Debates of June 3rd, 2011

A message was delivered by the Usher of the Black Rod as follows:

Mr. Speaker, His Excellency the Governor General desires the immediate attendance of this honourable House in the chamber of the Senate.

Accordingly, the Speaker with the House went up to the Senate chamber:

And being returned to the Commons chamber:

Opening of Parliament

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Order, please. I have the honour to report that, the House having attended on His Excellency the Governor General in the Senate chamber, I informed His Excellency that the choice of Speaker has fallen upon me, and in your names and on your behalf, I made the usual claim for your privileges which His Excellency was pleased to confirm to you.

Oaths of Office

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-1, respecting the administration of oaths of office.

Mr. Speaker, I seek the unanimous consent of the House to have the bill printed.

(Motions deemed adopted and bill read the first time)

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Does the right hon. Prime Minister have the consent of the House to have the bill printed?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

Speech from the Throne

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

I have the honour to inform the House that when this House did attend His Excellency the Governor General in the Senate chamber, His Excellency was pleased to make a speech to both Houses of Parliament. To prevent mistakes, I have obtained a copy, which is as follows:

[The Governor General]

Honourable Senators,
Members of the House of Commons,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I begin by congratulating all parliamentarians on this opening day of the Forty-first Parliament of Canada on my own behalf and on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, who sends her congratulations and warm good wishes. Many of you are returning to your duties as Members of the House of Commons, and over one hundred of you are about to take your places as elected representatives for the first time.

Together, you have been entrusted with a profound responsibility: to serve the public interest on behalf of all Canadians.

In the months since my installation as Governor General, I have had the privilege of meeting with Canadians in their communities, and at Rideau Hall and La Citadelle. It has been an honour to answer this unique call to service, and I want to share with you something of what I have learned in my travels across this remarkable country of ours.

I have learned that, regardless of age or affiliation, all Canadians want to help create a better future for this country. Each of us aspires to a Canada where everyone can succeed and contribute, where excellence and opportunity coexist.

I have met with Canadians from all walks of life and discovered this common ground.

In 2017, we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, and I invite all Canadians to imagine ways to build a smarter, more caring nation as we approach this wonderful milestone. I believe that in order to achieve our vision, we must work together to support families and children, to reinforce learning and innovation, and to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism.

Each of us can answer the call to service in our own way and, together, continue this bold experiment that we call Canada.

Canadians have expressed their desire for a strong, stable national government in this new Parliament. With this clear mandate, our Government will deliver on its commitments. It will implement the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to build on the progress already made. It will continue to focus on jobs and growth. It will bring the federal budget back into balance. It will invest in our system of universal health care. It will support the communities and families that work so hard to care for each other. Our Government will defend the rights of law-abiding citizens, and it will promote Canadian values and interests at home and abroad.

Our Government will be here for all Canadians—for individuals, for families and for all regions of the country—as together we move Canada forward.

Here for jobs and growth

Jobs and growth will remain our Government’s top priority.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government took direct action to create jobs and protect Canadians during the global recession. On Monday, as our first order of business, our Government will reintroduce our Budget, in order to implement the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan—our low tax plan for jobs and growth. We will get back to work on the things that matter most to Canadians: good jobs, security for our families and a prosperous future.

Our Government’s plan builds on five years of hard work to create the right conditions for growth and job creation: a stable, predictable, low-tax environment; a highly skilled and flexible workforce; support for innovation and new technologies; and wider access to markets abroad. This approach has allowed Canada to meet the challenges of the global recession. The next phase of our Government’s plan is designed to help us stay on track during the recovery.

Since 2006, Canadians have benefited from significant, broad-based tax cuts. These cuts have given families the flexibility to make the choices that are right for them. They have freed businesses to grow and succeed, creating the jobs on which Canadians depend. Our Government will continue on this path by introducing new tax credits for individuals and families, and by keeping taxes low to create jobs. It will also complete work already underway with the Government of Quebec to reach an agreement on tax harmonization no later than September 15, 2011.

However, there is more to be done. The global economy remains fragile, and risks to our recovery persist. As well, Canada’s workforce is aging, and it will no longer grow as it has in the past. This demographic challenge will impact our economic future and put long-term pressures on our pension and health systems that must be addressed.

In the years ahead, our prosperity will also depend on making sure that all Canadians have the skills and opportunities to contribute, to innovate and to succeed. Our Government’s plan will provide assistance for workers who want to learn new skills and seize opportunities. It will remove barriers for older workers who want to continue their careers. It will lay the foundation for long-term growth by helping a new generation gain the critical skills they will need to thrive in the workforce.

The success of Canada’s job-creating businesses demands both hard work and good ideas, and we must create the right conditions for both to be rewarded. Our Government will introduce and seek swift passage of copyright legislation that balances the needs of creators and users.

In order to improve Canada’s productivity, enhance our economic competitiveness and increase our standard of living, our Government will continue to make targeted investments to promote and encourage research and development in Canada's private sector and in our universities, colleges and polytechnics. It will look for ways to support innovation while ensuring that federal investment in research and development is effective and maximizes results for Canadians. It will also release and implement a Digital Economy Strategy that enhances digital infrastructure and encourages Canadian businesses to adopt digital technologies and provide digital-skills training for their employees and new hires.

In addition, our Government will continue to cut red tape for small businesses so that they can focus their attention on growing their businesses and creating jobs. This will be achieved while maintaining the highest standards to protect our environment and the health and safety of Canadians.

