Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his support. I truly do appreciate it. Consecutive sentencing is something that does happen, but it is something certainly that is up to the courts. There are things that a person can do to show the significance of the offence and truly, by turning this into an aggravating circumstance, it gives that momentum to that particular type of sentence.

Criminal Code  moved that Bill C-576, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (personating peace officer), be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to speak during this hour of debate to my Bill C-576, which deals with the crime of personating a peace officer.

National 4-H Month  Mr. Speaker, National 4-H Month kicks off with the annual “Show your Colours Day” starting November 3. This government is a proud supporter of 4-H and its contribution towards Canadian agriculture. In budget 2010, we announced an additional $3 million in support of 4-H. I was a member in the Kneehill Valley 4-H Beef Club growing up and I will never forget our 4-H motto: head, heart, hands and health.

Taxation  Mr. Speaker, later today the House will vote on Bill C-290. The Bloc-NDP-Liberal coalition supported proposal would let businesses that underfund their own employees' pension plans off the hook, and would cost $10 billion annually for a new scheme to be paid for with higher and higher taxes on Canadians.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to present a petition signed by 75 people in my riding of Red Deer and surrounding area. The petitioners believe that the family justice system is failing children and their families. Therefore, they call upon the House of Commons to work with the provinces and territories to ensure that decision-makers, including parents and judges, consider a list of criteria in determining the best interests of the child in access agreements.

Criminal Code  moved for leave to introduce Bill C-576, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (personating peace officer). Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a bill to amend the Criminal Code. My bill would establish that impersonating a police officer for the purpose of committing another offence shall be considered by a court to be an aggravated circumstance for sentencing purposes.

Red Deer Chamber of Commerce  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce. Being 113 years young and 930 members strong, the Red Deer Chamber excels at keeping Red Deer businesses competitive and profitable. Committee volunteers tackle emerging business issues and make recommendations to government.

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee  Madam Speaker, on May 28, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame held its annual induction banquet to honour athletes, builders, teams, and media who have made a significant contribution to sports in Alberta. Among the 2010 inductees was Red Deer's own Don Moore, who was honoured as a multi-sport builder.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to present a petition signed by several constituents of my riding of Red Deer. The petitioners urge the Government of Canada to support a universal declaration on animal welfare.

Agriculture  Mr. Speaker, ranchers in Alberta and Saskatchewan have fought through two tough years of drought. Today I am pleased to announce in the House that our government has committed over $114 million to help our ranchers buy feed while their damaged pastures recover. Our farmers and ranchers are a hardy bunch and they take pride in their independence.

Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act  Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for his intervention and for coming to committee to explain just those facts. Consultation is so important. To go back to some of the other comments, the exploratory process will expand those broader concerns that were brought forward during the engagement process in the McIvor decision last fall.

Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act  Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago the member and I were in Edmonton at the Esquao Awards. We had an opportunity to speak with many aboriginal women leaders. As a member of Parliament, along with my colleagues from all parties, I am really pleased that I had this great opportunity to meet with those leaders in the aboriginal community.

Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to rise in support of Bill C-3, the gender equity in Indian registration act, and the amendments before us today. As stated previously by my fellow members, the legislation we are now considering is a timely and direct response to the ruling of the British Columbia Court of Appeal in McIvor v.

Lobbying  Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Liberal leader told reporters that his calendar was open to the public, but his office refused to provide it when asked. Because of this lack of transparency, Canadians do not know which secret meetings the Liberal lobbyists the OLO is trying to protect.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to present a petition signed by 96 people from my riding of Red Deer, Alberta. The petitioners urge the federal government to honour its commitment to the UN protocol by providing adequate funding to set up safe housing for the victims of human trafficking.