Trade  Mr. Speaker, some have questioned the effectiveness of the team Canada trade missions. Given this, could the minister tell me why the government is now leading another trade mission to China?

World March Of Women  Mr. Speaker, the World March of Women has drawn the attention of parliamentarians and Canadians alike to two critical issues that impact gender equality: poverty and violence against women. My question is for the Secretary of State for the Status of Women. How is the government responding to the demands voiced by the women of this country?

Taxation  Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Alliance proposes a flat tax which would have exactly the opposite effect of a fair and progressive tax system. Under this plan, the higher the income, the bigger the tax break. For example, a taxpayer earning $30,000 would receive a tax reduction of about $600, while another taxpayer earning $200,000 would receive a break of over $22,000.

Prisons And Penitentiaries  Mr. Speaker, I think all members of the House know that drugs pose a real problem in our prison system. I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Solicitor General just what are you doing to help deal with this problem and prevent drugs from entering our prisons?

Crime Prevention  Mr. Speaker, safe communities and safe streets have been the Liberal government's priority from the beginning of our election. Canadians asked us to firmly respond to the serious crimes and we listened. In this session alone our government has introduced legislation to toughen sentencing provisions for home invasions.

The Late Louis Quilico  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to a great Canadian opera singer, the late Mr. Louis Quilico who passed away at the age of 75 last July 15 from a heart attack. Mr. Quilico was one of the most celebrated baritones of his generation. Born in Montreal of a Quebecois mother and an Italian father, Mr.

Scientific Research  Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to mention two important initiatives taken by the government in my riding of York West. Just recently York University received a $14,000 grant under the northern scientific training program. Since its inception in 1961 this training program has played a key role in supporting the development of scientific expertise in northern research and in promoting the vital and growing role of Canadian universities in this field.

Supply  Madam Speaker, I would point out as a member of the committee that the committee held many, many meetings and heard lots of witnesses. We recognize that the recommendations in the report came from all of us; that we look at finding a way to make the department slightly smaller, modernizing the department and streamlining it.

Supply  Madam Speaker, I would remind the hon. member that one of the roles of HRDC is to get people off unemployment and back into the workforce, as well as to ensure that opportunities are there for the disabled, the handicapped and many other Canadians who look forward to a positive future.

Supply  Madam Speaker, my opportunity to sit on the HRDC committee and hear from the various agencies the great things they did with the help of HRDC grants flies in the face of the comments of the hon. member. We all know that the intention of our government, the Government of Canada, and Canadian taxpayers is for people to be helped in society.

56Th Anniversary Of D-Day  Mr. Speaker, on this day 56 years ago, young men from across the country and part of the Third Canadian Infantry Division were landing on Juno beach in Normandy, many of them never to return home. Today, names like Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword Beaches are but briefly mentioned.

Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to offer my comments on the opposition motion calling for an independent commission of inquiry into the grants and contributions activities of the Department of Human Resources and Development. I am pleased to participate because it seems to me that after so many months of relentless attack from the other side of the House it is about time for some sanity to prevail in this debate.

National Cancer Survivors Day  Mr. Speaker, Sunday, June 4, marked the 13th anniversary of National Cancer Survivors Day. Cancer touches all of us either directly or indirectly since approximately one in three Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer during his or her lifetime. On Sunday survivors were honoured, those who are living with and beyond cancer.

Crime Prevention  Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. Constituents in my riding and in urban centres across Canada are concerned about the incidence of crime. What is the government doing in the area of crime prevention?

Human Resources Development  Mr. Speaker, we continue in this House to hear constant attacks from the alliance party about the Minister of Human Resources Development and her department concerning the privacy files. I would like to read a direct quote from the privacy commissioner, Bruce Phillips. On May 30 he said: I am not just satisfied with the minister's decision; I am delighted by it.