Mr. Speaker, the first nations of northwestern Ontario are concerned that their rights have been trampled by Bill C-45, the government's omnibus budget bill. Concerns include leasing of reserve land, on-reserve voting rights and scrapping the Navigable Waters Protection Act, which reduced protection of millions of our lakes and rivers to less than 200. No longer protected are northwestern Ontario rivers like the Kaministiquia, or the Nipigon River, home of the largest speckled trout in the world.

Chiefs point out the Prime Minister promised that his government would never approve unilateral changes to the Indian Act. They are right. The government has not adequately consulted with first nations. However, neither has the Prime Minister consulted with scientists, academics, small businesses, Canadian workers, NGOs, provincial premiers, or Parliament, including his own backbenchers, so first nations chiefs are in good company.

The PM does seem to consult frequently and widely with CEOs of banks, foreign oil companies and dictators of communist countries.

Queen's Diamond Jubilee MedalStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Ted Opitz Conservative Etobicoke Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, following question period today, you will have the honour of presenting 25 outstanding Canadians with Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee Medal. These 25 individuals have come from across the country. They were nominated by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs for this well-deserved and prestigious honour.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization, implementing strategies to improve the quality of Jewish life in Canada and abroad, increase support for Israel and strengthen the Canada-Israel relationship.

I reviewed the accomplishments of these outstanding citizens and I can attest to the dedication and commitment they have to their communities, their province and their country. One common trait the recipients share is their long-standing dedication to volunteerism and devotion to their fellow citizens. They are an example for all citizens,and most deserving of this honour.

I ask all members of the House to join me in expressing our congratulations to the these distinguished recipients and our thanks for their continued service to Canada.

Seasons GreetingsStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

NDP

Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is one of life's most beautiful ironies that at this darkest, coldest time of year, people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the spirit of hope, unity and goodwill, which unites and sustains us as Canadians.

This holiday season marks a crucial milestone for people of many faiths. However, whether faith based or those of a purely secular bent, we all eagerly await the chance to reflect on life's blessings and build cherished memories with family and friends.

Let those of us who sit in the House seize this spirit to reconnect with the diverse communities, which remain the source of Canada's greatness and let us all rekindle that abiding sense of civic duty, which remains the supreme motivation of our shared service.

I am certain all members will join me in wishing every Canadian a safe, prosperous new year. May 2013 bring tidings of joy, peace and renewed purpose to us all.

Charter of Rights and FreedomStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Conservative

Scott Reid Conservative Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court interprets statutes by referring first to the text of the law and when the statutory text is unclear, to Parliament's publicly stated intent as laid out in the legislative history.

However, when interpreting the Constitution, the court adopts an inferior approach in which the intent of the framers is frequently ignored and the court instead consults with a different kind of extraneous evidence regarding present day Canadian values.

One reason offered for this departure from the sensible rules the court normally applies is that the documentary record regarding the Charter of Rights is simply too vast and too disorganized to permit ready consultation.

To assist with this problem, I am working with the Canadian Constitution Foundation to create, online, a sortable and word searchable database of all documents relating to the debate over the adoption of the Charter of Rights 30 years ago. This work in progress already contains over 100,000 pages of primary documentation. The website will go live on Constitution Day, 2013.

With this resource in hand, it is hoped that our courts will find it possible to more accurately and predictably enforce the rule of constitutional law.

Cape Breton EventsStatements by Members

2:05 p.m.

Liberal

Mark Eyking Liberal Sydney—Victoria, NS

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize two very special events that took place in my riding.

On November 24, the ninth Annual Festival of the Greens Holiday Gala helped raise $91,000 for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital's labour and delivery unit. This event was an immense success, attended by more than 550 guests.

That same day, I also attended the eighth Annual Appreciation Dinner for the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, which was held in the Iona Legion. This event raised almost $30,000 to date to assist with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital's patient care fund, helping cancer patients with unforeseen expenses while they are receiving treatment. Over a hundred people gathered to show their support.

The great success of these events would not have been possible without the help of our organizers, sponsors, donors, volunteers and the many generous guests who attended. I would like to thank all those involved from the community for their contribution. Many lives will be improved as a result of their generosity.

