Debates of March 25th, 2011

Pat Martin Winnipeg Centre, MB

Madam Speaker, I have a petition signed by thousands of Canadians.

The petitioners call upon Parliament to take note that asbestos is the greatest industrial killer the world has ever known, that more Canadians die from asbestos than all other industrial causes combined. Yet they point out that Canada remains one of the largest producers and exporters of asbestos in the world.

Therefore, they call upon the Government Canada to ban asbestos in all of its forms, institute a just transition program for all asbestos workers who may be affected, end all government subsidies of asbestos both in Canada and abroad and stop blocking international conventions designed to protect workers from asbestos.

Scott Brison Kings—Hants, NS

Madam Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise today to present a petition on behalf of the people of Kings—Hants in support of Bill C-545, An Act to Eliminate Poverty in Canada.

The Acting Speaker Denise Savoie

I regret that the time for presenting petitions has elapsed.

Peter Julian Burnaby—New Westminster, BC

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I believe if you were to seek it, you would find unanimous consent to extend petitions for a few more minutes so other members can get their petitions tabled today. It is a usual practice in the House.

The Acting Speaker Denise Savoie

Does the hon. member have unanimous consent?

Jim Karygiannis Scarborough—Agincourt, ON

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I am seeking unanimous consent to move a motion that the House unanimously condemn what is happening in Bahrain by the government against its people and calls on all parties to move swiftly to resolve the difficulties and for democracy to return in Bahrain.

The Acting Speaker Denise Savoie

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

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

Madam Speaker, the following questions will be answered today: Nos. 924, 925, 926, 927, 928 and 933.

Bryon Wilfert Richmond Hill, ON

With regard to the withdrawal of Canadian Forces from Afghanistan: (a) what were the Department of National Defense's initial cost estimates, prior to November of 2010, for the removal of equipment and personnel from Afghanistan in spring-summer of 2011; (b) what additional costs are anticipated now that Canada has lost access to Camp Mirage in the United Arab Emirates; and (c) what funds have been reallocated within the department in order to cover these cost overruns?

Peter MacKay Minister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), the $9.3 billion Afghanistan cost reported in the reports on plans and priorities includes incremental costs for the mission from 2001 to 2011 as well as close-out costs such as reconstitution, i.e., the costs arising from returning equipment to its pre-mission state, and redeployment once the mission ends.

In response to (b), the costs associated with the closure of Camp Mirage are one aspect of the greater context of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan, and have yet to be finalized.

In response to (c), the source of funds remains to be determined.

Peter MacKay Minister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, no private sector consultants have been hired to assess the feasibility and technical capabilities of the F-35.