Our Government will also continue opening new markets for Canadian businesses in order to create good new jobs for Canadian workers. Since 2006, we have signed free trade agreements covering eight countries, and negotiations covering some fifty more are underway.

Our Government will aim to complete negotiations on a free trade agreement with the European Union by 2012. It will also seek to complete negotiations on a free trade agreement with India in 2013. In all international forums and bilateral negotiations, our Government will continue to stand up for Canadian farmers and industries by defending supply management.

The United States is our most important trading partner, ally and friend. Our Government will work with President Obama and his administration to deliver on the Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. We will strengthen our collaboration to streamline and secure our border and enhance regulatory cooperation, ensuring that people and goods can flow freely and safely between our two countries.

Our Government also understands the importance of attracting foreign investment to our economy. Foreign investment helps Canadian companies grow by introducing new technologies and practices—launching pads to strengthen growth and innovation here at home. It provides new opportunities to connect our firms to the world. Our Government will continue to welcome foreign investment that benefits Canada.

Our Government will also move forward with willing partners to establish a new national securities regulator, subject to the Supreme Court’s decision on the extent of federal jurisdiction.

Here to eliminate the deficit

Nearly three years ago, the world faced an unprecedented financial crisis. Drawing on strong fundamentals and the values of the hard-working Canadians and firms that refused to let difficult times define them, our Economic Action Plan helped Canada emerge quickly from recession. Working closely with provinces, territories and communities, our Government moved swiftly to deliver a targeted, time-limited stimulus program that created and protected jobs right across the country.

Hard work, determination and responsible choices allowed us to make these extraordinary investments when times were tough, while avoiding the high debt levels that threaten other countries. We must now take that same approach to future growth. We must eliminate the deficit and return to balanced budgets to ensure that our economy can continue to grow and create jobs and that the federal government will have sufficient fiscal flexibility for future choices.

Our Government had committed to achieving this by 2015. In order to accelerate the return to a balanced budget and to eliminate the deficit one year earlier, over the next year we will undertake a Strategic and Operating Review of government spending led by a new Cabinet subcommittee established for this purpose. This review will be focused on reducing the cost of government, while keeping taxes low and preserving transfers to individuals and provinces for essential things like pensions, health and education. Our Government will also complete its stimulus package as promised and continue specific measures to restrain the growth of government expenditures.

Our Government’s plan will put us on a strong footing to resume paying down the federal debt, further reduce taxes on families and continue investing in priorities.

Here for hard-working families

There is no greater priority for Canadians than caring for their loved ones. Canadians believe that their parents and grandparents have worked hard and deserve a secure retirement. They want their children and grandchildren to grow up with every opportunity to lead happy, healthy lives.

Many Canadian families struggle to realize these goals. That is why our Government’s low-tax plan will permanently enhance the Guaranteed Income Supplement for some 680,000 of Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This increase—the largest in a quarter century—will help these seniors make ends meet. At the same time, our Government will continue to help Canadians save for their retirement, and will work with provincial and territorial partners to implement the Pooled Registered Pension Plan.

Our Government’s plan also recognizes the tremendous time and resources required of family caregivers. Many individuals and families have added responsibilities in caring for infirm parents or relatives. These family caregivers make special sacrifices, often leaving the workforce temporarily and forgoing employment income.

The new Family Caregiver Tax Credit will support those who care for a dependent family member who is infirm. In addition, our Government will remove the cap on eligible expenses that caregivers can claim under the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

Our Government will also support parents in providing their children with opportunities to grow personally and discover their creative passions by establishing a Children’s Arts Tax Credit.

Canadians want and expect their health care system to be there when they and their families need it most. Canadians want better results from the health care system, at the same time as an aging population is putting unprecedented pressure on the system’s ability to deliver.

Our Government is committed to respecting provincial jurisdiction and working with the provinces and territories to ensure that the health care system is sustainable and that there is accountability for results. It will maintain the six percent escalator for the Canada Health Transfer, while working collaboratively with provincial partners to renew the Health Accord and to continue reducing wait times. As has been done before, our Government will enter into a separate agreement with the Government of Quebec regarding the implementation of the renewed Health Accord.

Here to stand on guard for Canada

Canadians are united by core values, a shared history and a sense of common purpose. Our Government will join Canadians in celebrating our heritage, in promoting our values and in standing for what is right on the world stage. In an uncertain global environment, our Government will also continue to pursue a stable, principled foreign policy that advances Canada’s interests.

The Canadian Armed Forces play a crucial role in defending our sovereignty and national security. As the Canadian mission in Afghanistan transitions to training, diplomacy and development, our Government joins Canadians in honouring those who gave their lives and in recognizing the sacrifice and achievements of all the men and women, both military and civilian, who have served and continue to serve in Afghanistan. Our Government will continue to recognize and support all veterans.

Today, as North Africa and the Middle East are being transformed by their people, the Canadian Armed Forces are standing tall with our allies to protect civilians in Libya. Our Government will hold a parliamentary debate on the future of this important mission.

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote human rights, our Government will create a new Office of Religious Freedom to help protect religious minorities and to promote the pluralism that is essential to the development of free and democratic societies.

We will also take action to strengthen our national sovereignty. Our Government is committed to protecting the integrity of our immigration system. It will introduce measures to address marriage fraud—an abuse of our system that can victimize unsuspecting Canadians and vulnerable immigrants. Our Government will also reintroduce legislation to combat human smuggling, which can place migrants in dangerous conditions and undermine trust in Canada’s immigration system.

