Human Rights Day  Mr. Speaker, on this day in 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This anniversary, known as Human Rights Day, reminds us of our common commitment to a better world. This reminder is particularly relevant in a time of crisis when the pace of events leaves little time for reflection.

Parliamentary Internship Program  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize some remarkable young Canadians. This week eight interns from the Ontario legislature internship program are on Parliament Hill for their annual study tour. Their visit is part of an exchange between the Ontario legislature internship program and the parliamentary internship program that places 10 young graduates here with members during the parliamentary year.

Education  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge a program operating in a family of schools in the Jane-Finch community of my riding of York West. Conflict Mediation Services of Downsview's project, “Partners for Conflict Resolution”, is a program that promotes positive peer culture and non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.

Religious Organizations  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the grand opening of a new place of worship in my riding of York West. On Sunday, November 18, the Prayer Palace Ministries opened a new church. It was my honour to attend its official dedication. The Prayer Palace Ministries has an international and multicultural congregation that represents the diversity of Toronto.

Ymca  Mr. Speaker, the YMCA in North America was born 150 years ago today in Montreal. Since that day the YMCA has been working to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities across our country and around the world. Its focus is simple: the development of people in spirit, mind and body.

Contraventions Act  Mr. Speaker, over the course of the last decade cannabis use has been the subject of discussion in several fora. Today we are being asked to examine a proposed amendment to the Contraventions Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act regarding cannabis. In considering a legislative amendment, we must take into account our international obligations as a country and consider international experiences with regard to cannabis possession.

Prebudget Consultations  Mr. Speaker, on a recent visit to HRDC I was quite impressed to see the number of programs available not just for young people but for older workers as well. These programs get them retrained and into other programs. I am quite happy to see what HRDC is doing. It is probably quite amazing for people who went to unemployment insurance offices in the past.

Prebudget Consultations  Mr. Speaker, I can say that millions of dollars are currently being directed into British Columbia as they are to the other provinces. That money is on the table through our infrastructure programs for many issues on transportation, whether we are talking roads or rail transportation issues.

Prebudget Consultations  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this prebudget debate today. It is earlier than most of us expected. We still want to make a point of trying to get some of the issues that matter, certainly to my riding of York West, on the record. The residents of York West, which is the riding I am proud to represent, clearly have stressed the importance of living in a safe community.

Prebudget Consultations  Mr. Speaker, I forgot to mention that I will be splitting my time with the member for Mississauga West. I have gone with the task force across the country to some of our large urban regions. The issues that have come forward from all of them are that the communities are feeling under siege.

Teknion Corporation  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Teknion Corporation, a company in my riding of York West. Teknion is an international leader in the design and manufacture of office systems and furniture. On September 24 Teknion was bestowed with the prestigious exporter of the year award.

Victims of Violence  Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, October 28, I attended a mass memorial service for young victims of violence that was organized by the Black Action Defence Committee. We remembered the lives of young black men who had been slain prematurely and offered our condolences to the mothers, fathers, siblings and children of these victims of violence.

Operation Apollo  Mr. Speaker, I stand proudly in the House to applaud the men and women of the Canadian forces who are participating in Operation Apollo and to express my support for the families who stand by them. Because of their dedication to our nation and to our values we have confidence in our armed forces, confidence in our leadership and confidence that we will see a positive resolution to the task at hand.

Multiculturalism  Mr. Speaker, I remind all Canadians of the value of tolerance, respect and cultural diversity. Our country's diversity distinguishes it from most other countries. Our diversity has been a fundamental part of the Canadian landscape since its beginnings. Since the tragic events of September 11, the problem of racial discrimination has become even more salient.

Emergency Response System  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report to the House that none of the suspicious packages received on the Hill this week contained anthrax or any other biological substance. Indeed, none of the suspicious incidents reported elsewhere in Canada contained biological agents. I want to emphasize that there are no reported cases of anthrax in Canada.