Debates of Nov. 19th, 2010

John Baird Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

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

Larry Miller Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, entitled “Young Farmers: The Future of Agriculture”.

I also have the honour to present, in both official languages, the eighth report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, in relation to producer cars.

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

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

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

(Motion agreed to)

Jim Maloway Elmwood—Transcona, MB

Mr. Speaker, I present a petition concerning the deteriorating state of tourism in Canada and the precarious state of hunting and fishing lodges in this country as well. This petition has been signed by dozens of Canadians and it calls on the Government of Canada to negotiate with the Government of the United States to reduce passport fees on both sides of the border.

The number of American tourists visiting Canada is at its lowest level since 1972. It has fallen by five million visits in the last seven years alone, from 16 million in 2002 to only 11 million in 2009. Passport fees for an American family of four could be over $500 U.S; and in fact, while 50% of Canadians have passports, only 25% of Americans do.

At the recent Midwestern Legislative Conference, involving 11 border states from Illinois to North Dakota--

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

I will just remind the hon. member that the Standing Orders allow members to provide a brief explanation of petitions but it is not an opportunity to make a speech.

The hon. member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.

Luc Desnoyers Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition signed by Air Canada workers who belong to local 1751 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to ensure full compliance with the 1988 Air Canada Public Participation Act, which requires that Air Canada maintain operational centres in Mississauga, Winnipeg and Montreal. More than 23,000 direct and indirect jobs are at stake.

Charlie Angus Timmins—James Bay, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise and present a petition concerning the need to change the Investment Canada Act, particularly section 36, which has allowed Vale and Xstrata to buy up Canadian properties without having to make any real commitments. Now, as I make this presentation, Thompson is being told that its smelter is being shut down. It is the latest serious move by both Vale and Xstrata to rip apart the production capacity of base metal mining in this country.

The petitioners call on the government to set up clear rules and transparency so that these foreign corporate raiders can be held to account.

Scott Reid Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON

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

The first calls upon the Government of Canada to respect human life and to provide protection for human life from conception until natural death.

The petitioners draw to the attention of the House the fact that it has been 41 years since Parliament passed the law to permit abortion and that since 1988 Canada has had no law whatsoever to protect the lives of unborn children, including those who are moments away from natural birth.

The second petition relates to the issue of pornography, child pornography in particular. It takes the form of one of the white ribbon campaigns that goes on across the country.

The petitioners call upon the House to combat pornography, particularly because of its impact on children.

This second petition is not in the appropriate form for the House, but given the goodwill of the people who have presented it and the importance of the issue, I wonder, Mr. Speaker, if you could seek the unanimous consent of the House to accept this petition as well.

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

Is there unanimous consent to allow the member to present a petition that may or may not be in the usual order?

Maurice Vellacott Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, SK

Mr. Speaker, the petition I have in hand is again from individuals who are greatly concerned and draw the attention of the House to the fact that Canada is a country respecting human rights and that in fact we have included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that everyone has the right to life. They, as with the last petition, remind us that it has been now 40 years that Parliament has had no law to protect the lives of unborn children. So they are asking Parliament to pass legislation for the protection of human life from the time of conception until natural death.