International Trade  Mr. Speaker, yesterday our nation's exporters were disappointed when the NDP voted against Canada's free trade agreement with Panama. After having delayed the agreement for more than two years, this was obviously no surprise. In fact, the leader of the opposition has said that, if given the opportunity, he would repeal agreements that promote trade, increase Canadian exports and protect Canadians doing business abroad.

Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada  Mr. Speaker, it has been months, and the NDP leader has not yet explained what he meant when he said of course he had a cap-and-trade program that would produce billions, or what his party meant by the $21 billion in revenue from carbon cited on page 4 of the NDP's platform. My constituents and many Canadians are wondering what the NDP leader is trying to hide.

International Trade  Mr. Speaker, while our government has an ambitious pro-trade plan to open up new markets, the opposition continues to stand in the way of new opportunities for Canada's exporters. Canadians have long known the NDP to be beholden to radical anti-trade activists. In today's National Post, columnist John Ivison writes that the leader of the NDP “seems to have outsourced his trade policy to Maude Barlow and the Council of Canadians”.

Preventing Persons from Concealing Their Identity during Riots and Unlawful Assemblies Act  Mr. Speaker, once again, I commend all members of Parliament for the vigorous exchange of ideas over this legislation. I realize that the vast majority of private members' bills that are introduced in this House never make it to this stage, but they serve the public by advancing the national debate regarding various issues.

Preventing Persons from Concealing Their Identity during Riots and Unlawful Assemblies Act  Mr. Speaker, yes, certainly, there is a current provision in the Criminal Code that I have had many refer to, which is the section that was quoted by the member. That section, the police tell us, was created more for armed robbery, those types of situations. Although there are instances where they have attempted to or been able to apply this provision to these instances, it is one they find very difficult to apply, for two reasons.

Preventing Persons from Concealing Their Identity during Riots and Unlawful Assemblies Act  Mr. Speaker, first, I should point out that we are hopeful this would have a deterrence effect, and we believe it would. For individuals who come to a peaceful gathering of any type, whether it be a demonstration or otherwise, anyone who comes to a peaceful gathering looking to make a point, we are looking to protect their rights.

Preventing Persons from Concealing Their Identity during Riots and Unlawful Assemblies Act  Mr. Speaker, I would point out that the member did mention one main message: it would give the police a tool to help protect public safety. That certainly is an important part of what we are trying to do today. However, I would also point out that there is another key element to it: we are looking to protect the rights of legitimate protestors, legitimate demonstrators, not to be infiltrated by groups that would look to take away from the message that the protesters are trying to convey.

Preventing Persons from Concealing Their Identity during Riots and Unlawful Assemblies Act  moved that Bill C-309, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (concealment of identity), be read the third time and passed. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to open debate on Bill C-309 on the concealment of identity. I first introduced this bill a little more than a year ago on October 3, 2011.

The Economy  Mr. Speaker, unlike the NDP and its job-killing carbon tax, our government's top priority is keeping taxes low and growing the economy with economic action plan 2012. Our plan is working with over 820,000 net new jobs created since July 2009, the best record in the G7. However, the global economy remains fragile, especially in Europe and the United States who are our largest trading partners.

Co-op Week  Mr. Speaker, as chair of the recent House of Commons Special Committee on Co-operatives, it is my pleasure to stand and recognize this week as international Co-operatives Week. Co-op Week provides this House with the opportunity to celebrate the role that Canadian co-operatives and credit unions play in building this country and to recognize their continuing contributions at home and abroad.

Concealment of Identity Act  Mr. Speaker, about one year ago, I introduced private member's Bill C-309, the concealment of identity act, which would fill a loophole in our country's laws and provide the police with a tool to protect public safety. However, I recently learned that the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands has taken to Twitter to mislead Canadians about this bill.

Sport  Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, September 29, marks the third annual Sports Day in Canada. During this exciting event, it is estimated that more than a million Canadians across our country will participate in a number of different activities in their local communities in celebration of the spirit of sport.

Preventing Persons from Concealing Their Identity during Riots and Unlawful Assemblies Act  Mr. Speaker, noting the great co-operation we received earlier regarding unanimous consent of the House, I want to reach across the aisle in the hope that all parties would seek to protect the citizens of our cities from those who would riot and hide their faces while doing so. Therefore, I am asking for unanimous consent on this motion.

Speaker's Ruling  moved that the bill, as amended, be concurred in.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the report of the Special Committee on Co-operatives in relation to its study on the status of co-operatives in Canada. Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.