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39th PARLIAMENT, 2nd SESSION

Journals No. 51 Thursday, February 14, 2008 10:00 a.m.

Prayers

Daily Routine Of Business

Tabling of Documents

Pursuant to Standing Order 79(3), the Speaker read the following Message from Her Excellency the Governor General, presented by Mr. Toews (President of the Treasury Board):

Message on Estimates

Her Excellency the Governor General hereby transmits to the House of Commons the Supplementary Estimates (B) of sums required to defray expenses of the public service of Canada in the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2008, and, in accordance with section 54 of the Constitution Act, 1867, recommends those Estimates to the House of Commons.

Mr. Toews (President of the Treasury Board) laid upon the Table, — Document entitled "Supplementary Estimates (B), 2007-2008". — Sessional Paper No. 8520-392-2.

Pursuant to Standing Order 81(5), the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, were deemed referred to the several Standing Committees of the House as follows:

(1) to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Votes 1b and 10b

(2) to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food

Agriculture and Agri-Food, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 12b and 30b

(3) to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage

Canadian Heritage, Votes 5b, 25b, 40b and 75b

(4) to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration

Citizenship and Immigration, Vote 1b

(5) to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development

Environment, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 15b and 25b

(6) to the Standing Committee on Finance

Canada Revenue Agency, Vote 1b

Finance, Vote 25b

(7) to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans

Fisheries and Oceans, Votes 1b and 10b

(8) to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 20b, 25b and 45b

(9) to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates

Privy Council, Vote 1b

Public Works and Government Services, Votes 1b and 5b

Treasury Board, Votes 1b, 2b, 15b and 35b

(10) to the Standing Committee on Health

Health, Votes 1b, 5b, 20b and 40b

(11) to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities

Human Resources and Skills Development, Votes 5b, 7b, 15b and 16b

(12) to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Vote 5b

Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, Vote 5b

Industry, Votes 1b, 5b, 25b, 35b, 40b, 45b, 60b, 75b and 85b

Western Economic Diversification, Vote 5b

(13) to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights

Justice, Votes 1b, 5b, 20b and 35b

(14) to the Standing Committee on National Defence

National Defence, Votes 1b and 5b

(15) to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources

Natural Resources, Votes 1b, 5b and 20b

(16) to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

Parliament, Vote 5b

(17) to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 15b, 20b, 25b, 45b, 50b and 55b

(18) to the Standing Committee on Status of Women

Canadian Heritage, Votes 95b and 100b

(19) to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

Transport, Vote 50b

(20) to the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs, Votes 1b, 5b, 10b and 15b

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), laid upon the Table, — Copy of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the States of the European Free Trade Association, signed on January 26, 2008. — Sessional Paper No. 8532-392-01.

Pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), laid upon the Table, — Copies of international agreements on agriculture, signed on January 26, 2008. — Sessional Paper No. 8532-392-02.

Presenting Reports from Interparliamentary Delegations

Pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), presented the report of the Canadian delegation of the Canada-United States Inter-parliamentary Group respecting its participation at the 60th Annual Meeting of the Council of State Governments – WEST, held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, from September 16 to 19, 2007. — Sessional Paper No. 8565-392-59-12.

Presenting Reports from Committees

Mr. Doyle (St. John's East), from the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, presented the Fourth Report of the Committee (Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, with amendments). — Sessional Paper No. 8510-392-56.

A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meetings Nos. 11 and 12) was tabled.

Mr. Doyle (St. John's East), from the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, presented the Fifth Report of the Committee (recommendation regarding Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act). — Sessional Paper No. 8510-392-57.

A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meeting No. 12) was tabled.

Introduction of Private Members' Bills

Pursuant to Standing Orders 68(2) and 69(1), on motion of Mrs. Redman (Kitchener Centre), seconded by Ms. Sgro (York West), Bill C-506, An Act to prevent the use of the Internet to distribute pornographic material involving children, was introduced, read the first time, ordered to be printed and ordered for a second reading at the next sitting of the House.

Motions

Mr. Blais (Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine), seconded by Mr. St-Cyr (Jeanne-Le Ber), moved, — That the Second Report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, presented on Wednesday, December 12, 2007, be concurred in. (Concurrence in Committee Reports No. 6)

Debate arose thereon.

