Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act  Mr. Speaker, with respect to the cap of $650 million, we want to make sure that the criteria developed for that is done in a clear and transparent way to make sure that whatever criteria used is adequate for the stakeholders. With respect to the nuclear industry, I raised those remarks when I talked about the bill.

Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments made by my colleague specifically with respect to nuclear safety. This is a very important issue. The legislation essentially needs an overhaul. It came into force in 1976. The provisions in the legislation were sufficient to deal with the industry at that time.

Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act  Mr. Speaker, I have two specific questions as a follow up to what was discussed earlier. The parliamentary secretary talked about the liability cap of $650 million. I just want to know specifically if that meets the demands and requests made by the various stakeholders. Is that a sufficient level?

Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to Bill C-20, which deals with the important issue of civil liability and compensation in the event of a nuclear accident at a Canadian facility. The Liberal Party supports this bill in principle but will use the natural resources committee to give it careful consideration in assessing whether it should be a mandate.

Immigration  Mr. Speaker, 1.5 million Canadians are unemployed, 130,000 Canadians have declared bankruptcy within the last 12 months, and 342,000 Canadians have lost their jobs since October. The only response from the Conservative Prime Minister is personal attack ads. The Prime Minister suggests in these ads that anyone who has spent a portion of their life outside Canada is less committed to this country.

Canada-U.S. Border  Mr. Speaker, businesses in Mississauga—Brampton South are going through some very difficult times. They depend on trade with the United States for the bulk of their exports. However, the border continues to thicken because the Conservatives are incapable of dispelling myths about our ability to secure it, myths that persist at the highest levels of the U.S. government.

Malaria  Mr. Speaker, this Saturday will be the second anniversary of World Malaria Day. Malaria is a treatable and preventable illness that still affects half a billion of the world's population and kills nearly a million people each year.This disease is hardest felt by young children in Africa where 86% of cases occur.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a petition with respect to the situation in Sri Lanka, which continues to deteriorate. Many constituents have come to visit me and this is the petition they presented. The essence of the petition they have brought forward asks the Canadian government to intervene and call for an immediate ceasefire and to continue the discussions for peaceful negotiations.

Automotive Industry  Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents in Mississauga—Brampton South work in the auto sector. Constituents like Gerry Mifsud of Berger Precision Ltd. need the government to fight for their interests. The Americans understand this and they have implemented bankruptcy protection, guarantees for car warranties, and incentives for the purchase of new vehicles.

Automotive Industry  Mr. Speaker, the North American auto industry is one of the most integrated in the world with over $150 billion in cross-border trade annually. Logically then, the Conservatives should be working with the Americans on an integrated solution. Yet, the Minister of Industry was completely caught off guard when President Obama announced numerous initiatives to shore up consumer confidence.

The Economy  Mr. Speaker, with all that is happening in our communities, I am concerned that the Conservative government has failed to act while so many of our constituents are suffering. In Mississauga—Brampton South, we have already felt the effects of a declining housing market, crumbling infrastructure and a collapsing auto sector.

Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, again I want to illustrate how important the shipbuilding industry is in Canada, in our opinion. One of the provisions in this agreement that Liberals feel is very important in addressing some of the concerns that have been raised is the buy Canada procurement. There needs to be a recognition that we understand the importance of this provision, because it will allow our shipbuilding industry to create the ships they need for our domestic consumption and use.

Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the enthusiasm shown by my colleague from the NDP. People want to see that parties are working together, in the House especially, and recognize that these issues exist. I would like to acknowledge that we have demonstrated in the past, in government and in opposition, that we have sound economic policy that breeds prosperity, creates wealth and helps our productivity.

Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague again for allowing me the opportunity to share my comments on this. The first question he asks is a very important one, which is what kind of strategy do we deploy to make Canada competitive in this new global environment where there is major restructuring taking place?

Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I am very glad to have this opportunity today to speak on EFTA, as I have done in my previous capacity as the critic for international trade. During my tenure as critic, I had the opportunity to debate this issue, to work on it in committee, and to work with my caucus colleagues in the Liberal Party on this very important bill.