Shale Gas  Mr. Speaker, the regulation of shale gas production is mainly a provincial-territorial responsibility, except on federal lands. Federally, jurisdiction over shale gas development falls under the mandate of several departments, agencies and boards. Environment Canada officials have been given the opportunity to comment on provincial and territorial environmental assessments.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring that environmental effects of offshore oil and gas activities are considered so that these resources can be developed in a sustainable manner. The minister received a request from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board to refer the project to the review panel.

House debate  Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member opposite on her election and her appointment to the environment file. I look forward to working with her in the future. First, it is important to note with regard to the government's plan for climate change that Canadians actually had an opportunity to consider the NDP's climate change platform in the last month, during our election, and it was soundly rejected.

House debate  Madam Speaker, it is important to note that there was no hidden report. The breakdown in emissions originating from the oil sands sector in 2009 is captured in several categories, including fossil fuel production and refining, mining and oil, gas extraction and fugitive sources.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, in March we presented the next phase of Canada's economic action plan, a positive plan to keep taxes low, and support jobs and growth. Canadians want the budget and its important economic measures passed without delay. Later today, Parliament will vote to approve the budget in principle.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, as I rise for the first time in the House, I would like to thank my constituents, the voters of Calgary Centre-North, who not only brought me into the House but also delivered a strong, stable Conservative majority government to our country. My colleague spoke to the issue of post-secondary education and investment in the post-secondary education sector.