Debates of Dec. 3rd, 2010

Peter Braid Kitchener—Waterloo, ON

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to democratic representation and to Bill C-12. That is why we support giving B.C., Alberta and Ontario their fair representation in Parliament. Canadians in these fastest growing provinces deserve more representation.

Could the government House leader update this place on the status of Bill C-12, the democratic representation bill.

Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, our Prime Minister has been clear and unequivocal in restating our government's commitment to move forward with Bill C-12, the democratic representation bill. We believe that each Canadian vote, to the greatest extent possible, should carry equal weight. That is why we are taking a very principled approach in striking a balance between ensuring fairer representation for the faster growing provinces, while keeping the seat count constant for the remaining provinces.

We ask all coalition partners to support this very important initiative.

Raymonde Folco Laval—Les Îles, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government wants to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Canadian corporations, but it would appear that it does not have the money to maintain a Canadian presence in Africa.

Once again, can this government tell us how many embassies it will be closing and, in particular, why it is targeting the African countries of la Francophonie? We are talking about embassies.

Lawrence Cannon Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, the member initially spoke about cuts. It is a well known fact that our government is recognized and identified with cutting taxes, whereas a Liberal-led government would essentially be inclined to increase taxes.

Once again, on this issue, these are just rumours. We will manage the interests of Canadians in the best possible way.

Luc Malo Verchères—Les Patriotes, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health continues to state that the federal government is open to the idea of compensating the provinces for the additional expenses caused by the medical isotope shortage that resulted from the closure of the Chalk River reactor in the spring of 2009.

Can the Minister of Health tell us if she intends to compensate Quebec before the next Bachand budget?

Colin Carrie Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, from the discussions at the last health ministers meeting, our understanding was that most provinces and territories did not incur additional costs, and we were able to cover by adding testing requirements.

Over the last year of this global shortage, we have seen incredible resourcefulness in managing the existing supply. For example, the medical community has shown great flexibility during this time by maximizing the use of available TC-99 and using alternative isotopes for certain tests.

Peter Stoffer Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS

Mr. Speaker, no parent should ever have to bury a child. However, when that child unfortunately does succumb to his or her injuries, the family should have a right to know what happened.

When it comes to military families, Pierre Daigle, the DND ombudsman, has repeatedly said that the government gives us repeated promises and, for the military families, repeated disappointments.

Why should it take the media to address these concerns with the government? Why is it not more proactive to ensure, in the death of one of our heroes of Canada, that his or her family immediately—

The Speaker Peter Milliken

The hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence.

Laurie Hawn Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, we have covered that a number of times today and we will continue to do everything we can to make the system better for those folks.

I have spent a lot of time in the last few years with the Minister of National Defence and with the Chief of the Defence Staff at events with families of the fallen. No one takes it more seriously than those two men.

We will continue to do everything we can. We recognize the very difficult circumstances in which families find themselves. We grieve with them. Where the system has limitations, we will make that better. We will always try to do the best we possibly can for the families of our fallen.

Tom Lukiwski Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

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

John Baird Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to move the following motion. I move:

That, in accordance with subsection 53(1) of the Privacy Act, chapter P-21 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, this House approve the reappointment of Jennifer Stoddart as Privacy Commissioner.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Does the hon. government House leader have the unanimous consent of the House to propose this motion?