Debates of March 9th, 2012

Kirsty Duncan Etobicoke North, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present this petition regarding ozone.

Leading scientists from universities and NASA are warning that Canada's cuts to its ozone monitoring program are already having effects on the world's ability to monitor air quality and ozone depletion.

Anne Thompson, a professor of meteorology at Pennsylvania State University, says that “Canada is a bellwether for environmental change.... It's unthinkable that data collection is beginning to shut down in this vast country”.

The petitioners call upon the Minister of the Environment to develop a plan to ensure the integrity of the ozone monitoring program and commission a report to assess the adequacy of Canadian contributions to the global observing system for climate in support of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Geoff Regan Halifax West, NS

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

The first petition is from residents of Nova Scotia who are concerned that about the fact that poverty affects over 10% of Canadians and disproportionately affects aboriginal peoples, recent immigrants, people with disabilities, youth and children.

The petitioners call upon Parliament to ensure swift passage of Bill C-233, an act to eliminate poverty in Canada.

Geoff Regan Halifax West, NS

Mr. Speaker, the second petition is also from residents of Nova Scotia who are concerned that global warning is a reality. It is no wonder they are concerned about it after such a mild winter.

The petitioners call upon Parliament to adopt the following policy goals in the spirit of global solidarity: that the government take collective action by signing and implementing a binding international agreement replacing the Kyoto protocol, an agreement that will commit nations to reduce carbon emissions; that fair and clear targets be set to ensure that global average temperatures stay below a 2°C increase from pre-industrial levels; that the government demonstrate national responsibility by committing to national carbon emission targets and a national renewable energy policy designed to achieve sustainability; that it implement climate justice by playing a constructive role in the design of the green climate fund under United Nations governance; and that it contribute public funds to assist the poorest and most affected countries to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Elizabeth May Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, my petitions, coincidentally, follow perfectly from those presented by the hon. member for Halifax West. Sometimes I feel as though those of us in this House are sleepwalking as the planet moves us closer and closer to global disaster. Yet Canadians see this problem and they come to us with petitions.

I have three petitions this morning and the first one is primarily from residents of Ontario and calls on this House to find a way to put in place targets that would avoid a 2°C increase in global temperature, a target to which the Government of Canada says it is committed. However, we will never get there if we do not have a 25% reduction in greenhouse gases against 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

Elizabeth May Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, the second petition is primarily from residents of the Kelowna area of British Columbia. They are calling on this government to cease and desist from promoting the Enbridge pipeline supertanker scheme. The government should await the evidence and allow a full and fair review before acting as an arm of the oil industry to push for this project's approval.

Elizabeth May Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, the last petition is in the interest of human rights. The petitioners, primarily from the Victoria area as well as from within my riding in Saanich, are calling for the protection of those people who practice Falun Dafa and Falun Gong in China against repression by that government.

Joy Smith Kildonan—St. Paul, MB

Mr. Speaker, today I am very pleased to present petitions from hundreds of people across this country who are calling on us to support Bill C-310, my human trafficking bill. This bill would reach the long arm of the Canadian law into countries where predators go to set up brothels and violate and exploit young children. I am very pleased to present these petitions to the House today.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

Is that agreed?

Libby Davies Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 52(1), I am requesting that we hold an emergency debate for the purpose of discussing the widespread drug shortages that I think people are now very familiar with. This is a matter that demands our urgent consideration.

We have become increasingly aware that hospitals and regional health units across the country are currently experiencing severe drug shortages. The impact of these shortages means that, for example, critically ill patients are having their cancer treatment drugs rationed. People with high blood pressure and heart conditions are being affected. Moreover, people suffering from chronic pain, or the side effects of terminal illness, or post-operative pain, or experiencing other severe pain cannot get a hold of their opiate medications. Also alarming is that the hospitals are already cancelling surgeries and limiting treatment.

I am sure that members have been hearing from their local communities about this emergent situation and how it is impacting so many people and their families. I do believe that all parties and members would want to share their perspectives on what is going on.

There has been some debate on this during question period in the House, but I think the need for an emergency debate is very evident. I hope that you will respectfully consider my request, Mr. Speaker. I realize that today is a Friday, so I would be quite amenable if the debate were to take place on Monday. However, I do feel it is a very emergent situation and ask for your careful consideration.

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

I thank the hon. member for raising this issue. I am satisfied that it meets the parameters of the Standing Orders. However, as was suggested by the member, it may suit the House better and allow more people to participate in the debate if we hold it on Monday.

Therefore, pursuant to Standing Order 52(9), I will direct that the emergency debate take place after the recorded divisions Monday evening.