Debates of June 7th, 2007

Helena Guergis Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, Canada's state of trade, Trade and Investment Update--2007.

Don Bell North Vancouver, BC

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-453, An Act to establish the Canadian Motion Picture Industry Secretariat.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to table a bill to establish a Canadian motion picture secretariat.

This secretariat will be comprised of representatives from major motion picture industry sectors across Canada with the purpose of ensuring that the industry in Canada has every opportunity to remain internationally competitive and successful, including both domestic and foreign productions.

The secretariat would monitor the industry and make biannual recommendations to Parliament regarding any legislative or other measures that could be taken by the Government of Canada in support of this industry which last year contributed $4.8 billion to the Canadian economy and employs over 124,000 persons nationally.

In B.C., it contributes $1.2 billion to the economy and employs over 35,000 persons. In my riding of North Vancouver, it contributes over $100 million and employs over 5,000.

Film and television production in Canada has grown over the years but faces strong and increasing international competition. Canada has developed a great motion picture industry with a wealth of talented professionals, and this bill is intended to ensure it remains healthy and competitive.

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

Roger Gaudet Montcalm, QC

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-454, An Act to amend the Competition Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.

Mr. Speaker, today I am very pleased to introduce, in this House, a bill to amend the Competition Act, to authorize the Commissioner of Competition to inquire into an entire industry sector.

The current situation with gas prices is becoming alarming, and the fluctuating prices have motivated us to take action. This is why I am tabling this bill today, seconded by my colleague, the member for Trois-Rivières and industry critic. I am tabling this bill today for our constituents, who must deal with constantly increasing prices.

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

Jay Hill Secretary of State and Chief Government Whip

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

That for the supply period ending June 23, 2007, Standing Order 81(18)(c) be amended by replacing “10 p.m.” with “8:30 p.m.”

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Does the hon. 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?

The Speaker Peter Milliken

(Motion agreed to)

Olivia Chow Trinity—Spadina, ON

Mr. Speaker, I want to seek unanimous consent on Motion No. 346, which reads, “That, in the opinion of the House, throughout Canada, in each and every year, June 10 shall be known as Canada-Portugal Day in recognition of the history of the Portuguese Canadian community and its contribution to Canadian society”.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Does the hon. member for Trinity—Spadina have the unanimous consent of the House to propose the motion?

Paul Steckle Huron—Bruce, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have a group of petitioners who have asked the House to consider the merit and the public support for the restoration of the Point Clark lakeshore, specifically the improvement of water quality and beach conditions from Amberley Road to Pine River.

They also make the allegations that low lake levels, the presence of man-made groynes, the invasion of certain plant species, the population explosion of certain migratory and non-migratory bird species, poorly maintained and managed sceptic systems, manure and fertilizer runoff, and the foul odour and health conditions have rendered the beach unfit for human activities. They state that further deterioration and human health risk is having a serious negative impact on the residential and tourist activities in the area.

The petitioners are calling upon Parliament to undertake any and all legal and regulatory measures required to clean up the said conditions and to restore the ecosystem to a natural state.