At 1:11 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 66(2), the Speaker interrupted the proceedings.

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

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. 392-0364);

— by , one concerning the Canada Labour Code (No. 392-0365);

— by , one concerning prosperity partnership (No. 392-0366);

— by , one concerning prosperity partnership (No. 392-0367).

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-172 and Q-190 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 Return:

Q-65 — — With respect to the British Columbia coastline: (a) what, if any, voluntary or mandatory restrictions exist for oil and gas tankers traveling north and south between Alaska and the west coast of the United States; (b) what, if any, voluntary or mandatory restrictions exist for oil and gas tankers traveling east and west, to or from Canadian ports; (c) what is the legal status of the 1972 moratorium on oil and natural gas exploration off the Pacific Coast; (d) what is the official position of the government on the 1972 moratorium on oil and natural gas exploration off the Pacific Coast; (e) what, if any, changes to this policy have occurred since 1972; (f) what is the official position of the government on imposing a formal federal moratorium on the passage of all oil and gas tanker ships in the Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound; (g) what is the official position of the government on the passage of oil and gas tankers in all directions (north, south, east, and west) from Alaska to points such as East Asia and the west coast of the United States; (h) what, if any, plans does the government have to formalize an overall moratorium of oil and natural gas exploration off the British Columbia coast; (i) what is the government’s plan to deal with oil spills or tankers in distress off the coast of British Columbia; (j) what, if any, studies have been done to determine the risk and potential damage to the waters and coast of British Columbia in case of an accident or spill; and (k) what plans, if any, does the government have to increase Canada’s oil and gas exports, and what impacts on the British Columbia coastline and its waters does the government anticipate as a result of those plans? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-65.

Q-159 — — With regard to National Roundtables on Corporate Social Responsibility and the Canadian Extractive Industry in Developing Countries: (a) what was the total government expenditure, tallied for all government departments including all costs associated with all Advisory Group and Steering Committee meetings, the four Roundtable sessions, additional government staffing requirements, support for civil society and industry participation in the process, facilitation and research; (b) when will the government publicly respond to the Advisory Group report of March 29, 2007; (c) was there any correspondence between the various ministers involved in the Roundtables and private sector companies in the oil and gas or mining sectors and, if so, between which ministers and when; and (d) did private meetings occur between the various ministers involved in the Roundtables and private sector companies in the oil and gas or mining sectors and, if so, with whom and when? — Sessional Paper No. 8555-392-159.

Government Orders

The House resumed consideration at report stage of Bill C-29, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (accountability with respect to loans), as reported by a committee with amendments;

And of the motions in Group No. 1 (Motions Nos. 1 to 3).

Group No. 1

Motion No. 1 of Mr. Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform), seconded by Mr. Hill (Secretary of State), — That Bill C-29, in Clause 4, be amended by deleting lines 13 to 17 on page 2.

Motion No. 2 of Mr. Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform), seconded by Mr. Hill (Secretary of State), — That Bill C-29, in Clause 5, be amended by replacing lines 29 to 35 on page 4 with the following:

“case of a candidate, the selection date as defined in section 478.01 in the case of a nomination contestant, the end of the leadership contest in the case of a leadership contestant, and the end of the fiscal period during which the loan was made in the case of a registered party and registered association, is deemed to be a contribution of the”

Motion No. 3 of Mr. Van Loan (Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform), seconded by Mr. Hill (Secretary of State), — That Bill C-29, in Clause 5, be amended by replacing lines 32 to 35 on page 5 with the following:

“Officer shall inform the lender of his or her decision; furthermore, the candidate's registered association or, if there is no registered association, the registered party becomes liable for the unpaid amount as if the association or party had guaranteed the loan.”

The debate continued on the motions in Group No. 1.

Royal Assent

A message was received informing the Commons that on February 14, 2008, at 9:41 a.m., Her Excellency the Governor General signified Royal Assent by written declaration to the following Bills:

Bill C-11, An Act to give effect to the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement and to make a consequential amendment to another Act — Chapter No. 2;

Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (certificate and special advocate) and to make a consequential amendment to another Act — Chapter No. 3;

Bill S-220, An Act respecting a National Blood Donor Week — Chapter No. 4.

