minister of Foreign Affairs), seconded by Mr. Thompson (Minister of Veterans Affairs), moved, — That the Bill be concurred in at report stage.

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

Accordingly, the Bill was concurred in at report stage.

Pursuant to Standing Order 76.1(11), for , seconded by , moved, — That the Bill be now read a third time and do pass.

Debate arose thereon.

Returns and Reports Deposited with the Clerk of the House

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(1), papers deposited with the Clerk of the House were deemed laid upon the Table on Wednesday, December 19, 2007:

— by — Report of operations under the Export and Import Permits Act for the year 2006, pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act, R.S. 1985, c. E-19, s. 27. — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-137-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on International Trade)

— by — Summaries of the Corporate Plan for the period 2007-2008 to 2011-2012 and of the Operating and Capital Budgets for 2007-2008 of the Blue Water Bridge Authority, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4). — Sessional Paper No. 8562-392-862-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities)

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(1), papers deposited with the Clerk of the House were deemed laid upon the Table on Wednesday, January 16, 2008:

— by — Interim Order Respecting Prohibited Items (JUS-10000-1001), dated December 12, 2007, pursuant to the Aeronautics Act, S.C. 2004, c. 15, sbs. 11(3). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-926-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities)

— by — Report of the Cape Breton Growth Fund Corporation, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-778-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology)

— by — Reports of the Cape Breton Growth Fund Corporation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, pursuant to the Access to Information Act and to the Privacy Act, R.S. 1985, c. A-1 and P-21, sbs. 72(2). — Sessional Paper No. 8561-392-915-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights)

— by — Statement on the Operations of the Returned Soldiers' Insurance Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, pursuant to the Act to amend the Returned Soldiers' Insurance Act, S.C. 1951, c. 59, s. 12. — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-228-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs)

— by — Statement on the Operations of the Veterans Insurance Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, pursuant to the Veterans Insurance Act, R.S. 1970, c. V-3, sbs. 18(2). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-254-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs)

— by Mr. Toews (President of the Treasury Board) — Report on Crown Corporations and Other Corporate Interests of Canada for the year 2007, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 151(1). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-476-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates)

— by — Government responses, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), to the following petitions:

— Nos. 392-0085 and 392-0086 concerning missing persons. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-44-01;

— Nos. 392-0095, 392-0128 and 392-0143 concerning Canadian heritage. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-34-02;

— Nos. 392-0098 to 392-0101 concerning cruelty to animals. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-40-02;

— No. 392-0102 concerning adoption. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-45-01;

— Nos. 392-0104, 392-0130, 392-0157 and 392-0158 concerning the Canadian Human Rights Act. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-5-05;

— No. 392-0107 concerning tourism. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-46-01;

— No. 392-0110 concerning the Young Offenders Act. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-47-01;

— No. 392-0112 concerning literacy. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-21-02;

— No. 392-0115 concerning veterans' affairs. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-48-01;

— No. 392-0120 concerning Chinese Canadians. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-49-01;

— No. 392-0123 concerning student loans. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-50-01;

— Nos. 392-0124 and 392-0170 concerning prosperity partnership. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-51-01;

— No. 392-0126 concerning children's rights. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-35-02;

— Nos. 392-0129 and 392-0132 concerning China. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-12-03;

— No. 392-0131 concerning the mining industry. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-52-01;

— No. 392-0135 concerning Afghanistan. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-18-02;

— Nos. 392-0137 and 392-0151 concerning the Food and Drugs Act. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-43-02;

— No. 392-0141 concerning Burma. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-53-01;

— No. 392-0144 concerning passports. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-41-02;

— Nos. 392-0146 and 392-0167 concerning radio and television programming. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-30-02;

— No. 392-0148 concerning a national child care program. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-17-03;

— No. 392-0149 concerning nuclear weapons. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-36-02;

— Nos. 392-0152, 392-0153, 392-0164, 392-0179, 392-0209 and 392-0210 concerning the sexual exploitation of minors. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-38-02;

— No. 392-0159 concerning transportation. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-11-02;

— Nos. 392-0161 and 392-0162 concerning federal programs. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-16-03;

— No. 392-0163 concerning tobacco. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-54-01;

— No. 392-0165 concerning sentences in the Criminal Code. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-55-01;

— Nos. 392-0169, 392-0171 and 392-0172 concerning the issuing of visas. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-42-02;

— Nos. 392-0173, 392-0193 and 392-0232 concerning the Criminal Code of Canada. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-26-04;

— Nos. 392-0175 and 392-0206 concerning crimes of violence. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-56-01;

— No. 392-0195 concerning pornography. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-57-01.

