Jay Hill

[Points of Order, December 6th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my appreciation to the chief opposition whip for that apology.

I would like to point out though, on this point of order, that all too often some members in the Chamber jump to conclusions and they can do other members a lot of damage and cause a lot of hurt unnecessarily.

Obviously, we look forward to the apology that I understand will be forthcoming from the member for London—Fanshawe as well, but the point is that what we have seen in the Chamber is some of the worst. When people are unjustly accused, it becomes a national media circus and story.

On behalf of my colleague who is not in the Chamber at the moment, and I know I am not supposed to say that but I think that is obvious, I will accept the apology of the hon. member.

However, I would point out that, especially as whips, we are the people who are responsible for the morale and the discipline of our respective caucuses. I think it is incumbent upon us to reflect on that and not jump to conclusions.

[Charter of Rights and Freedoms, December 5th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, since we have all members in attendance and in the interest of efficiency, I think you might find unanimous consent to put the question immediately on the Ways and Means Motion No. 5 listed on today's order paper.

[Status of Women, December 5th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among all parties and with the approval of the sponsor, I think you would find unanimous consent to move immediately to the taking of the deferred recorded division on private members Motion No. 315, standing in the name of the member for Niagara West—Glanbrook, and that the bells summoning members be dispensed with.

[Old Age Security Act, November 28th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, if you were to seek it, you would find acceptance in the House to pass Bill C-362 at second reading on division.

[Tackling Violent Crime Act, November 26th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, you were anticipating what I was about to say. I would ask that the vote be deferred until the end of government orders this evening.

[Privilege, November 23rd, 2007]

I am rising on the same point, Mr. Speaker, if you will just indulge me for a moment.

I would just say that I have been a member of Parliament for some 14 years. I have never seen such a sad apology in my life, and to do it on a Friday afternoon when the minister the member has insulted is not even present is inexcusable. I would have to say that I for one at least, having not had the opportunity to talk to my minister, certainly do not accept that apology.

[Committees of the House, November 23rd, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among all the parties and I believe you would find unanimous consent for the following motion:

That, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 83.1, the Standing Committee on Finance be authorized to present its report on the prebudget consultations no later than February 8, 2008; and,

That, during its consideration of matters pursuant to Standing 83.1, the Standing Committee on Finance be authorized to adjourn from place to place within Canada and to permit the broadcasting of its proceedings thereon, and that the necessary staff do accompany the committee.

[Youth Criminal Justice Act, November 21st, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the new legislation, which the justice minister spoke about, albeit briefly, has elicited a great response, judging by how many of my colleagues from all parties are looking to ask questions of him. Therefore, I will try to keep this brief.

The reality I have often remarked over the 14 years I have been privileged to be a member of Parliament is that too often our justice system overlooks the victims of crime. More often than not, the victims of youth crime are youth themselves, and we do not want to lose sight of that.

I was very pleased to hear my colleague, the justice minister, remark that a real impetus for bringing forward the legislation is to try to bring greater fairness and justice to the victims of crime.

Could he elaborate a bit more on that? I hear this all the time, not only in northeastern British Columbia, but as I travel across our country.

[Donkin Coal Block Development Opportunity Act, November 20th, 2007]

moved that Bill C-15, An Act respecting the exploitation of the Donkin coal block and employment in or in connection with the operation of a mine that is wholly or partly at the Donkin coal block, and to make a consequential amendment to the Canada--Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, be read the second time and referred to a committee.

[Business of the House, November 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, discussions have taken place among all parties and I believe you would find consent for the following motion. I move:

That, when Ways and Means Motion No. 4 is called today, a recorded division be deemed requested and the vote deferred until later today at the end of government orders.