Canadian Human Rights Act  Madam Speaker, I appreciate my colleague's comments and the powerful way he expressed himself on such an important issue. I will pick up on one of his comments. As things have changed, one thing I have noticed over the years is the concept of zero tolerance toward bullying and inappropriate behaviour and how important it is that we recognize that discrimination does exist today in a very real and tangible way.

Canadian Human Rights Act  Madam Speaker, one of things I think we should try to pick up on is the importance of Ottawa playing a strong national leadership role on this whole issue. We know the provinces also have a role to play. By Ottawa taking action such as this, we are once again not only reinforcing a strong international leadership on such an important file, but we are also providing, I believe, the opportunity for provinces to look in terms of what is happening, because not all provinces are in fact the same.

Canadian Human Rights Act  Madam Speaker, I have had the opportunity to listen to a number of speakers on the legislation thus far, and it is really encouraging to hear comments such as those made by the member across the way. We recognize that over the years there has been a greater appreciation of transgender identity by all Canadians.

Canadian Human Rights Act  Madam Speaker, I appreciate the comments made by the member. I thought it was interesting that he talked about the underlying intentions of Bill C-16 that he, representing the Conservative Party, appreciates. He understands why that commitment on the issue is so critically important.

Canadian Human Rights Act  Madam Speaker, I appreciate my colleague bringing forward the bill today and the passion she expressed in her speech. At the beginning of her comments, she made reference to discrimination, whether it is against individuals with mental or physical disabilities, women, or now, trans persons.

Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all questions be allowed to stand.

Veterans Affairs  Mr. Speaker, since he was named to the post last year, the minister has held three stakeholder summits to hear directly from veterans, their families, and veterans' organizations on this and other important issues, and to work toward the best way to deliver on his aggressive mandate in a way that would work best for them.

Veterans Affairs  Mr. Speaker, it was with great pride that I had the privilege of serving in the regular forces for a number of years and had the opportunity to march with veterans on many special occasions, and I am very happy with the way this government has been addressing this very important file.

Protection of Pregnant Women and Their Preborn Children Act (Cassie and Molly's Law)  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to respond to what is no doubt an important private member's bill. As other private members' bills come along, I acknowledge the efforts that members often put into their proposed legislation for a wide variety of reasons. I have had the opportunity to go over this member's bill and have some serious concerns.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am sure that if you seek the consent of the House, we would agree to see the clock at 6:30 p.m.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I wonder if my colleague could highlight the importance of the issue when it comes to government working with the different stakeholders. Through the Prime Minister, the minister, and cabinet, we have seen a fairly aggressive agenda in terms of trying to make sure, as much as possible, that we are protecting the interests of this industry in all regions of our country.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments by the member opposite. We might have to disagree at times on approaches to dealing with this issue. I do genuinely believe that this government, virtually from day one, has been aware of the situation and has aggressively worked with the different stakeholders.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I have a petition to present in regard to the Falun Gong, which is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline consisting of meditation exercises and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The petitioners call on the Government of Canada to, in a public way, call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

Questions Passed as Orders for Returns  Mr. Speaker, if a revised response to Question No. 297, originally tabled on September 19, could be made an order for return, this return would be tabled immediately.

Questions Passed as Orders for Returns  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the remaining questions be allowed to stand.