Papers deposited with the Clerk of the House were deemed laid upon the Table on Wednesday, January 16, 2008:

— by — Documents tabled further to the consideration of Bill C-38, An Act to permit the resumption and continuation of the operation of the National Research Universal Reactor at Chalk River, in Committee of the Whole on December 11, 2007. — Sessional Paper No. 8525-392-11.

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

— by — Copy of the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations (P.C. 2007-1913 and JUS-610627) and the Special Economic Measures Permit Authorization Order (P.C. 2007-1914), pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act, S.C. 1992, c. 17, sbs. 7(1). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-495-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development)

— by — Report of the Atlantic Pilotage Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, pursuant to the Alternative Fuels Act, S.C. 1995, c. 20, s. 8. — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-105-02. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development)

— by — Summaries of the Corporate Plan for 2008-2012 and the Operating and Capital Budgets for 2008 of the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4). — Sessional Paper No. 8562-392-843-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities)

— by — Summaries of the Corporate Plan for 2008-2012 and of the Operating and Capital Budgets for 2008 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4). — Sessional Paper No. 8562-392-845-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities)

— by — Department of Industry User Fee Proposal for a Spectrum Licence Fee for Broadband Public Safety Communications in the Frequency Band 4940-4990 MHz, pursuant to the User Fees Act, S.C. 2004, c. 6, sbs. 4(2). — Sessional Paper No. 8564-392-1-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology)

— by Mr. Toews (President of the Treasury Board) — Actuarial Report on the Pension Plan for Federally Appointed Judges, and the certificate of assets of the Pension Plan for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, pursuant to the Public Pensions Reporting Act, R.S. 1985, c. 13 (2nd Supp.), sbs. 9(1). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-520-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights)

— by — Orders in Council approving certain appointments made by the Governor General in Council, pursuant to Standing Order 110(1), as follows:

— P.C. 2007-1846. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-1-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)

— P.C. 2007-1719 and P.C. 2007-1720. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-25-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics)

— P.C. 2007-1864 and P.C. 2007-2008. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-2-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food)

— P.C. 2007-1764, P.C. 2007-1849 to P.C. 2007-1851, P.C. 2007-1854, P.C. 2007-1855 and P.C. 2007-2018 to P.C. 2007-2020. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-3-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage)

— P.C. 2007-1767, P.C. 2007-1768, P.C. 2007-1770, P.C. 2007-1821 to P.C. 2007-1823 and P.C. 2007-2000. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-14-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration)

— P.C. 2007-1858. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-7-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development)

— P.C. 2007-1824, P.C. 2007-1825, P.C. 2007-1859, P.C. 2007-2001 and P.C. 2008-4. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-9-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Finance)

— P.C. 2007-1863. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-10-02. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans)

— P.C. 2007-1802 to P.C. 2007-1808, P.C. 2007-1969, P.C. 2007-1984 to P.C. 2007-1992, P.C. 2007-2027 and P.C. 2008-6. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-8-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development)

— P.C. 2007-1847, P.C. 2007-1848 and P.C. 2007-1860. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-4-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates)

— P.C. 2007-1835 to P.C. 2007-1845 and P.C. 2007-2009 to P.C. 2007-2017. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-16-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities)

— P.C. 2007-1834 and P.C. 2007-2003 to P.C. 2007-2007. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-22-02. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology)

— P.C. 2007-1820 and P.C. 2007-1996 to P.C. 2007-1999. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-28-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on International Trade)

— P.C. 2007-1833, P.C. 2007-1861 and P.C. 2007-2002. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-13-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights)

— P.C. 2007-1865. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-17-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on National Defence)

— P.C. 2007-1763, P.C. 2007-1765, P.C. 2007-1766, P.C. 2007-1826 to P.C. 2007-1830, P.C. 2007-1856, P.C. 2007-1862, P.C. 2007-1982 and P.C. 2007-1983. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-29-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources)

— P.C. 2007-1995. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-30-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security)

— P.C. 2007-1809 to P.C. 2007-1819, P.C. 2007-1890, P.C. 2007-1981 and P.C. 2007-1993. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-24-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities)

Adjournment Proceedings

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.

Accordingly, at 6:40 p.m., the Speaker adjourned the House until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

— No. 392-0155 concerning climate change. — Sessional Paper No. 8545-392-9-03;