Mr. Speaker, today I draw attention to a recent international poll conducted by Angus Reid entitled "Canada and The World".
The poll was designed to identify the main attitudes of the international community toward Canada, and I am pleased to say the findings were not surprisingly positive.
Canada is internationally recognized as a tolerant and diverse nation. Its social assistance and health programs are world renown, as is our reputation for peacekeeping and human rights preservation.
Canada is regarded as a resource based economy with natural endowments sought after the world over. Furthermore, those polled indicated that Canada boasted a relatively clean environment that is home to vast scenic beauty across a diverse geographical landscape.
Among the concerns voiced by respondents, Canada needs to come to terms with its treatment of aboriginal peoples, a sentiment shared by last year's royal commission report on aboriginal peoples.
Furthermore, Canadians and others indicate their concern regarding the future of Canada's youth in terms of opportunity and employment.
I am pleased to say that the recent budget included positive steps-