Presidential Election in Moldova  Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Canada-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group, I would like to congratulate the Moldovan people for holding the first presidential election by universal suffrage in 20 years, during the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Moldova.

Virginia Cisneros  Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Women's History Month, I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution women have made to building our country and enhancing its presence in the world. One woman in particular has inspired me for many years: Virginia Cisneros, head of the welcoming, integration, and community life department at the Maison Internationale de la Rive-Sud, which has helped thousands of immigrants successfully settle in our region.

Status of Women  Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. October is Women's History Month in Canada. We are celebrating women's achievements and the obstacles that they have managed to overcome. However, women still face many obstacles in the business community.

Standing Orders and Procedure  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question, which I find very relevant. I would agree that it is quite possible that some parliamentary committees are not always busy studying bills or other legislation. That is why I think we could use our parliamentary committees much more effectively.

Standing Orders and Procedure  Mr. Speaker, with respect to how much time we spend in committee and the work we do there, if committees are restructured as has been suggested, and if there are fewer committees, each responsible for more subject matter, each committee will have much more work to do. With respect to bills, I honestly have no opinion on that just now.

Standing Orders and Procedure  Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to deliver my first speech in the House today, to join in this discussion on the standing orders that guide all of us in the performance of our parliamentary duties. Before becoming an MP myself, I was the happy assistant to the Hon. Jacques Saada, who was deputy whip and government House leader.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I would like to table this petition, which aims to bring to the attention of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food the changes needed to modernize the Health of Animals Regulations. I wish to present petition e-355, certified since September 21, 2016. This petition was initiated by volunteers of the Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals and has some 7,407 signatures, from each and every province and territory.

Mauril Bélanger  Mr. Speaker, a year ago, Mauril Bélanger was running his eighth election campaign with his usual energy and enthusiasm. For Mauril, no vote was a sure thing. He believed that he had to win voters' trust. The Hon. Mauril Bélanger knew how to inspire trust in others. He worked tirelessly for those he represented, be they constituents, Franco-Ontarians or his colleagues.

Portugal Day  Mr. Speaker, on June 10, the Portuguese diaspora around the world is celebrating Portugal Day. The culture and language that have shaped us are among the many facets of these festivities and are what bring us all together. I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the millions of Portuguese who live all around the world and who brought with them much more than just wine and chorizo.

Framework on Co-operatives Act  moved for leave to introduce Bill C-286, An Act respecting the establishment of a framework to promote the development of co-operatives in Canada and amending the Department of Industry Act and other Acts. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to introduce my private member's bill entitled, “an act respecting the establishment of a framework to promote the development of co-operatives in Canada and amending the Department of Industry Act and other acts”.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II  Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague in offering our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen of Canada, who is celebrating her 90th birthday today. She is the first reigning sovereign to reach that age, which is admirable in and of itself. However, what really deserves our recognition and admiration is the fact that Her Majesty continues to devote herself entirely to the service of her subjects after reigning for 64 years.

Ecuador  Mr. Speaker, we were saddened to hear about the tragic events caused by the earthquake in Ecuador on Saturday. Can the government update the House on recent developments and on the services for Canadians who are in the affected area?

National Volunteer Week  Mr. Speaker, since this is National Volunteer Week, I would like to highlight the exceptional and truly essential work done by the millions of volunteers who keep our communities going. We have seen wonderful examples of that over the past few months as more than 25,000 Syrian refugees were welcomed across Canada.

Blue Machine Swim Club  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to commend the remarkable success of a swim club in Saint-Lambert that is known for its athletes' outstanding performance. Blue Machine, founded in 1952, has been offering young people of Saint-Lambert and surrounding cities an ideal environment to develop swimming expertise while learning that competing is also about respect, confidence, enthusiasm, determination, and perseverance.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship  Mr. Speaker, Canada continues to welcome Syrian refugees, who need the help of all levels of government in order to obtain immediate access to health care and other essential services. Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House about the government's announcement regarding the interim federal health program?