Madam Speaker, it is my intention to make a statement on another kind of human resources development, that is parliamentary resources.
We will continue this afternoon, this evening and tomorrow with the debate on social security programs.
When the House returns on October 17 from the Thanksgiving break the Standing Committee on Finance will shift into high gear. Following the reference to hold prebudget hearings in accordance with the new rules adopted by this House last winter, I wish to confirm that the Minister of Finance will be appearing before the finance committee on both Monday, October 17 and Tuesday, October 18. The committee will then consult a broad range of Canadians on what they want to see in the next budget.
Under our standing orders the committee will report its observations and conclusions to this House by December 2. We would hope to set aside a significant amount of time before we adjourn for Christmas two weeks after that in order to permit as many members as possible to express their views as well.
Putting this process into operation for the first time represents a new and more open and democratic approach toward budget making. I wish to commend the Minister of Finance for his warm and enthusiastic endorsement of our new procedures.
Turning to more immediate matters for the consideration of the House, the first item to be put before us here in the House on October 17 will be report stage and third reading of Bill C-49, the agriculture and agri-food department reorganization. We will then return to the second reading debates on the other departmental reorganizations, Bill C-46 on industry, followed by Bill C-48 on natural resources, followed by Bill C-52 on public works and government services, followed by Bill C-53 on Canadian heritage.
We will then return to second reading debate on Bill C-41 regarding sentencing.
The business I have announced will carry us to mid-week. The House will know there are two government bills on the notice paper today for introduction tomorrow. We would propose to call second reading of these two bills late in the week we return or early in the week after.
Some members may wish more time when we return for the social security debate which is now under way. It will also be necessary to designate some early opposition days. However I think it would be better to consult with my colleagues opposite before making any firm and final announcements on this. I ask the House to stand by. My next statement will give those details.