Our Government has made Canada’s North a cornerstone of its agenda. The strongest expression of our sovereignty comes through presence and actions, not words. Our Government will continue to exercise leadership in the stewardship of northern lands and waters. It is also committed to working with the Northwest Territories and the private sector to complete the Dempster Highway—by linking Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk—thereby realizing Prime Minister Diefenbaker’s vision of connecting Canada by road from sea to sea to sea.

Canada’s natural environment shapes our national identity, our health and our prosperity. Our Government has expanded protected lands and marine areas to an unprecedented extent, so that current and future generations can continue to enjoy them. In this, the 100th anniversary year of our national parks system, our Government will create significant new protected areas. It will work with provincial, regional, municipal, Aboriginal and community stakeholders toward establishing an urban national park in the Rouge Valley of eastern Toronto. Looking to the future, our Government will engage a broad range of stakeholders on the development of a National Conservation Plan, to move our conservation objectives forward and better connect all Canadians with nature.

Our Government is committed to developing Canada’s extraordinary resource wealth in a way that protects the environment. It will support major new clean energy projects of national or regional significance, such as the planned Lower Churchill hydroelectricity project in Atlantic Canada. It will engage the provinces, territories and industry on ways to improve the regulatory and environmental assessment process for resource projects, while ensuring meaningful consultation with affected communities, including Aboriginal communities.

Beyond our natural heritage, Canadians also cherish our shared history. Anniversaries are an important part of how a society marks its collective progress and defines its goals for the future. A key milestone next year will be the bicentennial of the War of 1812. We will remember how those of diverse backgrounds and various regions came together to fight for Canada, ensuring the independent destiny of our country in North America. We will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Selkirk Settlement, which marks the founding of Manitoba and the early days of the modern West.

Next year we will observe Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating her six decades of service as Queen of Canada. And Canadians look forward, in just a few weeks’ time, to welcoming Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their first Royal Tour since their marriage this spring.

Here for law-abiding Canadians

The Government of Canada has no more fundamental duty than to protect the personal safety of our citizens and defend against threats to our national security.

Our Government will move quickly to reintroduce comprehensive law-and-order legislation to combat crime and terrorism. These measures will protect children from sex offenders. They will eliminate house arrest and pardons for serious crimes. They will give law enforcement officials, courts and victims the legal tools they need to fight criminals and terrorists. Our Government will continue to protect the most vulnerable in society and work to prevent crime. It will propose tougher sentences for those who abuse seniors and will help at risk youth avoid gangs and criminal activity. It will address the problem of violence against women and girls.

Our Government has always believed the interests of law-abiding citizens should be placed ahead of those of criminals. Canadians who are victimized or threatened by crime deserve their government’s support and protection, and they should have the right to take reasonable steps to defend themselves and their property when the police cannot be there to assist them. Our Government will reintroduce legislation to clarify and strengthen laws on self-defence, defence of property and citizen’s arrest.

Our Government will also continue to implement its response to the Air India Report.

Here for communities and industries

In addition to guarding the interests of our nation as a whole, our Government will continue taking action to address the needs and aspirations of every region of the country. Local communities are best placed to overcome their unique challenges, but government can help create the conditions for these communities—and the industries that sustain them—to succeed.

Canada’s rural communities are rich in history and culture, and generations of rural Canadians have worked hard and played by the rules. They should not be the target of unfair laws. Our Government will act on its promise to introduce legislation to end the wasteful and ineffective long-gun registry.

Canada’s traditional industries remain crucial to our economy. Our Government has always stood behind Canada’s agricultural, forestry, fishing, mineral, manufacturing and energy sectors—and will continue to support them as they innovate and grow. It will also introduce legislation to ensure that western farmers have the freedom to sell wheat and barley on the open market.

Canada’s Aboriginal peoples are central to Canada’s history, and our Government has made it a priority to renew and deepen our relationship. The contribution of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples will be important to our future prosperity. Concerted action is needed to address the barriers to social and economic participation that many Aboriginal Canadians face.

Our Government will work with Aboriginal communities, provinces and territories to meet this challenge. It will help open the door to greater economic development by providing new investments in First Nations Land Management. It will promote access to clean water and the deployment of clean energy technology in Aboriginal and northern communities.

Building on the work of the National Panel on First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education, our Government will engage with partners to make concrete, positive changes to give First Nations children a better education so that they can realize their dreams. We will also expand adult basic education programming in the territories to help to increase education and employment levels.

Our Government will also introduce legislation to ensure that people living on reserve have the same matrimonial real property rights and protections as other Canadians.

Canada’s diverse communities are connected by shared values and aspirations, and by the willingness to lend a hand. This has been markedly evident in the response of ordinary Canadians to recent and devastating floods and wildfires. Our Government recognizes the resolve and courage shown by Canadian communities in the face of adversity and will stand by them in their times of need.

Here for integrity and accountability

In these and all other measures our Government will pursue, we will provide the principled, accountable leadership and good, clean government that Canadians deserve. On first taking office, our Government introduced major new accountability legislation as its first act in the Thirty-ninth Parliament, and it will now move forward on its long-standing commitment to democratic reform.

Reform of the Senate remains a priority for our Government. Our Government will reintroduce legislation to limit term lengths and to encourage provinces and territories to hold elections for Senate nominees.

Canadians rightly expect fairness and accountability in the full range of government institutions that serve them. Our Government will reintroduce legislation to restore fair representation in the House of Commons. It will take steps to phase out direct taxpayer subsidies to federal political parties over the next three years. It will support transparency for First Nations communities by requiring their chiefs and councillors to publish their salaries and expenses. Our Government will also support the efforts of the Public Service to modernize the way it works so that it can continue to provide the highest standard of service to Canadians.

