Government Policies  Mr. Speaker, as we rise today, after a productive winter session, it is worth recapping the many accomplishments of this government under the strong leadership of our Prime Minister. Canadian families are safer today, thanks to the Tackling Violent Crime Act, an act that imposes mandatory minimum sentences on gun criminals, will keep repeat violent and sexual offenders behind bars and protect children by raising the age of sexual consent from 14 to 16 years of age.

Canadian Content in Public Transportation Projects  Mr. Speaker, that is, indeed, the case. As I have said, this government's commitment to public transit and building more public infrastructure is unprecedented. We can support this motion because it reflects the government's commitment to accountability. The government is committed to ensuring that public investments made with federal government funding represent the best possible value for taxpayer dollars.

Canadian Content in Public Transportation Projects  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the motion of the member for Thunder Bay—Rainy River that asks this House to direct the government to develop a policy to support Canadian content levels for public transit projects. I thank the member opposite for putting forward the motion.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, Canada's Great Lakes are an integral part of our lives. Not only are they a source of recreation for millions of Canadians, but we also make a living from them. Our government recognizes that uncontrolled discharge of ballast water and sediment can lead to the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens which destroy our Great Lakes habitats.

Foreign Affairs  Mr. Speaker, as my colleague previously indicated, the Government of Canada remains deeply concerned about the human rights and the humanitarian situation in Sudan and has responded to those human rights violations both in word and in deed. The government is supportive of the motion under debate.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, this is a good question. This sets aside what the fundamental difference is of this government versus other parties in that we believe in choice. We believe that Canadians are smart enough and wise enough to choose for themselves what they would invest in. We believe this offers a great option not only to those who would choose an RRSP or retirement fund which is basically just tax deferral.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in the House today and speak to budget 2008 as introduced by the Minister of Finance on Tuesday. This is the government's third balanced budget in a row. It is balanced, focused and prudent. I can say that not only am I excited by it but I am encouraged by the direction this government is taking.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Pursuant to Standing Order 97.1, your Committee is requesting an extension of 30 sitting days to consider Bill C-265.

Fruit Farmers  Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight our government's record supporting grape growers and the tender fruit farmers in my riding of Niagara West—Glanbrook and across this country. Since 2006, our government has delivered millions of dollars in relief from excise tax for grape and wine producers.

Canadian Content in Public Transportation Projects  Mr. Speaker, I realize there are only a couple of minutes left, but I would like to make a few points based on the motion moved by the member for Thunder Bay—Rainy River. The motion is that the Government of Canada implement a policy to mandate Canadian content levels for public transportation projects and to ensure that public funds are used to support domestic suppliers and labour markets.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, our government has given close to $190 billion in tax relief to hard-working Canadians. We delivered on our promise to cut the GST from 7% to 5% and unemployment is at its lowest level in over three decades. As we approach our next budget, the government has been clear that we will take cautious steps to ensure that our finances are stable and that we will continue to pay down debt.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, I believe you would find unanimous consent for the following motion on the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs travel. I move: That, notwithstanding the motion adopted on December 13, 2007, in relation to its study on veterans health care review and the veterans independence program, 10 members of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs be authorized to travel to Shearwater, Nova Scotia; Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador; Cold Lake, Alberta; and Comox, B.C. from February 10 to 15, and that the necessary staff accompany the committee.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, when it comes to hypocrisy on climate change, the Liberal Party is hands down the winner. In recognition of its complete failure over 13 years to fight climate change, we are happy to continue awarding a special Liberal with the hypocrite of the day award during the course of the current United Nations Conference on Climate Change taking place in Indonesia.

Budget and Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2007  Mr. Speaker, I am curious about how the Liberals keep changing their position on the GST over time. Now they are talking about what a great tax it was. In 1993 they promised to get rid of it. One of their leadership candidates, who is now their critic for foreign affairs, said things like this: that he would just as soon that the Liberals “got rid of the GST”.