Foreign Investment  Madam Speaker, I am new here in the House of Commons. I do not know if my colleague is in a similar position, but I do know that he is sitting next to the dean of the House of Commons, the most experienced man in the House. I am sure that his colleague can explain to him that the Investment Canada Act states that the process is not political; it is independent of the government.

Foreign Investment  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to respond to the comments by the hon. member for Joliette regarding the proposed purchase of Rona by Lowe's. First, I would like to remind members that, much like trade, foreign investment is an important driver of globalization and is essential because it gives economies access to global value chains.

Economic Development  Mr. Speaker, the aerospace industry is one of Canada's most innovative industries. It is also export-oriented, which is very important for the Canadian economy. The federal government is in discussions with Bombardier and the Government of Quebec in order to make a decision as quickly as possible.

Ethics  Mr. Speaker, I would like to reassure the hon. member and the House that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development meets daily with key stakeholders and key business people across the country. He meets with them and will continue to meet with them to make sure that we build a strong business climate for quality jobs for Canadians.

National Flag of Canada Day  Mr. Speaker, yesterday was the 51st anniversary of Canada's national flag. On that day in 1965, our flag was raised on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and in communities all over Canada for the first time. Today, Canadians know that the maple leaf represents a free, bilingual, democratic, and diverse country, a country that we are proud to call our own.

Aerospace Industry  Mr. Speaker, our government has initiated discussions with Bombardier and the Government of Quebec to take stock of the company's priorities. We believe that any federal investment in that company must be supported by a solid business plan. However, we recognize that the aerospace sector is a very important industry that relies heavily on exports and employs over 180,000 Canadians.

Aerospace Industry  Mr. Speaker, as I told my hon. colleague opposite, we know how important the aerospace industry is and we know that Bombardier is one of Canada's leading companies. We have entered into discussions with the company and with the Government of Quebec, and we are going to make a decision in due course.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development  Mr. Speaker, any transaction like that is subject to the Competition Act. The act gives the Competition Bureau the mandate to examine all transactions. The member knows very well that the process is extremely rigorous and that the Competition Bureau conducts its reviews at arm's length.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development  Mr. Speaker, we will allow the Competition Bureau to do its work. It does its work independently of government and will do its work in a rigorous manner. We will wait for those results.

Black History Month  Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to acknowledge the start of Black History Month. Twenty years ago, the House unanimously adopted a motion moved by the hon. Jean Augustine to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. In 1993, Jean Augustine became the first black woman elected to Canada's Parliament.

Interprovincial Trade  Mr. Speaker, let me make it clear to the hon. member that interprovincial trade is an important priority for this government.

Public Safety  Mr. Speaker, the hon. member was not part of the team that formed the government following the October 19 election. Perhaps she is not aware that every investment by a foreign company in a Canadian firm is subject to careful review under the Investment Canada Act. That is all I can say on the matter because, under the provisions of that legislation, I cannot disclose any commercial confidences.

Steel Industry  Mr. Speaker, the government is aware of the decision by the court that just came out yesterday morning. We are taking our time to study the decision, and we will be happy to follow the recommendations of the court.

Automotive Industry  Mr. Speaker, as we know, the government recognizes that the automotive sector is a very important sector in Canada, employing almost half a million people. As we develop the government's innovation agenda, we will continue to work with our partners to build a stronger automotive and manufacturing sector in the country.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Thank you very much for your indulgence, Mr. Speaker. There have been discussions among all parties and I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, the Standing Committee on Finance may hold organizational meetings on December 11, 2015 and that the membership of the said committee be as follows: Wayne Easter, Raj Grewal, Steven MacKinnon, Jennifer O'Connell, Robert-Falcon Ouellette, Francesco Sorbara, Lisa Raitt, Ron Liepert, Phil McColeman, Guy Caron, and during its consideration of proceedings, pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, the Standing Committee on Finance, together with any necessary staff, may travel within Canada and may authorize the broadcasting of its proceedings; and that notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 83.1, the Standing Committee on Finance be authorized to present its report on the pre-budget consultations no later than February 5, 2016.