In filling the two upcoming vacancies on the Supreme Court of Canada, our Government will engage parliamentarians through the transparent process first used in 2006.

Our Government will also ensure that citizens, the private sector and other partners have improved access to the workings of government through open data, open information and open dialogue.

Conclusion

As Canadians, we take pride in our history and look forward to our future as the true North, strong and free. From our earliest days, we have always come together to advance our common purpose, each of us ready to do our part to move Canada forward.

Building on the careful investments and decisive actions of the past five years, our Government will move swiftly to deliver the next important phase of the Economic Action Plan. Our Government will reflect the courage Canadians show in meeting the challenges of today and their determination to rise to those they see on the horizon.

Members of the House of Commons, you will be asked to appropriate the funds required to carry out the services and expenditures authorized by Parliament.

Honourable Senators and Members of the House of Commons, let the work of our great democracy support Canadians as they go about fashioning a twenty-first century destiny limited only by their ambition and imagination.

May Divine Providence guide you in your deliberations and make you equal to the trust bestowed upon you.

[Stephen Harper, Conservative, Prime Minister]

Mr. Speaker, I move:

That the Speech of His Excellency the Governor General, delivered this day from the Throne to the two Houses of Parliament, be taken into consideration later this day.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Is that agreed?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

(Motion agreed to)

Designation of Order of the Day

[Jim Flaherty, Conservative, Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I request an order of the day be designated for the presentation of the budget to be delivered in this House on June 6, 2011 at 4 p.m.

Business of Supply

[Tony Clement, Conservative, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario]

Mr. Speaker, I move:

That the business of supply be considered at the next sitting of the House.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Is it agreed?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

(Motion agreed to)

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

It is my duty to inform the House that three days will be allotted for the supply period ending June 23, 2011.

Business of the House

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I have a rather lengthy motion, but I anticipate there will be unanimous consent for the motion. I move:

That, in relation to the business of the House and notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House:

the membership of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates be composed of: Mike Wallace, Jacques Gourde, Scott Armstrong, Peter Braid, Kelly Block, Ron Cannon, Bernard Trottier, Pat Martin, Alexandre Boulerice, Nycole Turmel, Denis Blanchette and John McCallum

on Monday, June, 6, 2011, the House shall meet at 2:00 p.m. when Members may make statements pursuant to Standing Order 31; not later than 2:15 p.m. oral questions shall be taken up; at 3:00 p.m. the House shall proceed to the ordinary daily routine of business; following the ordinary daily routine of business the House shall, if necessary, suspend until 4:00 p.m. for the presentation of the Budget; and

until June 23, 2011, Standing Order 81 be amended as follows:

(a) Section (4) be replaced with the following:

“In every session the main estimates to cover the incoming fiscal year for every department of government shall be deemed referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates immediately after they are presented in the House. That Committee shall consider and shall report, or shall be deemed to have reported, the same back to the House not later than three sitting days before the final sitting or the last allotted day in the current period”.

(b) Section 5 be replaced with the following:

“Supplementary estimates shall be deemed referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates immediately after they are presented in the House. The Committee shall consider and shall report, or shall be deemed to have reported, the same back to the House not later than three sitting days before the final sitting or the last allotted day in the current period”. And

(c) Section 14(a) be replaced with:

“Forty-eight hours' written notice shall be given of opposition motions on allotted days, motions to concur in interim supply, main estimates, supplementary or final estimates, to restore or reinstate any item in the estimates and to oppose any item in the estimates”.

Subject to the provisions of this order, the business of supply shall otherwise be conducted in accordance with Standing Order 81.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

(Motion agreed to)

Main Estimates, 2011-12

[Tony Clement, Conservative, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to present to the House a message from His Excellency the Governor General, signed by his own hand, transmitting the estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012.

This budget was tabled in the House on March 22, 2011.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

The letter reads as follows:

His Excellency the Governor General hereby transmits to the House of Commons the Main Estimates of sums required to defray expenses of the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2012 and, in accordance with section 54 of the Constitution Act, 1867, recommends those Estimates to the House of Commons.

Procedure and House Affairs

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I have another motion for which I am requesting unanimous consent. It states:

That the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs be appointed to prepare and report lists of members to compose the standing and standing joint committees of this House; and that the committee be composed of Joe Preston, Tom Lukiwski, Scott Reid, Harold Albrecht, Dave MacKenzie, Greg Kerr, John Williamson, Chris Charlton, Joe Comartin, Phil Toone, Alexandrine Latendresse and Marc Garneau.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

(Motion agreed to)

The House proceeded to the consideration of the speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor General at the opening of the session.

Address in Reply

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I am profoundly honoured and grateful to the Prime Minister for this opportunity, in my maiden speech to the House of Commons, to move the motion in reply to the Speech from the Throne.

For this opportunity of a lifetime, my greatest thanks go to the voters of Mississauga South who I hereby commit to repay by serving them to the best of my ability with integrity, humility and hard work. I am proud to represent the kind and wonderful people of Mississauga South. This beautiful waterfront community is my home, and I will always be grateful for this opportunity to represent and to serve them.

The voters of Mississauga South elected me to represent them in this House as a member of the Conservative government for the same reasons that I chose to seek election as a candidate for the Conservative Party. For the last five years, our government, under this Prime Minister, has provided Canada with steady, capable and competent leadership. Despite the constraints and uncertainties of minority Parliaments, the government has been true to the Conservative principles and objectives that won the trust of Canadians in 2006. The dozens of government bills passed since then collectively represent a body of legislative achievement that compares favourably to the record of any government, majority or minority, in Canadian history.