Seasons GreetingsStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

James Rajotte Conservative Edmonton—Leduc, AB

Mr. Speaker, the end of the year is a fitting time to reflect and share in the festive spirit with family, friends and neighbours, as well as to express appreciation for the hard work done by those around us.

As chair of the Standing Committee on Finance, I would like to thank all the members of that committee, including all of our clerks, analysts and staff who support the work of the committee. We have had a very busy and productive session and I sincerely appreciate all of their efforts.

I would also like to thank my very hard-working office staff, both in the constituency and in Ottawa, who work so diligently throughout the year to ensure that the needs of Edmonton—Leduc constituents are met. Therefore, I thank Debbie Healy, Samantha Johnston, Kim Dohmann, Carmel Harris, Lene Jorgensen and Trevor Rogers for all that they do.

I would remind all members to exercise safety during this holiday season. There is always an option to get home safely, whether by calling a friend, a cab, taking public transportation or using a service like Operation Red Nose and the wonderful volunteers who work there.

Once again, Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel et bonne année à tous mes collègues.

Conservative Party of CanadaStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Guy Caron NDP Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Speaker, as the year draws to a close, it is time to take a look at the Conservatives' record. They have wreaked havoc on eastern Quebec.

There is the upcoming closure of the employment insurance processing centre in Rimouski, which will result in the loss of 37 jobs, and its relocation to Thetford Mines for no reason, which was decided behind closed doors.

There is the closure of the ecotoxicology department at the Maurice Lamontagne Institute and the firing of its eight researchers, as well as the pending closure of the Maurice Lamontagne Institute library, which serves UQAR, ISMER and other research centres. It is the only French-language science library specializing in marine sciences.

There is the closure of the Canada Revenue Agency office in Rimouski. Its three employees will no longer be there to serve the public.

In addition, Lake Témiscouata, the Neigette River, the Trois-Pistoles River and all other waterways in the region will no longer be protected by the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

Lastly, with winter approaching, people with seasonal jobs in tourism, the fishery, agriculture and forestry are wondering if they will be forced to work an hour away from home and at 70% of their previous salary.

They have all fallen prey to the ideological and reckless cuts of a government that bandied about the slogan “Our regions in power”, but which seems to be doing all it can to impoverish them.

Governor General's History AwardStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Chris Alexander Conservative Ajax—Pickering, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to this year's Governor General's History Award winners.

The teaching of history in our great country is much more than an academic pursuit. It reminds us that behind this vast land are stories of amazing sacrifice and achievement.

One of six winners for excellence in teaching was Daraius Bharucha, a resident of Ajax who teaches at Bill Crothers Secondary School in Unionville. He and his colleague Stefano Fornazzari San Martín use multimedia to connect their students' family experience of immigration with major periods of Canadian history through a project called “My Place in Canadian History: Digital Storytelling with Historical Thinking Concepts”.

The Sir John A. Macdonald Prize was awarded to François-Marc Gagnon, Nancy Senior and Réal Ouellet for their magnificent edition of the Codex Canadensis and the Writings of Louis Nicolas: The natural history of the New World, Histoire Naturelles des Indes Occidentales. What a gorgeous book.

Published at the beginning of the 18th century, the Codex Canadensis documents the flora, fauna and aboriginal life in New France, a true reflection of our Canadian renaissance.

I encourage all members and all Canadians to give the gift of Canadian history this Christmas, to share the beauty of the Codex canadensis and to celebrate our GG's history award winners.

Empty Stocking FundStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

Rodney Weston Conservative Saint John, NB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a wonderful Christmas tradition in Saint John, the Empty Stocking Fund.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of this community fundraising institution, which has worked to ensure that children in need do not go without at Christmas in the Saint John area.

The Empty Stocking Fund began when local reporter “Dutch” Ervin resolved that every child should experience the magic of the season. What started out as a modest “pass the hat” in the newsroom has continued with the support of the Telegraph-Journal and Rogers. This tremendous community effort has raised millions of dollars with the help of many talented children and hard-working volunteers, and they ensure that 100% of the funds raised go to meet the needs of the children.

This year alone saw $149,000 pledged during the broadcast. I want to let people know that they can still contribute and remind those who have not yet honoured their pledges to please do so.

Most of all, I want to thank the many people involved throughout the years for helping to make a child's Christmas memorable.

Retirement CongratulationsStatements by Members

2:10 p.m.

