Debates of Oct. 31st, 2007

The Speaker Peter Milliken

All those in favour of the motion will please say yea.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

All those opposed will please say nay.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

In my opinion the yeas have it.

And five or more members having risen:

Call in the members.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

I declare the motion carried.

Peter MacKay Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour of tabling, in both official languages, copies of the 2006-2007 annual report of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal.

Diane Finley Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 94(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, I am pleased to present, in both official languages, the 2007 annual report on immigration.

Pat Martin Winnipeg Centre, MB

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-471, An Act to establish the position and Office of the Credit Ombudsman, who shall be an advocate of the interests of consumers and small businesses in credit matters and who shall investigate and report on the provision, by financial institutions, of consumer and small-business credit on a community basis and on an industry basis, in order to ensure equity in the distribution of credit resources.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to introduce this bill to create the office of a credit ombudsman.

Canadians need an advocate in credit matters. Banks have turned their backs on many neighbourhoods and communities. Fringe bankers and payday lenders are robbing Canadians blind with predatory lending practices and exorbitant and illegal interest rates.

The ombudsman would have a mandate to investigate and report on the provision of consumer and small business credit on a community basis by region, by sector, and by gender of the applicant, to make sure that there is equity in access and distribution of credit resources.

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

Peter Van Loan Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and I believe you will find the unanimous consent of the House for the following motion:

That for Thursday, November 1, 2007, Statements by Ministers under Routine Proceedings be heard at 3 p.m. to allow the Hon. Minister of Veterans Affairs to make a statement regarding Remembrance Day.

The Deputy Speaker Bill Blaikie

Does the hon. Leader of the Government in the House have the unanimous consent of the House to move the motion?