Debates of June 19th, 2008

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 13 petitions

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, on behalf of the Minister of International Trade, in both official languages, the report entitled “Canada's State of Trade, Trade and Investment Update--2008”.

Mauril Bélanger Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian Parliamentary Delegation of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association respecting its participation in the Ninth Ordinary Session of the Pan African Parliament and the fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe, from May 5 to May 9, 2008.

In this report, for reasons of safety, the association has not been forthcoming with the details of the names of the individuals and groups we met. Anyone who reads the report will see that it is not like our usual report. Because of the situation in Zimbabwe currently, we did not want to further endanger individuals or groups who are involved in the presidential runoff elections that will be held at the end of this month.

Joyce Murray Vancouver Quadra, BC

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-572, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (no GST on bicycles, adult tricycles and related goods and services).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my first bill as a member of Parliament, entitled An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (no GST on bicycles, adult tricycles and related goods and services).

I would like to acknowledge and thank my hon. colleague for Charlottetown for his assistance and for seconding this bill.

The best way to encourage a shift in behaviour is to provide incentives. By removing the GST on bicycles and bicycle-related goods, accessories and services, we can promote their use as one of the most environmentally sound, healthy and affordable forms of transportation and recreation.

This bill is part of a much larger course of action that must be taken to shift taxes off those things we want more of, such as clean transportation, and onto those things we want less of, such as pollution.

This is a green shift that we as Canadians must make as we work to reduce the risks of climate change. As someone who has personally experienced the many benefits of bicycling to work regularly, I am proud to introduce this bill and I hope my hon. colleagues will join me in supporting it.

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

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Does the hon. member for Gatineau wish to raise a point of order?

Richard Nadeau Gatineau, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is only to say that there is no interpretation into French.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

I will take a moment to ensure that the interpretation is working. Is it okay? Yes, it is working.

Dennis Bevington Western Arctic, NT

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-573, An Act to change the name of the electoral district of Western Arctic.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this bill, which would change the name of my riding from “Western Arctic” to “Northwest Territories”, just as for the Yukon Territory, the riding is referred to as Yukon, and with Nunavut, the riding is referred to as Nunavut.

After division in 1999, the change of the riding name did not occur for the Northwest Territories. This is a real problem for many people in considering where this riding is. The name of the riding has no relationship to the riding itself. It certainly is not respectful of the great territory of the Northwest that I represent. I would really like to see this name change occur. I have consulted with my constituents over the past year to ensure that they are supportive of the name change and have seen that they are. This would be a good change.

The name of the Northwest Territories is historic and important in Canada. Many of the provinces--

John Baird Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

I support this. I'm with you.

Dennis Bevington Western Arctic, NT

Mr. Speaker, can I get unanimous consent for the bill?

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Order. The motion is deemed adopted. When shall the bill be read a second time?

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Is it agreed?