John Duncan

[Committees of the House, November 7th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I think if you seek it you would find agreement for the following motion. I move:

That, in relation to its study on Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), twelve members of the Standing Committee on International Trade be authorized to travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the Fall of 2013, and that the necessary staff accompany the Committee.

[Points of Order, November 7th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Earlier today, the President of the Treasury Board tabled the supplementary estimates (B) for 2013-14.

On behalf of the President of the Treasury Board, I wish to inform the House that there was an error in schedule 1 concerning the vote amount for vote 25b under Treasury Board. The correct amount of $275 million is reflected in the French annexe 1. The English schedule contains a typographical error in the amount of vote 25b. I am, therefore, tabling on behalf of the President of the Treasury Board a revised English schedule concerning vote 25b, along with the correct version of the French, which was tabled earlier today.

[Business of Supply, November 5th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I think if you seek it you shall find consent to see the clock at 5:30.

[First Nations Elections Act, October 29th, 2013]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-9, An Act respecting the election and term of office of chiefs and councillors of certain First Nations and the composition of council of those First Nations.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the special order made previously, I would like to inform the House that this bill is in the same form as Bill S-6 was in the previous session at the time of prorogation.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Business of the House, October 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, if you seek it, I think you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:

That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, the question on ways and means Motion No. 2 be put immediately following the recorded division on the opposition motion later this day and if a recorded division is requested on the ways and means motion, the vote shall be taken up immediately.

[Government Accountability, October 17th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, we are willing to work with our colleagues from all parties to develop improved reporting that applies to all parliamentarians. We believe that all parties should support measures to improve transparency. Until such a system is in place, Conservative parliamentarians will do it themselves.

[Committees of the House, October 16th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I move:

That the membership of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs be amended as follows:

Brad Butt for Scott Armstrong;

Ted Opitz for Parm Gill;

Blake Richards for Costas Menegakis; and

Kevin Lamoureux for Dominic LeBlanc

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 11th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, first nation members have asked for greater accountability and transparency for public funds. Our government has responded to these calls with the first nations financial transparency act. It would provide community members with the tools they need to hold their band governments accountable.

We are disappointed that the Liberals are opposed to transparency and accountability for band governments for the tax dollars they receive.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 6th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our government must ensure that programs and services for aboriginal peoples are fiscally sustainable. We continue to work in partnership to enhance the economic opportunities for Métis and non-status Indians. Given that the federal court decision raises complex issues, it is prudent for Canada to obtain a decision from a higher court. After careful consideration, Canada has filed an appeal and this case is now before the courts.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 6th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, we are taking serious action to ensure that first nations students have access to a quality education, just like every other student in Canada.

That is why we have launched intensive consultations on the development of a first nations education act. We want to have that in place in September 2014 for the school year. We have already had one of our regional round tables in Nova Scotia, and we will have one on Friday this week in Saskatoon.

We are moving forward, and we are achieving success.