Debates of April 23rd, 2010

Bernard Bigras Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Quebec has just announced its contribution of $200 million for a rail shuttle linking Trudeau airport with downtown Montreal. However, we are still waiting for the federal government's contribution to this project.

Having agreed to fund the construction of airport shuttles in Vancouver and Toronto, why is the federal government still dragging its feet on funding for the Montreal shuttle?

Rob Merrifield Minister of State (Transport)

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to infrastructure on rail and infrastructure in communities, we have had an unprecedented year of success. We are going to continue that.

We will take the member's specific request under advisement and will get back to him in due course.

Bill Siksay Burnaby—Douglas, BC

Mr. speaker, there is a treaty banning chemical weapons and one banning biological weapons. However, so far, no similar effort has been successful to ban nuclear weapons. The danger they pose cannot be underestimated.

Over 500 members of the Order of Canada continue to press the government in their campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons. They have joined the UN Secretary-General in calling for the negotiation of a treaty to ban nuclear weapons.

Will Canada support a nuclear weapons convention? Better still, will Canada seek a leadership position in its negotiation?

Lawrence Cannon Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, Canada indeed has played a leadership role. In fact, last week the Prime Minister was at the nuclear summit that was convened by the President of the United States in which Canada played an important role. We will also be participating quite actively in the nuclear non-proliferation discussions that will take place in a short time at the United Nations. This is the five year review plan.

Canada indeed has assumed its responsibility. I am very proud to see that we are taking that leadership role about which the member is talking.

Gary Schellenberger Perth—Wellington, ON

Mr. Speaker, this week is National Volunteer Week, a time to thank volunteers all across Canada for giving their time to make Canada a better place. Over 12 million Canadians give over two billion hours of their time each year for a variety of causes and activities.

Could the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development please inform the House what our Conservative government is doing to recognize and encourage volunteering?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, our government values very highly the important contributions made by volunteers right across the country. That is why we are bringing in the Prime Minister's award for volunteerism. That is why we are investing in projects that help seniors mentor the next generation of volunteers. That is why we are investing in youth internships for not-for-profit organizations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers right across our country who give so generously of their time and talent. I and our government say a huge “thank you” to them.

Jim Abbott Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation

Mr. Speaker, we have heard this question many times from the member and the answer remains the same. The criteria for the funding for KAIROS is the same as the criteria for funding for anyone else applying for such funding. KAIROS did not meet the criteria. It did not get the funding. There was no surprise there.

I am surprised that the member keeps on asking the same question.

Jim Prentice Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order relating to a matter before the House and before one of its committees.

I would like to inform the House that on Tuesday evening of this week, April 20, I was advised that in April 2009 a member of my staff in Calgary, Mr. Scott Wenger, was approached by Mr. Rahim Jaffer. Their discussion involved representations by Mr. Jaffer on behalf of a company.

On my instructions, Mr. Winger has forwarded the details of those discussions and the documents relating to them to the Commissioner of Lobbying. The material was transmitted late yesterday, April 22. The same material is being transmitted today to the Ethics Commissioner.

No contract was ever awarded to the company. I was not involved in those discussions in April 2009. Nor was I aware that they took place.

As I have previously stated publicly, the only discussion I have had with Mr. Jaffer in the past one and a half years consisted of a 30 second discussion in this very building in early 2009, when I told him that I was not responsible for the administration of the so-called green funds.

I felt it was my obligation, Mr. Speaker, to so advise the House today.

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 response to three petitions.

Rob Nicholson Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-17, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (investigative hearing and recognizance with conditions).

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

Bob Dechert Mississauga—Erindale, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

In accordance with the order of reference of Wednesday, April 14, your committee has considered Bill C-475, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (methamphetamine and ecstasy) and agreed, on Thursday, April 23, to report it with amendment.

Marcel Proulx Hull—Aylmer, QC

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the eighth report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, pursuant to Standing Order 91.1(2).

This report contains a list of items added to the order of precedence as a result of the replenishment that took place on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, under private members' business that should not be designated non-votable.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Pursuant to Standing Order 91.1(2), the report is deemed adopted.