House of Commons Hansard #181 of the 37th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was c-55.

Topics

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:15 p.m.

An hon. member

Firefighters.

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:15 p.m.

Canadian Alliance

Ken Epp Canadian Alliance Elk Island, AB

Sorry. I almost reduced myself to some non-political correctness.

Firefighters are worth the extra costs that municipalities, provinces and the federal government might be involved in paying. However I think the federal government would be involved in a very minor way. All it does is change the Income Tax Act so that the accrual rate can go up to 2.33% per year instead of 2% per year, which, dare I whisper it, is already in place for members of parliament. I should not be saying that but it is true. I say rather proudly and publicly if it is good enough for us, surely it is good enough for them.

I favour very much getting on with it and doing it. Let us make sure that our firefighters are getting what they deserve and what they have asked for for so long. It only makes sense. I support most strongly seeing some action on this issue and not just considering the advisability of it.

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:20 p.m.

Liberal

Marlene Catterall Liberal Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

Mr. Speaker, the whip does not usually get involved in private members' business, but for the sake of this particular motion there appears to be a general will in the House to adopt this measure. I think that is true from many of the speeches I have heard tonight.

I wish to point out to the member who just spoke that I corrected his terminology out of deep respect for a long time friend, Dick Theriault, who died many years ago as a result of his actions in fighting a fire. He taught me long ago that firemen set fires, firefighters put them out and would I please call him a firefighter.

I simply want to point out that if this debate terminates before 6.30 p.m., we can actually approve the motion that was presented to the House and move on with this. If in fact the amendment delays this beyond the next six minutes, we will not be able to deal with the motion tonight. The motion will be dropped to the bottom of the order paper until a later time and it will probably not come back until the fall. I would very much like to see us proceed with the motion. I would appeal to the hon. member for Medicine Hat to withdraw his amendment so that the House can adopt the motion.

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:20 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker

Before we resume the debate, the Chair has reviewed the terms of the amendment with particular reference to the terms of Standing Order 79.

I am satisfied that inasmuch as the motion were to be adopted as proposed by this amendment would not itself effect an appropriation of any part of the public revenue for which a royal recommendation would be required under Standing Order 79, the amendment is in order. The debate is on the amendment.

Is the House ready for the question?

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:20 p.m.

Some hon. members

Question.

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:20 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the amendment?

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:20 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:20 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker

I declare the amendment carried.

(Amendment agreed to)

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:25 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker

The question is on the motion as amended. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:25 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:25 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker

I declare the motion carried.

(Motion agreed to)

Firefighters' PensionsPrivate Members' Business

6:25 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker

It being 6.25 p.m., the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 6.25 p.m.)