Transportation  Mr. Speaker, throughout Canada's history, Parliament has strategically invested in a pan-Canadian transportation system that united the country and grew our economy: in the 1870s, a railway from coast to coast; in the 1940s, a network of airports. By the 1960s, the St. Lawrence Seaway was moving global cargo abroad, thereby completing multi-modal networks throughout our nation.

Income Tax Act  Madam Speaker, I thank the member for a speech that I am sure we are all going to remember. The current government will strengthen the middle class. We made ourselves very clear during the campaign and in the comments made today. It will benefit nine million more Canadians, who were abandoned by the previous government.

Finance  Mr. Speaker, twice this month I had the pleasure of speaking with municipal, business, and community leaders from across the riding of Niagara Centre and the greater Niagara region about the government's upcoming budget and infrastructure investments. I had great success working with this team, as more than 60 community organizations and businesses participated in the discussions, as well as elected leaders from all 12 municipalities throughout the Niagara region.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I have to ask about part of the motion. It states that development in an environmentally sustainable way must be established to move forward with this process. In the comments that I have heard from the last two speakers, I would like to get some definition as to what that exactly means, to move forward in an environmentally sustainable way.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, the member went beyond the establishment of a plan, which is something I am sure many members across have advocated for with respect to this project. I agree that the outcome with respect to the economy can be recognized and realized, as the member has outlined in his comments.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. It is a great question and something, quite frankly, that we have been discussing with our constituents from Niagara Centre and those from different sectors, such as the auto sector, trade unions, and of course, the retail and commercial sectors.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, that is a great question and I thank the member for it. It is something that we have on our agenda right now with respect to ensuring that we work with our neighbours to the south, and to this extent with the Great Lakes, being the east, to ensure that both state and federal jurisdictions on the American side do understand the barriers that are being placed currently, particularly on ballast water and the treatment of ballast water.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, absolutely, there is no question that we will consider any economy that can be built throughout the country. I ask the member to give me more information, so I can help him advocate for that cause. If he could give me more information so that I can make a decision and help him along with that, I would be much obliged.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I would like to split my time with the hon. member for Yukon. It is truly humbling to be here today in this magnificent and historic chamber. As I stand here today, I reflect on the words of a former prime minister who said: The past is to be respected and acknowledged, but not to be worshipped.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, the member on the opposite side has done a great job. I have a quick question. We have talked in the House about the tax benefits our government will be offering with respect to children and the middle class. However, in terms of the infrastructure contributions we are going to make to the different municipalities, as a mayor for the past 14 years, I do also recognize some of the impacts that will have on the property taxpayers as well as the wastewater ratepayers.

Julia Turner  Mr. Speaker, next Tuesday, December 15, the Welland minor hockey midget teams and people across Niagara Centre will be dressed in purple to remember the life of Julia Turner. Julia tragically lost her life to cancer at the age of 15. She was an avid hockey fan, and every year her friends come together to play in the Julia Turner Hockey Night in Welland in her memory.