If I may invoke a hockey metaphor, which seems appropriate with the whole country riveted on the Stanley Cup finals, the success of our Conservative team rests first and foremost on our great chemistry. It is true that we are little short of left-wingers but our members from communities in every region of the country have excelled at every position, and our captain, as the best ones do, has raised the game of all of his teammates.

When Canada was dragged into the worst global recession in a half century, our team showed great poise. We stuck to our long-term game plan for low taxes and economic growth. In the short term, we successfully finessed the recession with a balanced attack of stimulus spending on public infrastructure, support for the hardest hit workers and communities and skilful stickhandling of our financial system through the international banking and currency crisis.

As a result, Canada was the last major economy dragged into the recession. We were the least affected by it and we are coming out of it in stronger economic shape than our main competitors. We have the lowest debt and deficit levels in the G7. We have the best job creation track record of most industrialized nations. We also have had seven consecutive quarters of modest but consistent economic growth.

Some of the other teams in this tournament, including traditional powerhouses, have not fared so well. Their recoveries have been slowed because they are badly out of fiscal shape, carrying way too much debt. We take little comfort in this victory on these terms because, unless and until those sovereign debt levels are seriously addressed and significantly reduced, the global economic recovery will remain at grave risk, and, once again, Canada could be dragged into an international economic crisis through no fault of its own. That is why our government must, and will, proceed with the next phase of our economic action plan, our low-tax plan for jobs and growth.

On Monday, my esteemed colleague, the member for Whitby—Oshawa, the world's best finance minister, will re-introduce budget 2011. It will continue our focus on job creation and economic growth by maintaining a stable and low tax environment, nurturing a highly-skilled and mobile workforce, supporting scientific and technological research and development, reducing red tape and expanding international trade.

Continuing with the singular focus on a broad-based tax reduction, which has been a hallmark of our government since 2006, the budget will introduce new tax credits for individuals and families and continue with business tax cuts to stimulate job creation.

To ensure Canadians of all ages can take full advantage of these job opportunities, we will provide more support for mid-career skills training, remove age barriers for older workers and help young people to acquire the skills they need to get ahead in the workplace.

In an age when more and more Canadians are building careers in the information and other technology sectors, we will create the optimal conditions for growing the sector with a digital economic strategy. It will improve digital infrastructure and encourage businesses to expand digital technologies and hire and train employees to achieve that goal. Moreover, copyright legislation that balances the interests of creators and consumers will streamline transactions and stimulate growth in the digital marketplace.

As a leader in the international fight against protectionism during the global recession, Canada will leverage its reputation as a free trading nation to expand an evergrowing list of trade agreements. At the top of the list are negotiations with two of the world's largest economies, India and the European Union, which both represent phenomenal opportunities for expanded trade investment and economic growth.

The United States remains our largest trading partner so our government will continue to work with the Obama administration on a continental security and economic framework that will ensure safe and streamlined trade and travel between our countries.

All these initiatives will stimulate greater foreign investment to fuel our economic growth, as will our efforts to make Canada a low tax destination for international business and investment and our plan to streamline corporate regulation with a new national securities regulator.

Among Canada's strongest comparative advantages in the global economy are its relatively low deficit and debt levels. That is what gave us the fiscal flexibility to deal with the recession as effectively as we did. However, now it is time to get back to balanced budgets so we are ready for anything the future holds.

Given the many uncertainties hanging over the recovery, it is crucial that we eliminate the deficit and start paying down the debt as soon as possible. That is why we have accelerated our timetable for returning to balanced budgets from 2015 to 2014.

The new cabinet subcommittee,which will lead a strategic and operating review of government spending, is mandated to reduce the cost of government without cutting essential health, pension and education transfers to the provinces and individuals. Its work will help restore balanced budgets and create the fiscal room that will allow for more debt paydown, more tax cuts and more investment in key priorities.

In the meantime, we will proceed with other benefits for families and seniors, including a permanent increase of the guaranteed income supplement that will boost nearly 700,000 of Canada's most vulnerable seniors, a new family caregiver tax credit to make it much easier for Canadians to look after aging or infirmed loved ones, and a new children's arts tax credit to help parents nurture the artistic and musical talents of their kids.

Recognizing Canada's aging population trends, we will also continue to expand options and incentives for retirement savings. Our tax free savings accounts were an important step in this direction and we plan to follow up with the pooled registered pension plan to help all Canadians plan for a financially secure retirement.

An aging population will also place greater demands on the health care system so we will maintain the 6% escalator in the Canada health transfer and continue working closely with the provinces to reduce wait times and renew the national health accord.

By definition, the mandate of Canada's national government is to focus on national issues and the national interest. However, within that mandate we have an obligation to help create the social and economic conditions that will allow regional communities and the industries that sustain them to prosper and succeed. Sometimes that means correcting past legislative mistakes that unfairly burdened certain communities. That is what was done to Canada's rural farmers and hunters under the wasteful and ineffective long gun registry, which is why we will introduce legislation to scrap it.

That is also what was done to western farmers under the single desk marketing system of the Canadian Wheat Board, which is why we will legislate to restore their freedom to sell wheat and barley on the open market.

That is what was done to Canada's aboriginal peoples when, in the name of protecting their land, customs and culture, they were locked behind legal barriers to full social and economic participation in the mainstream of Canadian life.

Our government will work with aboriginal communities to take down those barriers through new investments in first nations land management that will improve access to clean water and clean energy technologies.

