Laurent Pauzé-Dupuis  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honour the passing of a student from Hemmingford in Montérégie. Laurent Pauzé-Dupuis died on April 3 in Peking, China. Laurent was 22 years old. Together with 1,300 other university students from all over the world, he was participating in a simulation of international debates using UN conferences as a model.

Public Health Agency of Canada Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her question. When members speak for the first time in the House on a particular subject, especially newly elected members, they take the time to read on that subject and to consult their constituents. As a matter of fact, yesterday, I consulted a senior executive in a rather important health care institution located in the most densely populated part of the Montérégie region, in my riding.

Public Health Agency of Canada Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank the parliamentary secretary for his question. I do believe that my remarks were misunderstood. I said all along that were not against collaboration and cooperation. On the contrary, we think it is important to work together in a joint effort. We do not want structural duplication, increased bureaucracy, wasteful spending and overlapping.

Public Health Agency of Canada Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for this important question. To begin, I would answer that, just yesterday, I received three distress calls from textile workers in Huntingdon. They were all in tears and some of them were even suicidal. They reminded me of our role and responsibilities as government members.

Public Health Agency of Canada Act  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to participate in today's debate on Bill C-5, An Act respecting the establishment of the Public Health Agency of Canada and amending certain Acts. I have some serious concerns about Bill C-5. I was a social worker in Quebec's health and social services network.

Public Health Agency of Canada Act  Mr. Speaker, does the member know that every administrative region in Quebec has its own public health authority? These administrative regions are united through a national public health authority. They have their own national health promotion and prevention objectives. Does she not think that Bill C-5 contradicts this and intrudes into Quebec’s jurisdictions in view of the objectives set for it and that the Department of Health and Social Services has adopted?

International Bridges and Tunnels Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to know my colleague's position on a specific issue. What does the member think about the fact that Bill C-3 has removed the measures relating to the powers of the Canadian Transportation Agency to receive complaints concerning noise resulting from railway activities?

Volunteer Week  Mr. Speaker, the theme of Volunteer Week 2006, held in Quebec until April 29, is “Volunteering for all tastes”. Let us acknowledge the importance of the work carried out by the thousands of men and women who spend time and energy helping and supporting others in society. In Quebec alone, there are 526,000 volunteers working in social services and health agencies, 359,000 volunteers working in culture and entertainment, 133,000 in education and almost half a million who lend their passion, generosity and knowledge to other sectors of society.

Agriculture  Mr. Chair, I thank the hon. member for giving me an opportunity to speak before the debate ends. I will begin by quoting Laurent Pellerin, the president of the UPA, There will be two choices, because we have reached a dead end. Either we are told to stop production or we are given the equipment and the same tools as our American neighbours.

Agriculture  Mr. Chair, farmers of today carry a heavy debt load. Some even have to mortgage their land simply to produce or survive. It is time for the government to assume its responsibilities. In fact, several farms have filed for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.

Agriculture  Mr. Chair, before I begin my first speech as a new member, I want to thank the electors from my wonderful riding of Beauharnois—Salaberry who put their trust in me. I also want to send out a special thanks to my parents, René and Andréa, engaged citizens and staunch sovereignists.