Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 1  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for recognizing my community, which is under an evacuation order as we speak. I thank him for his concerns. The member mentioned concerns about the fitness and arts tax credits and I have received many emails from people concerned about this loss of revenue sources for families.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, on the notwithstanding clause, I do not know if it has been used. Somebody can correct me if I am wrong on whether it has been used or not. However, it should be used very carefully. My point is that we need to ensure that the governing body that represents the citizens of Canada in creating laws for this place and for the country is supreme in its ability.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I think the member is referring to the Carter decision. What we have seen are problematic issues with the current bill. It has gone far past what the Carter decision said it would wish to see. Again, I implore the government to consider rethinking this bill, maybe splitting it into different issues, so it addresses conscience rights and compelling somebody to do something they do not want to do.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, the fact the member has spoken to me, means he is exercising that right of the citizens who sent him here. He likely represents about 100,000 people, based on riding size. I represent 107,000 people. If seven or nine individuals supersede an elected body that represents 30 million, then we disagree on numbers.

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, indeed this is a heavy subject for most Canadians. Physician-assisted suicide is definitely weighty. There were laws that we thought were sufficient, but it is as a result of the Supreme Court deciding the law is not sufficient that we are in this predicament today of having to find some alternatives.

Natural Resources  Mr. Speaker, just last week, two more first nations signed agreements with TransCanada for the Pacific NorthWest LNG pipeline. This adds to a growing list of first nations which have signed on to the project, including, Doig River, Halfway River, Blueberry River, Yekooche, Gitanyow, Kitselas, Lake Babine, Metlakatla, and Nisga'a Lisims.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, today and tomorrow, mayors from my riding and I are meeting with federal Liberals to discuss the benefits of the LNG industry. We agree with the minister that we want to grow our economy. Many residents and small businesses have been hit hard by low energy prices, but it does not have to end this way.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, one more time I will say that while we wait for the Liberal cabinet to make a final decision on Pacific Northwest LNG, Progress Energy is cutting investment as we speak. This is yet another blow to real families of northeastern B.C., where the unemployment rate is the highest in the province.

Natural Resources  Mr. Speaker, I am glad that the member opposite brought up reducing emissions. B.C.'s LNG has the potential to provide a positive impact on reducing global pollution. Electricity generated by natural gas has 50% fewer emissions than other forms of generation, making it the much cleaner option.

Natural Resources  Mr. Speaker, and yet, B.C. waits and waits and waits. Yesterday I presented a petition, signed by hundreds of residents representing thousands of people in northern B.C., calling upon the government to support B.C. LNG projects. Many of those who signed the petition are struggling to make ends meet due to low energy prices that are hurting our local economy.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, it is my honour today to present this petition, which represents thousands of people in British Columbia who want to see LNG go forward. I would like to respect the efforts of Kristi Pimm De-Maid and Alan Yu on this petition. They petition that the economy of northern B.C. is resource-reliant, with natural gas being one of the resources that provides direct and indirect jobs to residents in the region.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, residents and small businesses in my riding are struggling right now due to low energy prices. Liberals have an opportunity to support our economy, and that opportunity is B.C. LNG. The fact is that residents have now formed community action groups, like Fort St. John for LNG, and are working tirelessly to ensure the voices of yes are being heard.

Jim Hillyer  Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize my seatmate, colleague, and friend Jim Hillyer. Ironically, or I guess appropriately, this was Jim's speaking spot when we traded. He wanted to get back to his treatment and to his kids. Ironically, this was his spot. My wife and I got to be friends with Jim and Livi shortly after they arrived here in 2011, and we arrived as well.

Natural Resources  Mr. Speaker, the Pacific NorthWest LNG project has gone through a highly rigorous environmental review process, as we all know, which it passed. Today is the final day for the public to comment. I highly encourage all Canadians to comment today on that project. This LNG project would create thousands of high-paying jobs in B.C. and Canada, billions of dollars in tax revenue, and reduce global pollution.

Canada Labour Code  Mr. Speaker, I will answer the question in two ways. Yes, I agree, because it was our government that brought in that legislation and basically made corporations and unions ineligible to be part of the political process federally, and so I absolutely agree to that particular part of the member's question.