Working with the provinces and territories we will also take concrete action to improve aboriginal elementary, secondary and adult education. We will also end gender-based discrimination on reserves by ensuring first nations people have the same matrimonial real property rights as all Canadians.

I am immensely proud of our government's record during our first five years in office. I am thrilled to now be a member of a government that will build on its accomplishments with the program outlined in the Speech from the Throne.

Therefore I move, seconded by the hon. member for Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, that the following address be presented to His Excellency the Governor General of Canada:

To His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada:

May it please Your Excellency:

We, Her Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the House of Commons of Canada, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Excellency for the gracious Speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Houses of Parliament today.

[Peggy Nash, NDP, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for her remarks. I would especially like to thank the constituents in my riding of Parkdale--High Park for placing their trust in me and voting me into the House.

I have spoken to far too many members of my community who are really struggling. They are facing high household debt and many are facing unemployment. It is clear that there is an ongoing jobs crisis in Canada today. It is not only a crisis in the quantity of jobs but also in the quality of jobs. Far too many Canadians cannot make ends meet and are really struggling.

Canada's banks have made over $22 billion in the last year, $1 billion of which was a generous gift from the Conservative government in the form of corporate tax cuts, and yet there is no evidence that even one job has been created with that amount of money.

Why is the government going to continue down the failed path of corporate tax cuts instead of showing leadership by dealing with the reality of Canada's job crisis?

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the throne speech addresses the job crisis in Canada, as did our economic action plan that was put in place.

Members will note that Canada has emerged from the global economic recession better than any other industrialized nation. Unemployment levels are at the same place that they were at the beginning of the recession, with this government having created almost 500,000 new jobs, including 91,000 full time jobs in the month of March. This is a priority for our government and it was absolutely outlined in the throne speech today.

[Bob Rae, Liberal, Toronto Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome the member for Mississauga South to the House. I want to congratulate her for her very effective and faithful rendition of the government's policies. I was particularly encouraged, I must say, by the reference to assistance for older workers in mid-career.

However, I do have a question for the hon. member. The trouble that a lot of us have with the government's basic message is this: The Conservatives are saying that they do have money to build prisons, which most people feel are unnecessary; that they do have money to set aside for--

[An hon. member]

It is not true.

[Bob Rae, Liberal, Toronto Centre, ON]

Already, Mr. Speaker, you see the pattern is here. I see signs. I am hearing things.

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Order, please. It is a good thing the hon. member for Toronto Centre can hear things because I am having trouble hearing the question. If we could have a little bit of order, please, he has a few seconds left to finish his question.

[Bob Rae, Liberal, Toronto Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the members opposite remind me very much of a prayer of St. Augustine: Make me pure, but not quite yet. That is what I hear from the members opposite.

However, if there is money for this and if there is money for the tax cuts that have been mentioned by our friend from Parkdale—High Park, why would there not be additional money for the senior citizens who are living in such poverty? Rather than a cup of coffee a day, which is what is being provided by the GIS, why would there not be more, as has been proposed by the opposition parties?

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, as all of us here in the House know, we all campaigned for 37 days and we heard every day, on the phones, mostly at the doors, from our constituents and from Canadians all over Canada about their priorities.

Our priorities were never secret; they were laid out clearly and concisely in the platform. This government has done more for seniors than any other. Increasing the guaranteed income supplement for our most vulnerable seniors is one of the measures that we are putting forward, and we are very proud of that. We are also proud of incentives such as the tax free savings account for seniors and others.

We have all heard about these priorities and I think Canadians elected this strong, stable, national Conservative majority government to get those things done.

[Tom Lukiwski, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, first I want to congratulate my new colleague from Mississauga South for her maiden speech.

Many of us in this place today are new, and many will have opportunities in the upcoming days and weeks to give their maiden speeches and present their views to Canadians from coast to coast to coast on what they want to see in the configuration of this great country of Canada.

I want to congratulate my colleague from Mississauga South for sharing some of her views, but I do have a question. Throughout the campaign, I heard in my own riding and I am certain the member for Mississauga South heard in her riding as well about our plans to eliminate political subsidies, taxpayer subsidies for political parties. I would like my colleague to please share her thoughts on what she heard during the campaign on our government's plan to eliminate political subsidies for political parties

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I would point out to my colleague that our government always stands for fairness and accountability in the electoral process. That is why it is a priority for us to end subsidies to political parties. We believe that will ensure the fairness of the system. That is why we are going forward with this very important platform issue.

Frankly, that was part of a plan that respected Canadians. That was all about tax fairness. That was about jobs and low taxes. That all fits in with respect for the taxpayer and making sure that we do what we say we will do and get things done for Canadians, working hard for Canadians.

[Françoise Boivin, NDP, Gatineau, QC]

It is good to be back, and congratulations, Mr. Speaker.

Before I welcome the hon. member, I would first like to thank the people of Gatineau for having again placed their confidence in me in such large numbers. They have also shown their support for the message of change promoted by my party and the official opposition throughout the campaign. They will always be my priority and I will not forget them over the next four years.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the hon. member for Mississauga South. I have some idea of what she must be feeling today. It was seven years ago for me, but it remains an unforgettable moment.

I listened closely to the Speech from the Throne and to the motion from the member for Mississauga South in response to that speech. And while I admit that certain elements of her motion touched on things that we brought forward throughout the campaign, I am worried, as the critic for the status of women, to see very little on that topic. Can the member tell me if the government is taking this matter seriously?

