Debates of Jan. 30th, 2012

Deepak Obhrai Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, this government has been very clear in reference to Tunisia. We have stated quite clearly that we would be seizing the assets of those who have stolen from the people. This House has passed very strong regulations to ensure that dictators will not steal from their people. The money will go back to the people as it is rightfully theirs.

This government is working very hard to ensure that those moneys that were stolen from the people of Tunisia will be returned to the Tunisian people.

Louis Plamondon Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour, QC

Mr. Speaker, a few days ago, the Prime Minister announced that major reforms to the pension plan are one of his government's top priorities. Everyone knows that when the Prime Minister says “reform”, he means drastic cuts.

How can this government justify trying to save money on the backs of our most vulnerable seniors, when it has no problem purchasing fighter jets, finding the money to celebrate the Queen of England and giving billions of dollars in tax breaks to large corporations?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, that is not at all true. As I have already said today, our government will ensure that seniors keep all of the benefits they are currently receiving under the existing system. We will not cut a single penny. We are going to maintain today's system for generations to come.

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

I would like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of the Hon. Ted Morton, Minister of Energy for Alberta.

Wayne Easter Malpeque, PE

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I wonder if the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development might want to reconsider her remarks and apologize for attacking EI recipients for being unable to fill out their forms.

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

That is not a point of order. If the member wants to bring that up in a future question period, he might have that opportunity.

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 142 petitions.

Gordon O'Connor Minister of State and Chief Government Whip

Mr. Speaker, I would ask for support for the following motion. I move:

That, notwithstanding the provisions of any Standing Order, for the remainder of 2012, when a recorded division is to be held on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, except recorded divisions deferred to the conclusion of oral questions, the bells to call in the Members shall be sounded for not more than thirty minutes.

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

Does the hon. Chief Government Whip have the unanimous consent of the House to propose this motion?

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

(Motion agreed to)