Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure for me to rise today and close second reading debate on Bill C-576, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (personating peace officer). I am very aware of the significance attached to a private member's bill that proposes changes to the Criminal Code of Canada.

National Philanthropy Day Act  Mr. Speaker, I welcome the opportunity to speak today to Bill S-203, which seeks to declare, through legislation, that each and every November 15 be known in Canada as National Philanthropy Day. The proposal goes to the root of what philanthropy is today and how it impacts the lives of Canadians, both those who are philanthropic and those who benefit from it.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, this Conservative government came to office committed to helping improve the lives of aboriginal Canadians. After 13 years of failed promises under the Liberals, we put in motion with first nations communities and other partners improvements in housing, water, specific claims and economic development.

Violence Against Women  Mr. Speaker, the involvement of men in ending violence against women is indisputably essential. Men will take a stand against domestic violence if mentored and motivated by other men they identify with and respect. Six years ago the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters in Edmonton started the popular initiative entitled “Breakfast with the Boys”.

First Nations Financial Transparency Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar for the great work that she has done. I was honoured to be able to second the bill as well. As a member of the aboriginal affairs and northern development committee I have been honoured to meet some great people who have been involved as aboriginal financial leaders.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I had the same type of opinion when I first looked at the issue. I knew how serious it was and how terrible it was for our community, but then when I started to research it and I was looking for information, there was page after page of cases, some of which I alluded to in my speech.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, again in the research that I did, I came across a story the Calgary Herald ran about this on March 4, 2009 which found that people are going online to buy official gear. In interviewing police officers and looking at the materials that are publicly available, it was found that people can buy lights at security supply stores that look an awful lot like the lights that are used on police cars, and uniforms can be bought on eBay and altered to look like authentic police officers' uniforms.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his support. I truly do appreciate it. Consecutive sentencing is something that does happen, but it is something certainly that is up to the courts. There are things that a person can do to show the significance of the offence and truly, by turning this into an aggravating circumstance, it gives that momentum to that particular type of sentence.

Criminal Code  moved that Bill C-576, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (personating peace officer), be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to speak during this hour of debate to my Bill C-576, which deals with the crime of personating a peace officer.

National 4-H Month  Mr. Speaker, National 4-H Month kicks off with the annual “Show your Colours Day” starting November 3. This government is a proud supporter of 4-H and its contribution towards Canadian agriculture. In budget 2010, we announced an additional $3 million in support of 4-H. I was a member in the Kneehill Valley 4-H Beef Club growing up and I will never forget our 4-H motto: head, heart, hands and health.

Taxation  Mr. Speaker, later today the House will vote on Bill C-290. The Bloc-NDP-Liberal coalition supported proposal would let businesses that underfund their own employees' pension plans off the hook, and would cost $10 billion annually for a new scheme to be paid for with higher and higher taxes on Canadians.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to present a petition signed by 75 people in my riding of Red Deer and surrounding area. The petitioners believe that the family justice system is failing children and their families. Therefore, they call upon the House of Commons to work with the provinces and territories to ensure that decision-makers, including parents and judges, consider a list of criteria in determining the best interests of the child in access agreements.

Criminal Code  moved for leave to introduce Bill C-576, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (personating peace officer). Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a bill to amend the Criminal Code. My bill would establish that impersonating a police officer for the purpose of committing another offence shall be considered by a court to be an aggravated circumstance for sentencing purposes.

Red Deer Chamber of Commerce  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce. Being 113 years young and 930 members strong, the Red Deer Chamber excels at keeping Red Deer businesses competitive and profitable. Committee volunteers tackle emerging business issues and make recommendations to government.

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee  Madam Speaker, on May 28, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame held its annual induction banquet to honour athletes, builders, teams, and media who have made a significant contribution to sports in Alberta. Among the 2010 inductees was Red Deer's own Don Moore, who was honoured as a multi-sport builder.