Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I received an email a while back from a farmer from Manitoulin Island, Ross Joyce of Spring Bay. He wants to transition his farm to certified organic and is concerned that GMO canola has started to grow on his land. He is worried about his operation and also about the impending battle he might have with Monsanto.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, we have trends in farming that worry many of the producers in my constituency. Since 1988, Canada's farm debt has tripled. We lost 80,000 farms and saw a dramatic drop in the number of young farmers. My colleague spoke about that a few minutes ago. Farmers tell me these phenomena are the product of an agricultural policy that only values the big corporate interests and lacks appropriate incentives to help young people see the family farm as a viable way of life.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, for my constituents, this is more about food security than it is about marketing or competition. Increasingly, we are tied to a system of food production and distribution that leaves us vulnerable to other countries when we produce less of what we need ourselves.

Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to correct the record. A while ago I mentioned Bill Gehl was the chair of the Canadian Wheat Board, but in my haste I had forgotten to indicate “Alliance” at the end. I am very well aware that Allen Oberg is the chair of the Canadian Wheat Board. Again, I want to mention that Mr.

Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act  Mr. Speaker, Bill Gehl, the chair of the Canadian Wheat Board, has said that one of the faults with the legislation is that the government would clearly not be supporting the port of Churchill even though the government says it is. The Canadian Wheat Board moves 600,000 tonnes a year through the port.

Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act  Madam Speaker, I have a press release from Allen Oberg, chairman of the CWB governing board of directors. He said: This is not about putting farmers in the drivers' seat--it's about throwing us under the bus, and handing the steering wheel to huge American and European multinationals that control the world's grain trade.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague's speech on this issue. It is near and dear to a lot of our hearts. My daughter's young friend passed away by suicide at the age of 13. Does the hon. member not feel that we need to make better use and ensure that we put in place a national strategy on suicide given the fact that there are so many difficult areas in the spectrum?

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I appreciate being given the time to ask a question, for this is such an important issue. The suicide rate in aboriginal and Inuit communities is very high, and the federal government is responsible for granting funds to those communities. I know that many suicides have taken place in the communities in my riding.

Safe Streets and Communities Act  Madam Speaker, I have a couple of questions for the member. I have a letter here that was written to the Prime Minister by Jane Wright in Providence Bay. She states: There are adequate measures presently in place to keep in prison the few who are truly dangerous. Your crime bill will further disadvantage young aboriginals and the mentally ill....

Libya  Mr. Speaker, I am just wondering if the member across would be able to elaborate on the government's plan for aiding in the democratic development of Libya as referenced in its motion before us today.

Food Banks  Mr. Speaker, on October 1, Moose FM in Elliot Lake will be holding its radiothon to drum up donations for the Elliot Lake emergency food bank. This annual event highlights the spirit of volunteerism and showcases the generosity of the people of Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing. It is a sad fact that too many Canadians are turning to food banks as belts get tighter and budgets get squeezed.

Libya  Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to personally thank the military personnel and diplomats for their hard work in accomplishing the job that they have done so far. New Democrats supported the Canadian military mission and its extension in June in order to ensure that civilians were protected from the Gadhafi regime.

Restoring Mail Delivery for Canadians Act  Mr. Speaker, the postal workers have been locked out. They are trying to be forced back to work. I would like my colleague to comment on that. Has she seen this before? How does she think they feel? This is similar to having a spouse thrown out by the other spouse and the police bringing the spouse back and saying he or she must be allowed to stay in the home.

Restoring Mail Delivery for Canadians Act  Mr. Speaker, I would just like to touch base on the question that was just asked. The member was saying that there is a provision in there that would actually allow for collective bargaining to continue. I just want to ask my colleague, and I know he has looked at the bill, if he saw any incentives in there to allow for that collective agreement to go on.

Restoring Mail Delivery for Canadians Act  Mr. Speaker, I want to ask my colleague a question. She talked about standing up for our families and our rights. I think it is very important. But some have said people are complaining. Others said they wanted to fix a few problems. Personally, I would like to know whether my colleague thinks what we are doing today is a waste of time.