Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member from St. John's. His kind comments as he began his statement made me think that his long parliamentary experience, both in this House and in the Newfoundland House of Assembly where he served in many roles, gives him a great knowledge of fisheries issues.

Supply  Madam Speaker, I think the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs is absolutely correct. The relationship between our two countries is based on decades of co-operation, certainly on economic co-operation, and co-operation in national defence. I have outlined some of the many important areas such as trade co-operation and co-operation in various international organizations and groups.

Supply  Madam Speaker, I will answer the question very directly. No, it does not concern me at all because we have not been cut off from access to important intelligence from our allies. What does concern me is the continual push from members of the Alliance to have the Solicitor General and the government list groups or entities based on knee-jerk political reaction.

Supply  Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the very distinguished member for Mississauga South. I wish to speak briefly on the second part of the motion before the House, that regarding the close relationship between Canada and the United States. I do not think there is any doubt in the House that the United States is Canada's most important ally, because while geography has made us neighbours and trade certainly has made us important partners, a history over many years has made our two nations friends.

Iraq  Mr. Speaker, as has been said on a number of occasions, these military exchanges have been going on for decades. The minister clearly indicated yesterday that the exact facts on this are being looked into. I can tell you that the minister met yesterday with the department's history directorate and we are continuing to look into this.

Iraq  Not in the least, Mr. Speaker. The government has stressed that these soldiers are involved in exchanges that have been taking place for some years now. The House spoke clearly on this matter when it voted not to pull out soldiers on exchange. The only precedent that has been created in this House is to support our military personnel when they are in dangerous situations.

Canadian Forces  Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Acadie—Bathurst knows that the Prime Minister would never mislead the House of Commons. The only thing that perhaps the member is having trouble understanding is the answer that has been given time and time again. Our forces are in the region in support of a campaign against terrorism, that is very clear.

Canadian Forces  Mr. Speaker, as we have said many times, the soldiers who are there right now are taking part in exchange programs. They are not there for direct combat. Perhaps the member has difficulty understanding this because he may not have realized that the House clearly stated that it was in favour of keeping our soldiers—who are there on exchange programs—in auxiliary positions.

Canadian Forces  Mr. Speaker, the hon. member poses a question that is entirely hypothetical as to what may happen to our exchange officers. If members perhaps would stop shouting and listen, what I can tell the House is that the Canadians forces have always looked after personnel who have been involved in operations in theatre, including exchange personnel.

Canadian Forces  Mr. Speaker, the government has replied ad nauseam, as have the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of National Defence, that our soldiers are there in the context of exchanges with our allies. We, on the government side, were very proud that the House strongly supported our soldiers on exchanges who will remain with our allies.

Canada Winter Games  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2003 Canada Winter Games Host Society and the more than 7,000 volunteers who successfully hosted the Canada Winter Games in Bathurst and Campbellton, New Brunswick. Thanks to their dedication and effort more than 2,800 athletes representing all 13 provinces and territories were provided with optimal conditions to enable them to perform at their personal best.

Business of the House  Madam Speaker, I share the hon. member's concern and support for the men and women of our forces but on this side of the House we strongly support the decision of the minister and the outstanding job that the minister is doing in accelerating this procurement process. We recognize that the Sea King fleet needs to be replaced.

Business of the House  Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Battlefords—Lloydminster for giving me the opportunity to participate in my first adjournment debate as parliamentary secretary. Canada has long been a country dedicated to peace and security, and an important part of that security obviously are the Canadian armed forces.

Questions on the Order Paper  Madam Speaker, the following questions will be answered today: Nos. 45 and 105.

Question No. 105  I ask, Madam Speaker, that the remaining questions be allowed to stand.