[Stella Ambler, Conservative, Mississauga South, ON]

Mr. Speaker, looking at this House, it speaks for itself. Some 75 female members of Parliament have been elected. That is fantastic.

This government is committed to serving all Canadians and making sure that its priorities remain low taxes and job creation.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Governor General for his gracious remarks. I am happy and honoured to second the motion of my colleague, the hon. member for Mississauga South, regarding the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. I also want to thank the Prime Minister for giving me the opportunity to do so.

It is an honour to continue to serve my constituents here in the 41st Parliament. I am proud to be part of a government that has always focused on priorities, a government that has always been dedicated to the priorities of Canadians.

My hon. colleague spoke about our government's plan to stay on track during the economic recovery. This is the number one priority for Canadians, which is why it will remain the number one priority for our government.

In support of my hon. colleague's motion, I would like to point out some other key features of our government's agenda, which was outlined by His Excellency.

These are priorities of another kind, but no less important to the well-being of Canadians. These priorities are at the heart of the principles of peace, order and good government that we must ensure are respected in our country.

Our government has always believed that it is our most solemn duty to protect Canadians, to ensure their personal safety, to secure our borders and to defend our country. We also believe that our government must be accountable to Canadians as it accomplishes these tasks and fulfills its duties.

Our government is taking action and will continue to advance these priorities. Our constituents expect us to do so. That is why I was pleased to hear His Excellency briefly summarize the next steps in our government's law and order agenda.

As the Prime Minister has said, Canadians deserve to feel safe in their homes. They want to be able to walk the streets without constantly looking over their shoulders. They expect to find their vehicles where they parked them. The constituents of Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière believe in the rehabilitation of criminals, but we must also ensure that the rights of criminals do not take precedence over the rights of law-abiding citizens. We must support victims' rights.

Despite the many obstacles, our government has already made considerable progress toward these goals. We are now well positioned to implement all the measures of our crime-fighting agenda.

His Excellency spoke about measures to protect children from sex offenders, to help at-risk youth avoid gangs and criminal activity, and to encourage courts to impose tougher sentences for those who abuse seniors.

We will take swift and decisive action to tackle these problems and other serious issues. We will focus on protecting the most vulnerable people in society. We will work to restore Canadians' confidence in the fairness of our justice system.

Both expert advisers and my constituents in Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière support what our government is doing to fight crime. They believe that even one victim of crime is one too many. They believe that a sentence must reflect the severity of the crime. They believe that our system should put public safety first.

Canadians know they can trust our government to act according to these principles. They know that we are committed to ensuring their safety. They know that we are determined to protect our country and defend the principles on which it was founded.

Canadians cherish our tradition of tolerance and harmony. We welcome newcomers who seek to build a better future for themselves and their families. We know they are a key factor in ensuring the strength of our economy and our communities. That is why Canadians support our government's efforts to secure our borders and protect the integrity of our immigration system.

Canadians support our plan to crack down on human smuggling, which dissuades criminals who put the lives of immigrants in danger and abuse our country's generosity. New Canadians often understand better than anyone the importance of taking action. They followed the rules to come and establish themselves in this country. They know what it means to be Canadian. They share our government's desire to ensure that Canadians have confidence in our immigration system.

His Excellency mentioned other measures that will advance the values we share as Canadians. I am proud of our government's plan to create a new office of religious freedom.

As the Prime Minister said, respect for religious pluralism is inextricably linked to democratic development. By defending the rights of religious minorities throughout the world, we are promoting the universal principles of human rights, which are rights that new Canadians deeply appreciate, sometimes because of the persecution they endured in their home countries.

The values that we cherish as Canadians—liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law—have always guided our actions abroad. They led us to join our allies in protecting the people of Libya, and they will guide us when we hold a parliamentary debate on the future of this mission. They lead us to continue to protect the homes and rights of Canadians. That is why our government will continue to support our men and women in uniform. We will honour our veterans, our heroes, who are the greatest Canadians. We will continue to defend our national sovereignty, particularly in Canada's north. For our government, defending our country also means promoting our shared history and protecting our natural heritage.

Our government is eager to invite Canadians to celebrate Her Majesty's the Queen's diamond jubilee in 2012. We share Canadians' enthusiasm for the idea of welcoming their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in a few weeks.

We will also be proud to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, an extremely important event in the development of our Canadian identity. We will commemorate these events while looking forward to the future, and we will build on our achievements.

Our government has an impressive track record when it comes to preserving our country's magnificent lands and waters.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our national parks system, we are taking steps to create new national parks, including a new urban park in the Rouge Valley in the greater Toronto area.

In closing, I would like to emphasize the measures that will enhance integrity and accountability within the government, as announced today by His Excellency.

Our government was first elected on its promise of accountability. The first legislation it introduced was the Federal Accountability Act. Through conversations I have had with my constituents in Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, I know that this government, under the leadership of our Prime Minister, has proven itself worthy of the trust of Canadians. As the Prime Minister said this week, we are determined to keep earning that trust.

As part of our efforts, we will take measures to reform the Senate and restore fair representation in the House of Commons.

Canadians want our government to remain focused on the economy.

They also expect us to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens, strengthen our national sovereignty, defend and celebrate the values that unite us as Canadians, and continue ensuring integrity and accountability in government.

Canadians have given our government a mandate to implement our plan in order to achieve the objectives presented today by the Governor General.

I encourage all hon. members of this House to support today's motion. For me it is both an honour and a pleasure to support the motion on the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne.

