Debates of March 2nd, 2011

Libby Davies Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Maybe the problem is that one word was changed in what was communicated to us. The wording that we have reads, “That this House encourages the government of Pakistan”. I believe that is the wording that was agreed to. I would ask the member if he has that understanding.

Scott Reid Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON

Mr. Speaker, the word ”encourages” is in my text as well. I may have misspoken earlier.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Perhaps, to clarify the matter, the member could read his motion again and we will see if there is consent.

The member for Joliette.

Pierre Paquette Joliette, QC

Mr. Speaker, I want to mention that in the French version the word “encourage” is used. It seems to me that, in order to be consistent, it should—

The Speaker Peter Milliken

The hon. member for Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington.

Scott Reid Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON

Mr. Speaker, I have the English version of the motion here and I encourage everybody to read along with me. I move:

That this House condemns in the strongest terms possible the recent assassination of Pakistan's Minister for Minorities, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti; that the House expresses its sincere condolences to the people of Pakistan and to the family of Mr. Bhatti; that this House encourages the Government of Pakistan to take immediate action against those who would harm and threaten defenders of religious freedom and human rights; and, that this House calls upon the Government of Pakistan to repeal its blasphemy laws.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

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

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Is there unanimous consent to adopt the motion?

The Speaker Peter Milliken

(Motion agreed to)

Scott Simms Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL

Mr. Speaker, once again I rise on the issue of employment insurance because, in this particular case, I have constituents, primarily from the areas of Musgravetown, Bloomfield, Bunyan's Cove and King's Cove as well, who wish to express their sincere concern about the elimination of pilot projects, in particular, three pilot projects that provide a great incentive for work in some of the areas that experience high unemployment.

These are primarily seasonal workers, primarily from the fishing sector and from the tourism sector as well, who would like their benefits to be relied upon in a best 14 week scenario, as opposed to the last 14 weeks, which allows them to receive greater benefits. It also works out for the employers because, in the absence of this particular pilot project, employers have a difficult time finding workers in areas highly dependent on seasonal work.

Nathan Cullen Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC

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

The first is from citizens throughout Quebec, from Pointe-Claire, Hudson, Kirkland and other communities, calling upon the government to immediately end the subsidy to the export and promotion of asbestos, to pass Bill C-399 that was introduced by myself to ban the mining and export of asbestos in all its forms, and to stop blocking international health and safety conventions designed to protect workers from asbestos, such as the Rotterdam convention.

There are dozens of signatures from petitioners throughout Quebec where the asbestos industry somehow continues to limp along with the government's support.

Nathan Cullen Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC

Mr. Speaker, the second petition is one that should encourage all of us. It was put together by Emily and Hannah Rudderham from Prince Rupert and Charles Hays secondary schools. They collected more than 150 signatures from young people in their school calling upon the government to respect the will and wishes of the people of British Columbia.

The undersigned strongly urge that the Government of Canada immediately legislate a ban on bulk oil tanker traffic on B.C.'s north coast in alliance with all the communities along that coast, the first nations municipalities, and representatives from around British Columbia, that strongly support such a ban.