Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, unlike the opposition, we are not waiting. We are moving forward with an action plan to make sure that these victims of crime are actually defended. Now is the time to act. Now is the time that our government is acting. Unlike the NDP who want to propose yet another study, we already have 40.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has acted. We have moved forward with a national action plan to make sure that these victims of crime are being supported, protected, and we are putting in place preventive measures. Unlike the Liberals who vote against matrimonial property rights and those unique things that aid these women, we are focused on making sure that these victims of crimes are supported.

Canada-Korea Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, I want to be very clear. We have been very focused as a government on being responsible with regard to resource development. I can speak as someone who comes from one of those northern communities where significant mining takes place: Fort McMurray, Alberta. What those companies have done to reclaim land, make sure that it is reforested, and make sure that the wood buffalo are thriving throughout Alberta is commendable.

Canada-Korea Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, one of the most important criteria to be focused on is how many jobs will be created for Canadians. The Canada-Korea free trade agreement is focused on making sure that we increase our exports by 32%, which would boost the Canadian economy because of the $1.7 billion annual increase.

Canada-Korea Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, evidence alone suggests that whether it be the export manufacturers here in Canada or the Canadian auto companies and their support for this free trade agreement, the total package of outcomes and tools for the Canada-Korea free trade agreement are as good if not better in many cases than those that have been negotiated with the EU and the United States.

Canada-Korea Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, there is a saying among economists that “a rising tide lifts all boats”. Canada is certainly on the rising tide, and we believe that everyone in our country will see their fortunes rise. Hundreds of major resource projects are scheduled to begin over the next decade.

Status of Women  Mr. Speaker, that statement is categorically false. In fact, this morning I met with Michèle Audette in my office, where we talked about exactly what the Native Women's Association would like to do and how it would like to contribute to our action plan to ensure that those victims of crime, those aboriginal women and their families need to be supported.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, what I would like to put very clearly is that we have acted and the NDP has not. We are moving forward. Let me quote the National Association of Friendship Centres. Violence against Aboriginal women and girls is completely unacceptable, and we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety, health and wellness of our communities.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, as I have said in this House before, we are acting. Unlike the NDP, unlike the opposition, which would rather hide behind a bunch of lawyers, this government is taking action to ensure we are focused on what aboriginal women and their families have asked for. Having toured across the country and spoken to those families in confidence, we are moving forward with a plan that supports them, that puts in place preventative measures, and also that ensures we are protecting them.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, having gone out and spoken to aboriginal families across the country, I can say that what they have asked for is our action plan. As opposed to waiting like the NDP would like to, they would like action and they would like it now. They want to be supported. They want prevention programs.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I guess what I would like to ask the NDP is to support our concrete plan to make sure that we are getting action for these victims of crime. This is very clear. Aboriginal women and aboriginal families have asked us and compelled us to move forward with this. We are acting now and I ask the NDP to support it.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, as I have been very clear multiple times in the House, we are standing up for these victims of crime. So the Leader of the Opposition can hear it clearly, let me quote yet again from Bernadette Smith, whose sister Claudette Osborne went missing in 2008. She said, “This Action Plan is something that our families have been waiting for.

Status of Women  Mr. Speaker, I want to be very clear. Our government is taking action today. We are moving forward to make sure that these women, girls, and families who have experienced these abhorrent crimes are being supported and protected and we are moving forward with prevention programs.

Status of Women  Mr. Speaker, as I just said, we are moving forward now. We have an action plan, and that is what families have asked for. Bernadette Smith, whom I spoke about here in the House last week, requested that our government move forward, and that she is delighted we are moving forward now, as opposed to waiting for the lawyers and others to move forward, as the NDP would like.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, this is a very serious issue, and families and victims want action. Let me tell the House, in the words of an indigenous women, Bernadette Smith, whose sister, Claudette Osborne, went missing in July 2008, and I quote: This Action Plan is something that our families have been waiting for.