Debates of Dec. 4th, 2006

Peter MacKay Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Mr. Speaker, Canada is of course deeply concerned about the uncertainty and the unlawful activities by the military against Fiji's democratically elected government.

In fact, the latest actions by the Fijian military and its ongoing threat of a coup undermine the effort to build a Fiji that is a democratic and prosperous country. We urge a solution to the political crisis in accordance with Fiji's constitution and in an open, peaceful and democratic process.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

I would like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

I would also like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of the Honourable Judy Streatch, Minister of Community Services for Nova Scotia.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

As well, I would like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of the Honourable Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts for British Columbia.

Mario Silva Davenport, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Today during question period, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in answering a question from the member for Malpeque, insulted members of the House. I demand an apology from the minister.

The minister stated that the member had moved to the parking lot. That is an insult to all members who do not sit on the frontbenches on either side of the House. The minister needs to apologize to the House. It is a terrible embarrassment that the minister in fact insults members of the House in such a demeaning way.

Chuck Strahl Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Malpeque and I have a very good working relationship. I could have said that I did not like him moving so far to the right, but I did not want to say that. My comment was a lighthearted one. If there was any offence taken, I of course withdraw the comment.

Wayne Easter Malpeque, PE

Mr. Speaker, I do not take a lot of offence at what the minister said. I know he has no vision for agriculture, so maybe eyeglasses would help him see in the House.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Every seat in the House is a good one, whether it is in the parking lot or not.

Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 42 petitions.

Tony Martin Sault Ste. Marie, ON

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-389, An Act to change the name of the electoral district of Sault Ste. Marie.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege for me today to stand, if only for a few minutes, to highlight the wonderful attributes of the area of this country that I represent, that diamond in the rough, the gathering place among the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, and to ask the House to consider a change that would recognize the growth in the geographic area that I represent and that this new riding represents in northern Ontario.

Certainly Sault Ste. Marie for the longest time has been represented with and held in high esteem in the House. I think it only proper to now recognize the fullness of that riding, which takes in an area that is diverse in its nature, with Lake Superior and the great outdoors to the north of the city and a lot of agricultural land to the east. I would ask the House, the Speaker and everybody involved to work with me to change the name of this riding to Sault Ste. Marie--Algoma.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)