Debates of Feb. 15th, 2013

Candice Bergen Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, the deployment of RCMP assets is an operational decision and certainly we do not involve ourselves politically in the day-to-day operations of the RCMP.

I do appreciate the question, though, because it gives me the opportunity to talk about the tools that we are giving front-line officers, including the RCMP, to do their jobs.

I would ask the member to support our initiatives, especially the one currently before the House, Bill C-42, which would enhance accountability, again, and give the RCMP and front-line officers the tools that they need.

The Acting Speaker Bruce Stanton

Is the hon. government House leader rising on a point of order?

Peter Van Loan York—Simcoe, ON

Mr. Speaker, for the past two days we have seen a sudden show of enthusiasm from the opposition for one of our pieces of legislation, Bill C-12. I would like to seek the unanimous consent of the House at this time that, notwithstanding any other element of the Standing Orders, Bill C-12 be approved at second reading and sent to committee.

The Acting Speaker Bruce Stanton

Does the hon. government House leader have the unanimous consent of the House to propose the motion?

Hoang Mai Brossard—La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, today during question period, I was referring to Senator Wallin, but I said “William”. I would like to make a correction and say that I was speaking about Senator Wallin.

The Acting Speaker Bruce Stanton

I would like to thank the member for his comment. It is not a point of order, but I am certain that the House appreciates the member's clarification.

Randall Garrison Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table five petitions in support of the passage by the House of Bill C-279, the gender identity bill. These petitions contain over 600 signatures primarily from the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec, which urge the House to complete the human rights agenda and fill this gap in our human rights legislation.

Elizabeth May Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

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

I have the honour of presenting a petition signed by residents of Victoria, Toronto and Winnipeg. The petitioners are calling on the government to pressure China on human rights issues. They are particularly concerned about the persecution of Falun Dafa, or Falun Gong, practitioners.

Elizabeth May Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, the second petition is from residents of Prince George, Burnaby and Vancouver, British Columbia. As the vast majority of British Columbians, these petitioners ask for a permanent ban on supertankers carrying bitumen crude along the coastline of British Columbia.

Pierre Jacob Brome—Missisquoi, QC

Mr. Speaker, I am tabling a petition in support of Bill C-400, which would ensure safe, affordable, accessible, adequate housing for every Quebecker and Canadian.

Shelly Glover Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

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

The Acting Speaker Bruce Stanton

Is that agreed?