The Economy  Mr. Speaker, our government has delivered on its promises to Canadians. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, Canada has sailed through the troubled waters of the global economic recession and come out better than any other G7 country. Yesterday's Speech from the Throne was an opportunity to inform Canadians that we intend to keep delivering results.

International Development  It is deplorable to hear the opposition trying to divide over such a debate. As members know, Canada, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, is recognized around the world as a leader in defending the health and safety of mothers and children, particularly girls. Therefore, instead of dividing, the opposition parties should be proud of the tangible results that we are accomplishing around the world.

Combatting Counterfeit Products Act  Speaker, on the contrary, the bill that we are talking about is very crucial. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister , we want to tackle this issue. We are addressing concerns about the health and safety of Canadians. We are talking about combatting organized crime. We are putting in place a prohibition of counterfeit labels.

Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1  Another is indexing gas tax fund payments to better support job-creating infrastructure in municipalities across Canada, which builds on our government's previous work to assist municipalities with their infrastructure requirements. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we doubled this fund and made it permanent. The municipalities of Newmarket and Aurora rely heavily on this stable, predictable source of funding to help ease the burden imposed by municipal infrastructure renewal on local taxpayers.

Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1  Speaker, I rise today to speak in favour of economic action plan 2013 and our government's budget implementation bill. Even in the face of this global downturn, under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, Canada has led the world. Our net debt to GDP ratio is the lowest in the world. All the major credit agencies have affirmed Canada's AAA credit rating, and we have enjoyed the strongest job creation record in the G7.

Veterans Affairs  Mr. Speaker, our government is standing up for veterans. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, our government has implemented double funding for funerals and burials and has expanded eligibility for the war veterans allowance in economic action plan 2013. Unfortunately, members of the leader of the NDP's own caucus have disdainful remarks for our own veterans.

Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act  Where appropriate, the ombudsman may also make recommendations to the federal government. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we are extremely proud of our record and we continue to improve it, which brings me to today's topic, Bill C-54, the not criminally responsible reform act. Before I begin describing the important measures in this bill, allow me to explain a few key concepts.

Situation in Syria  While some members opposite would have us rush blindly to recognize the Syrian opposition just because other countries have done so, Canada, under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have said, “Hang on. Let's exercise the appropriate caution and due diligence”. That decision seems more wise the longer that this conflict drags on.

Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1  I will close by saying that balancing the books is important to my constituents. Upon assuming office in 2006, our Conservative government, under the leadership of our Prime Minister, undertook an aggressive plan to pay down the debt. We are working toward that, to balance the budget by 2015-16. I encourage all members in this House to join me in supporting the swift passage of Bill C-60 as it will assist Canadian families immediately.

Veterans Affairs committee  We certainly owe an enormous debt of gratitude to them for their sacrifice. We want to ensure that Canada continues to be, as it has been under the leadership of this Prime Minister, a world leader in providing services and benefits to our veterans. The first question I have for you follows on Ms. Mathyssen's question. How much did Canada spend on long-term care in 2012?

Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1  Canada continues to be number one among all G7 countries in economic performance and job growth and, under the leadership of our Prime Minister, will continue to focus on what is important to Canadians: creating jobs and economic growth, while keeping taxes low, balancing budgets and balancing the budget by 2015.

Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1  However, he did indicate that there is no connection with the programs provided by National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada. That said, under the leadership of our Prime Minister and with the support of the Conservative caucus, our government has decided to go beyond this decision, which involved only National Defence, so that the harmonization of our programs also covers those delivered by Veterans Affairs Canada.

The Budget  Where the Leader of the Opposition goes to Washington to, guess what, sabotage trade and attack our industry, we are taking the most ambitious approach to trade that this country has ever had, seeking 66 free trade deals around the world. It is clear that the results are in. I am happy to say that under the leadership of our Prime Minister, Canada has the best economy, the best growth record and the best job record in the G7. While people in Europe, Greece and Cyprus are racked with uncertainty because of the very fragile financial situation they are in, Canadians see a future that is laden with opportunity that is waiting to be seized.

The Environment  Why not have a real team Canada, one that includes members of the opposition, premiers and other people, under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Canada, of course?

The Budget  Our economic action plan also provides continued enhanced support for our veterans, for our nation's heroes. Canada's veterans deserve the very best. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, economic action plan 2013 is a budget that invests in our veterans. In fact, the economic action plan proposes to more than double the financial support for funerals for families, while also cutting cumbersome red tape.