Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to speak in the House today to the Canada-Colombia free trade agreement and the parallel agreements on labour and the environment. This agreement is an important part of our government's ambitious free trade agenda, as well as Canada's deepening engagement in the Americas.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition signed by over 1,000 Canadians asking Parliament to take all the necessary steps to stop the Internet from being used as a medium for the distribution of child pornography. Canadians Addressing Sexual Exploitation, or CASE, reminds us that the production and distribution of child pornography is a serious crime that has devastating consequences on its young victims.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I was the critic for seniors when we were in opposition. One of the things I heard was how important it was that there be a voice at the table for seniors. When we became government we created that ministry to deal with a range of issues, such as helping with new horizon programs, disability programs, and other things that our government has been able to implement.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, the member asked a number of different questions about programs. One example of how we have brought some permanency and stability to local governments in particular is through the gas tax transfer. From year to year local municipalities did not know what was going to happen, whether it would be permanent.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I would respectfully disagree with the member's statement. Our government has been clear. While we are seeing some signs of improvement, by no means are we out of the woods just yet. That is why we are still trying to move forward and look at different ways to help.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak in response to the government's Speech from the Throne that was delivered by Her Excellency just a few short weeks ago. The speech conveyed a strong message to Canadians throughout the country as to how our government is delivering or guiding the nation through this global economic recession.

International Trade  Mr. Speaker, our government has worked for years to advance free trade. Our government has opened doors to Canadian businesses by implementing free trade agreements with Peru and the European Free Trade Association. We have also concluded free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and Jordan.

Interparliamentary Delegations  Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian delegation of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association respecting its participation at the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region held in Helsinki, Finland, November 18 to 19, 2009.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government's top priority is creating jobs and promoting economic growth. Budget 2010 did just that with $19 billion in new stimulus investment to create the jobs of tomorrow and make Canada the number one location for new investments. Could the parliamentary secretary please comment on the reaction to yesterday's budget?

The Economy  Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour for those kind words. A number of issues came to light as we studied poverty across the country and I appreciated the different perspectives. One of the things that we saw as we crossed the country was the need for affordable housing.

The Economy  Madam Speaker, governments have to look at a wide variety of expenditures and that is why I said that I do not believe it is all or nothing. When we talked to certain poverty groups on the road, they told us they did not want any tax cuts, none of those things. My concern is that if we do not have a strong economy, if we do not have jobs, if we are not able to attract people from around the world, then what will happen?

The Economy  Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to talk about the motion before the House. Let me say wholeheartedly that I agree with it. The motion reads: That this House take note that, while Canada is starting to recover from the global economic recession, the recovery is tentative and uncertain and the number one priority of Canadians remains jobs and economic growth, now and for the future.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition, signed by well over 100 of my constituents. The petitioners recognize that over a billion people worldwide rely on animals for their livelihoods and for companionship. They call upon the government to support a universal declaration of animal welfare.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in relation to Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.

Automotive Industry  Mr. Speaker, our government invested in the auto sector, because it is crucial to Canada's economy and in particular to Ontario. We made the decision to preserve our share of the integrated North American auto sector when it was clear it was struggling. We already are seeing signs of hope and viability in this important industry.