[Robert Chisholm, NDP, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Mr. Speaker, first, I am thrilled to be in this place and to be a member of Her Majesty's loyal opposition. Also, I very much thank the people of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour who have shown confidence in me in the last election, sending me here to speak on their behalf and to work on making their lives and communities stronger.

I do have a question. I am struck by the ambitious program that the government has talked about with respect to trade. I, as a member of the opposition, am quite prepared and anxious to work with it to ensure that any agreements are strong. However, the government's history is not a good one in terms of negotiating strong agreements.

On behalf of working people and communities in Canada, will the hon. member make a commitment to the House to work with members to ensure that the—

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Order, please. The hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question and congratulate him on having been elected.

Yes, we will be working together with all members in the House for the good of Canadians in the very near future. I invite the opposition to vote in favour of our budget next week.

[Denis Coderre, Liberal, Bourassa, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on having been re-elected. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the constituents of Bourassa who have given me a sixth mandate here in the House. It is truly a privilege to be here as a parliamentarian.

Now, here is the problem, and we have seen it before. There are plenty of fine ideas. This is a cut and paste version of what we were hearing for months before, but I would like to speak in more concrete terms. If the government is here for the people, there are people from the Montérégie area who would like to see their parked cars again, but with the flooding, their cars are gone. They have the feeling that the government has deserted them.

Would the parliamentary secretary agree that the Prime Minister should go to the Montérégie area himself? Will the army be given a new mandate to help clean up and to work to improve the lives of these people in the Montérégie area? What does he think?

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question and congratulate him on his election.

We have a great deal of sympathy for the people of Montérégie and other Canadians who have been affected by extremely serious natural disasters. Of course, we also support the members of our armed forces who are doing excellent work throughout the country to help all these people. There have been no serious injuries or deaths. I would like to commend our armed forces who are working hard to ensure the safety of Canadians.

[André Bellavance, Bloc, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Mr. Speaker, like the hon. member for Bourassa, I would like to begin by warmly thanking the constituents in my riding of Richmond—Arthabaska for giving me a fourth mandate. Clearly, I would have preferred a different seat here, one that was closer. However, democracy being what it is, I will obviously roll up my sleeves and make sure that my colleagues and I will be heard and that the needs of our constituents will also be heard.

Like the hon. member for Bourassa, my question is about current events. Can the member who just spoke tell me why, exactly, the government still, to this day, has not announced compensation for those currently affected by the flooding in the Montérégie area?

Not only has no compensation for the people in the Montérégie area been announced, but no compensation has been paid yet to the people who had to deal with the flooding caused by high tides in the Gaspé months ago.

I would like to hear his response. How could this not be part of the Speech from the Throne? I hope to see something on it soon.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. I also congratulate my riding neighbour on his election.

Quebec and Canada have agreements for dealing with disasters, and we will work in accordance with the existing agreements.

[Randall Garrison, NDP, Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC]

Mr. Speaker, first, I congratulate you on your election as Speaker and wish you well in the chair.

I also thank the voters of Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca for giving me the great honour of representing them in this chamber. I will work hard to ensure their concerns are always front and centre in my work here.

Having listened to the throne speech and the debate thus far, my question for the parliamentary secretary is about pensions. In the Speech from the Throne, the government has chosen to ignore the first choice of most Canadians, and that is to strengthen the Canada pension plan. Instead, the government is pushing forward with a plan that will see Bay Street scoop up a significant portion of any increase in retirement savings in its fees taken out of the hard-earned income of Canadians.

As well, the speech promises only a half measure for the many seniors who struggle right now everyday to make ends meet, in my riding and across the country.

Could the parliamentary secretary tell us why the government refuses to support the urgent, affordable and truly Canadian policy of lifting all seniors out of poverty immediately?

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question and congratulate him on his election.

The financial security of all Canadians is important to us, and I will repeat that the upcoming budget will support our most vulnerable seniors, with help for over 680,000 of them. I hope that my colleague will support this budget.

[Shelly Glover, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to once again welcome all members to the House.

“Welcome back”, is what I am trying to say in French.

I would like to tell my hon. colleague, who was also here during the previous parliament, that we have really focused on making job creation and job growth in all regions of Canada our top priority for the benefit of Canadians. The throne speech also talked about how we will reduce tax rates for Canadians and addressed the important matter of subsidies to federal political parties. That will be very beneficial for Quebec.

I wonder if the parliamentary secretary, who is from Quebec and who is part of our Canadian family, could tell us what he thinks of our decision to eliminate subsidies to political parties?

Before he replies, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Saint Boniface in Manitoba for once again placing their trust in me in this new parliament.

I would now like to hear from the parliamentary secretary on the question of subsidies to political parties.

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for her question and congratulate her on her re-election.

Political parties can be subsidized in three ways: the per-vote allocation, tax credits for donations and reimbursements for electoral expenses. We believe that these last two ways should be more than sufficient, and we will phase out the per-vote allocation to give political parties time to adapt to the new reality. Abolishing the $2 per vote allocation to political parties will allow us to save Canadian taxpayers close to $30 million.

[Jack Layton, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, it is my honour as leader of Her Majesty's loyal opposition, and seconded by the member for Sherbrooke, I move:

That the debate be now adjourned.

(On motion of Mr. Jack Layton the debate was adjourned)

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I move:

That this House do now adjourn.

(Motion agreed to)

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Following the adjournment of the House, I invite all hon. members to a reception being held in the Hall of Honour to mark the opening of the 41st Parliament.

This House stands adjourned until next Monday at 2 p.m., pursuant to an order made earlier today.

(The House adjourned at 4:48 p.m.)