Debates of Feb. 6th, 2007

James Rajotte Edmonton—Leduc, AB

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present today, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology in relation to our study on the challenges facing the Canadian manufacturing sector.

I would like to add that this is a unanimous report. I thank all members of the committee who put together this report.

Jay Hill Secretary of State and Chief Government Whip

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions and I think you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:

That members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development be authorized to attend a conference entitled, A Dialogue on Canada's Approach to Democratic Development, in Ottawa on Thursday, February 15, 2007, and that the necessary staff do accompany the committee.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Does the chief government whip have the unanimous consent of the House to propose the motion?

The Speaker Peter Milliken

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

Jay Hill Secretary of State and Chief Government Whip

(Motion agreed to)

James Bezan Selkirk—Interlake, MB

Mr. Speaker, I have three petitions to present today.

I have two petitions from farmers in my area who believe in the Canadian Wheat Board and wanted to ensure their voices were heard in the decision on the future of barley marketing by the Canadian Wheat Board.

The petitioners are asking the government to hold a plebiscite, which I am glad to say the government is doing.

James Bezan Selkirk—Interlake, MB

Mr. Speaker, my next petition is from constituents in my riding who are concerned about Raza Kausar and his family who have taken refuge in the Crescent Fort Rouge United Church.

The petitioners are asking the government to intervene and provide compassionate intervention so the family can live a normal life here in Canada.

Mario Silva Davenport, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have a petition that calls on Parliament to deal with the issue of undocumented workers.

I had the opportunity in the last little while to again meet with people in the industry and they tell me that there is an incredible shortage of workers, particularly truck drivers. The industry needs about 35,000 truck drivers every year and there are not enough to fill that particular problem.

In addition to that is the issue of the construction boom that is going on in the Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary areas. The median age of construction workers is about 55 years of age. There is an incredible shortage right now and there will be for the future.

Unless the government deals with these issues and resolves the issue of undocumented workers and people who are already here and contributing to the economy, this problem will continue. We hope the government will find a humane solution to this problem.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Is that agreed?