NDP

Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON

Mr. Speaker, it is with mixed emotions that I rise today to thank one of the cornerstone members of my team, Karen Boyce, in her last day of work before she moves on to a well-deserved retirement.

Karen began working in my constituency office shortly after I was first elected in 2002. She retires today undoubtedly as one of Canada's best constituency assistants.

Over the years, Karen has helped thousands of people in my community access the services and benefits they were entitled to, sorted through complicated cases reaching every corner of the globe and even sent faxes in the middle of the night to ensure she reached embassies across the world.

Karen worked every day with the simple goal of improving the lives of the people in our community. The hallmarks of her work include competence, knowledge, patience and compassion. She has always been a steadying influence, whose counsel has been invaluable to me and her colleagues alike.

I thank Karen from the bottom of my heart, as do the constituents of Windsor West, the staff and her colleagues. We will miss her dearly and wish her a well-deserved retirement.

Tzu Chi CanadaStatements by Members

December 12th, 2012 / 2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Wai Young Conservative Vancouver South, BC

Mr. Speaker, our country is strengthened by the many charitable organizations that do important work in our communities.

Today, I rise to recognize the work of Tzu Chi Canada, founded by Mr. Gary Ho in 1992.

Based out of my hometown of Vancouver, Tzu Chi Canada has now grown across the country with over 40,000 members and 11,000 regular donors with branches in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and even here in Ottawa.

This year, Tzu Chi Canada celebrated its 20th anniversary, having raised over $45 million for Canadian charity and international relief work from Haiti, Indonesia and, just recently, New York City.

With a focus on charity, volunteers with Tzu Chi work tirelessly across Canada to serve those in need.

On behalf of our government, I thank Tzu Chi Canada and its CEO, Mr. Gary Ho, who received a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in Ottawa today, for all the work it has done over the past 20 years. Once again, I congratulate Tzu Chi Canada on 20 wonderful years.

Gender ParityStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

NDP

Annick Papillon NDP Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring attention to the many women who are fighting to break the glass ceiling that too often prevents competent women from reaching senior positions within professional hierarchies.

The Women On Board - Femmes Au Conseil directory helps boards of directors and recruitment agencies find and contact highly qualified candidates.

All candidates are seasoned board members who have sat on boards of various types of companies, committees, organizations and non-profits.

This program is definitely a positive step towards enabling accomplished women to contribute their expertise to the country's largest boards of directors.

A directory is set to be released in Montreal, and Quebec City can count on my support for a similar endeavour to help the YWCA, the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Québec and its Actions, Femmes et Leadership committee.

I hope that all women will accept the promotions they are offered, because they are well deserved.

New Democratic Party of CanadaStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB

Mr. Speaker,

The lights are shining brightly and the Christmas tree is up,
The presents are being wrapped, but fees may go up,
A Grinch has appeared to dampen the season,
He won't be deterred, he won't accept reason,
A new tax, he says, is what he will bring,
If he has the chance, his carbon tax will sting,
But we will oppose, with every breathe we contain,
This NDP carbon tax, they advocate with disdain,
Jobs and growth are the things that we fight for and believe in,
Which is what Canadians want on this Christmas season.

I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Government of CanadaStatements by Members

2:15 p.m.

Liberal

Rodger Cuzner Liberal Cape Breton—Canso, NS

Mr. Speaker,

Twas the week before Christmas and things were a mess;
The bulging new deficit had the P.M. under stress;
“These numbers are awful, I can't believe them myself;
“Nigel, I need some answers, go get me that elf”;
But the Minister of Finance could not shed much light;
He told the Parliamentary Budget Officer to go fly a kite;
“These cabinet expenses, we have to cut them and grind them;
“Tell the minister from Labrador, if anyone can find him;
“We should be roasting chestnuts and decking the halls;
“But the opposition just wants to be busting our robocalls”
Things got even worse than bad meat that's infected;
Transport Canada layoffs left Santa's sleigh not inspected;
Christmas would be scuttled like the F-35 plan;
Three years of that BS got flushed down the can;
Santa needed a saviour, someone decked out in red;
A wily old veteran with white on his head;
He called in a favour, they inspected the sleigh;
The member for Toronto Centre just saved Christmas Day;
There were presents under trees and smiles on kids' faces;
He did a great job as Santa on an interim basis.