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.

Government Orders

The House resumed consideration at report stage of Bill C-29, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (accountability with respect to loans), as reported by a committee with amendments;

And of the motions in Group No. 1 (Motions Nos. 1 to 3).

The debate continued on the motions in Group No. 1.

Motions

By unanimous consent, it was resolved, — That, whereas Kenyan citizens voted peacefully on December 27, 2007 in Kenya's presidential election, signaling their commitment to, and confidence in, democracy;

recognizing that urgent steps are needed to begin restoring Kenyans' faith and confidence in Kenya's democratic institutions as impartial guarantors or personal security, human rights and good governance;

Members of the House urge the government to:

condemn the tragic loss of life and humanitarian crisis in Kenya following their December 27, 2007 election;

support ongoing efforts by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to work with relevant authorities and stakeholders to restore peace to the Republic of Kenya based on human rights and rule of law;

work in concert with the international community using all diplomatic means to persuade relevant political actors and stakeholders to commit to a peaceful resolution to the current crisis; and

review current Canadian aid programs to Kenya in order to propose initiatives to enhance and facilitate Kenya's stabilization, reconciliation and development.

Private Members' Business

At 5:31 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 30(7), the House proceeded to the consideration of Private Members' Business.

Mr. Boshcoff (Thunder Bay—Rainy River), seconded by Mr. Tonks (York South—Weston), moved, — That, in the opinion of the House, the government should implement a policy, which is consistent with North American Free Trade Agreement and World Trade Organization policies and guidelines, to mandate Canadian content levels for public transportation projects, and to ensure that public funds are used to provide the best value to Canadians by supporting domestic supplier and labour markets. (Private Members' Business M-183)

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.

Messages from the Senate

A message was received from the Senate as follows:

— ORDERED: That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Canada Transportation Act (railway transportation), without amendment.

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 laid upon the Table as follows:

— by — Notice of opinion concerning Regulations Amending the Public Agents Firearms Regulations (SOR/2005-240 and SOR/2006-258), Regulations Amending the Gun Shows Regulations (SOR/2005-241 and SOR/2006-292) and Regulations Amending the Firearms Marking Regulations (SOR/2005-242 and SOR/2007-266), pursuant to the Firearms Act, S.C. 1995, c. 39, sbs. 119(4). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-392-779-02. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security)

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

— P.C. 2008-154 to P.C. 2008-157. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-1-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development)

— P.C. 2008-34 and P.C. 2008-118 to P.C. 2008-122. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-2-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food)

— P.C. 2008-66 to P.C. 2008-70, P.C. 2008-163 to P.C. 2008-165 and P.C. 2008-169. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-3-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage)

— P.C. 2008-37 and P.C. 2008-71 to P.C. 2008-84. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-14-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration)

— P.C. 2008-38 and P.C. 2008-39. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-7-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development)

— P.C. 2008-85 to P.C. 2008-89. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-9-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Finance)

— P.C. 2008-90 to P.C. 2008-92. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-10-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans)

— P.C. 2008-40 to P.C. 2008-42. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-8-06. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development)

— P.C. 2008-159 to P.C. 2008-161, P.C. 2008-166, P.C. 2008-170 and P.C. 2008-171. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-4-06. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates)

— P.C. 2008-58 to P.C. 2008-65. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-18-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Health)

— P.C. 2008-43 and P.C. 2008-123 to P.C. 2008-153. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-16-06. (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. 2008-96 and P.C. 2008-102 to P.C. 2008-117. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-22-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology)

— P.C. 2008-98 to P.C. 2008-101. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-13-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights)

— P.C. 2008-8 and P.C. 2008-93 to P.C. 2008-95. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-29-05. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources)

— P.C. 2008-36. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-30-04. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security)

— P.C. 2008-35, P.C. 2008-44 and P.C. 2008-46 to P.C. 2008-57. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-24-06. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities)

— P.C. 2008-158. — Sessional Paper No. 8540-392-32-03. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(6), referred to the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs)

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 6:50 p.m., the Speaker adjourned the House until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).