Debates of May 31st, 2010
House of Commons Hansard #52 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was energy.
Topics
- Question Period
- The Economy
- Jobs and Economic Growth Act
- Commission of Inquiry into the Mulroney-Schreiber Dealings
- Jobs and Economic Growth Act
- Justice
- World No Tobacco Day
- “MP for a Day” Competition
- Oil Spills
- Hockey
- Anniversary Congratulations
- Étienne-Le Bel Clinical Research Centre
- International Children's Day
- Agriculture
- St. John's International Airport
- Economic Growth
- Freedom Flotilla
- The Economy
- Canada Elections Act
- Public Safety
- Firearms Registry
- Public Safety
- Firearms Registry
- Public Safety
- Maternal and Child Health
- Offshore Drilling
- Firearms Registry
- Foreign Affairs
- Securities
- Minister of Industry
- Ethics
- Firearms Registry
- Offshore Drilling
- Fisheries
- Medical Isotopes
- Bill C-9
- The Environment
- Status of Women
- Agriculture
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Foreign Affairs
- Sydney Harbour
- Health
- Points of Order
- Agreement concerning Annual Reports on Human Rights and Free Trade between Canada and the Republic of Colombia
- Canadian Forces Pension Plan
- Government Response to Petitions
- Criminal Code
- Interparliamentary Delegations
- Committees of the House
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Questions Passed as Orders for Returns
- Jobs and Economic Growth Act
- Business of Supply
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:40 p.m.
NDP
Bill Siksay Burnaby—Douglas, BC
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for putting this motion forward for discussion this afternoon.
I want to ask her why the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration was seized of this issue. I know it is a very important issue to members of the GLBTT community in Canada, of which I am proud member.
We were very concerned when we saw the new citizenship guide and saw that we were made virtually invisible in terms of the history of our community as part of our country's history. We believe that is an important history. It is one of the things that distinguishes us from almost every other country on the planet and Canada's progress on issues of GLBTT rights has been far greater than almost any other country, perhaps greater than any country on the planet.
I want to know why the committee felt so strongly as to look at this issue and pass this recommendation. Perhaps she could tell us something of the discussion that the standing committee had.
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:40 p.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow Trinity—Spadina, ON
Mr. Speaker, the reason that the citizenship and immigration committee decided to send forth a position on this matter is precisely because of what the member said. No one should be invisible. New immigrants need to see themselves reflected. There are gay, lesbian and bisexual immigrants coming to Canada. Some of them are refugee claimants. They came to Canada because they face the death sentence, torture, harassment and beatings in their home countries. They came to Canada wanting to be proud, wanting to celebrate who they are. There is no reason that they must hide their sexual orientation. That is why it is critically important that we have this history. Frankly, it is not just tolerance. It is a celebration that we should have—
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer
Order, please.
Resuming debate. The hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance.
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Macleod
Alberta
Conservative
Ted Menzies Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, I know I was so intent on getting back to the actual debate at hand, and I know that we have most Canadians supporting this legislation. In fact, the committee has dealt with it and brought it back here without amendments. I think it is important that we move on.
So, at this point, I move:
That the debate be now adjourned.
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
No.
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Some hon. members
Yea.
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Some hon. members
Nay.
Citizenship and Immigration
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer
In my opinion the nays have it.
And five or more members having risen:
Call in the members.
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
Committees of the House
Routine Proceedings
4:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Speaker Peter Milliken
I declare the motion carried.
The House will now resume with the remaining business under routine proceedings.
Public Transit
Petitions
Routine Proceedings
May 31st, 2010 / 4:25 p.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Halifax West, NS
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to present a group of seven petitions signed by people from all across Halifax regional municipality.
These petitioners draw attention to an increase in violent assaults against public transit operators, school bus drivers, para-transit and intercity bus workers across Canada. They say almost 40% of Canadian bus operators have indicated they have been physically assaulted in their career.
These employees, of course, provide a valuable service to the Canadian population and as such deserve stronger protection.
The petitioners ask the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to amend the Criminal Code to recognize the growing incidence of violence against these workers, affecting their safety and that of the travelling public.
Postal Service
Petitions
Routine Proceedings
4:25 p.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Halifax West, NS
Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to present a petition from the residents of Halifax Regional Municipality.
This petition recognizes the need to improve and maintain the network of public post offices that play a key role in the social and economic life of Nova Scotian communities.
The petitioners point out that the government is allowing Canada Post to close post offices with as little as one month's warning to the public, which is an insufficient amount of time for communities to discuss solutions to the loss of such a necessary resource.
The Nova Scotians who have signed this petition urge the government to consult with the public, their elected representatives, postal unions and other major stakeholders to develop a uniform and democratic process for making changes to this vital network and to retain the integrity of that network for the benefit of all Canadians.