Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, of course in the context of Canada 150 we made sure to support the importance of reconciliation. We know that our history has had some wrongs and we want to make sure that we can acknowledge them and make sure that we all work together on the path of reconciliation.

Media Industry  Mr. Speaker, I will be pleased to send my colleague the speech that I gave at the end of September in either print or digital format. In that speech, I clearly stated that we are going to continue to support our local media and help them through this difficult transition so that we can retain our journalists and maintain jobs in this field across the country.

Government Appointments  Mr. Speaker, when it comes to official languages in general as well as bilingualism, it goes without saying that the NDP has lost all credibility. The NDP is now trying to undermine the credibility of the new Commissioner of Official Languages. I do not really understand where my colleague is coming from.

Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2  moved that Bill C-63, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2017 and other measures, be read the third time and passed.

Media Industry  Mr. Speaker, we have always been clear on the subject: we value the importance of journalism and every year we help the print media by providing up to $75 million through the Canada periodical fund. As part of our new vision for a creative Canada, we said that we will continue to support local media and we are also going to help local media that are not yet online, meaning those still available in print form, to transition to the digital world since that is how more and more people are accessing the news.

Violence Against Women  Mr. Speaker, it would be a pleasure for me to have the chance to sit down with my colleague in further discussion regarding this very important issue. Of course, I am always available if she wants to discuss—

Canadian Heritage  Mr. Speaker, last week, I announced that the Canada 150 skating rink will remain open until the end of February for the 40th anniversary of Winterlude. This great legacy project, a skating rink in front of Parliament, is a first and the skating rink will be donated to a community in need, as my colleague said.

Canadian Heritage  Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to announce last week that the Canada 150 rink will be open through the 40th anniversary of Winterlude and until the end of February. This will be a great legacy project, a first in front of Parliament Hill. Afterward, the rink will be given to a community in need.

Media Industry  Mr. Speaker, like my colleague, I am disappointed to see that Postmedia and Torstar decided to close these local media a month before Christmas. My thoughts are with the workers and their families. These are cynical business decisions that were taken by Postmedia and Torstar, and it is up to these companies to explain them.

Media Industry  Mr. Speaker, like my colleague, I am disappointed that Postmedia and Torstar made this decision a month before Christmas. Of course my thoughts are with the workers and their families. These are cynical business decisions that were taken by Postmedia and Torstar, and it is up to these companies to explain them.

Human Rights  Mr. Speaker, all Canadians should feel safe to be themselves, free from discrimination. We have already made significant progress on these issues with Bill C-16 and Bill C-39. Our special adviser on LGBTQ2 issues, the member for Edmonton Centre, has been consulting extensively with the community to ensure that we give a full and meaningful apology.

Human Rights  Mr. Speaker, as I said already in French, all Canadians should be safe to be themselves, free from discrimination of any kind. We have already made significant progress in this House on these issues with Bill C-16 and Bill C-39. Our special adviser on LGBTQ2 issues, the MP for Edmonton Centre, has been working with the community concerning the different issues that affect them in their everyday lives.

Canadian Heritage  Madam Speaker, of course we are really delighted with this new project. If my colleague had listened to what I have said in the past, this rink will be given to a community in need afterwards. Meanwhile, Canadians will have until February to enjoy the great Winterlude and also this important infrastructure.

Government Appointments  Madam Speaker, our two official languages are at the heart of who we are as Canadians. We are committed to finding the best person for the important position of official languages commissioner. Our government promised Canadians a rigorous, open, and transparent merit-based process for public appointments, and we are keeping with that commitment.

Canadian Heritage  Mr. Speaker, quality journalism is the foundation of our democracy. Throughout our consultations, Canadians told us two things. First, in terms of journalism, having access to local information is very important. Second, Canadians are increasingly turning to digital platforms to access this content.