New Democratic Party of CanadaStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Lois Brown Conservative Newmarket—Aurora, ON

Mr. Speaker,

It's two weeks before Christmas and all through this House,
the NDP has been silent, as silent as a mouse.
For they are afraid to speak of their sneaky carbon tax plan,
knowing if Canadians found out there would be an NDP ban.
But we all know of their true intention — to propose once again,
this carbon tax when people are paying less attention.
This new tax would cause the costs of things we love to rise,
people's electricity bill this time of year would grow twice its size.
Canadians can count on us to keep taxes low,
so they continue to buy Christmas cakes, trees and sleds for the snow.
We will make sure the NDP leader's carbon tax is way out of sight,
So Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Conservative Members of ParliamentStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

NDP

Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC

Mr. Speaker, day after day, the Conservatives would rather insult Canadians' intelligence than govern. Like good little parrots, they read the lines written by the Conservative politburo, without even changing a comma.

Unfortunately, these ridiculous attacks prevent them from focusing on what is important: representing their constituents' interests, especially when these constituents are suffering because of the Conservatives' cuts.

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit communities in the great territory of Yukon. There, I spoke to many citizens concerned about the impact of Conservative cuts and the signs coming from Ottawa.

In Whitehorse, for example, the Canada Revenue Agency office closed on September 28. This was not just back-office cuts, the whole office was shut down. Since then, the member for Yukon has used five statements to attack the NDP. Not once has he mentioned this closure here in this House.

When seniors, families and businesses are being hurt by Conservative cuts, the New Democrats stand up for all Canadians, even if their members do not.

Religious FreedomStatements by Members

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

Nina Grewal Conservative Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC

Mr. Speaker, religious and ethnic communities from around the world come to Canada to find freedom, peace and a better way of life.

Canada has a long tradition of pluralism, tolerance and respect for the traditions of others. It is truly wonderful that all faiths can celebrate openly here in Canada.

However, political correctness is diluting Christmas in a well-intentioned but unnecessary attempt to be inclusive. How can we as a society join together to celebrate Diwali, the Chinese New Year, Hanukkah or Vaisakhi but, at the same time, rob Christians of the true meaning of Christmas?

As a Sikh, I am not offended when Christians celebrate Christmas in a traditional way. Rather, I am pleased to celebrate with my Christian friends. True diversity means respecting the traditions of all Canadians, including those of the Christian majority.

I ask all members to please join with me in wishing everyone a very merry Christmas.

New MemberRoutine Proceedings

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

The Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Ms. Joan Crockatt, member for the electoral district of Calgary Centre.

Joan Crockatt, member for the electoral district of Calgary Centre, introduced by the Right Hon. Stephen Harper.

New MemberRoutine Proceedings

2:20 p.m.

Conservative

The Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer

I have the honour to inform the House that the Clerk of the House has received from the Chief Electoral Officer a certificate of the election and return of Mr. Erin O'Toole, member for the electoral district of Durham.

Erin O'Toole, member for the electoral district of Durham, introduced by the Right Hon. Stephen Harper.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, on Friday the Prime Minister approved the sale of Nexen to China. On Monday the Conservatives voted unanimously to clarify the Investment Canada Act. The Conservative members must therefore agree with the NDP that greater transparency and more public hearings are needed, as well as a clear definition of what a net benefit to Canada is.

Will the Prime Minister listen to his own MPs and propose substantive amendments to the legislation? This is not about exceptional circumstances or guidelines. We are talking about a piece of legislation, and only Parliament can amend a law.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Calgary Southwest Alberta

Conservative

Stephen Harper ConservativePrime Minister

Mr. Speaker, our announcement last Friday included plenty of clarifications for the markets, and the markets responded appropriately.

We also maintained the flexibility, in certain cases, to protect Canadians and the Canadian economy, which is, of course, the responsibility of the Government of Canada.

Foreign InvestmentOral Questions

2:25 p.m.

Outremont Québec

NDP

Thomas Mulcair NDPLeader of the Opposition

Mr. Speaker, only Parliament can create and repeal legislation.

In the wake of the Nexen debacle, the chief economist of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce said:

It's important that we get our rules up to date and done right...because if we don't we're going to be scaring off some significant potential trade partners and investors

Why is the Prime Minister ignoring—