Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, my colleague is absolutely right. We should not be turning a blind eye with regard to the environment and human rights. The U.S. had over two years with respect to its agreement with Peru and it obviously has a lot of flaws. The president of Peru, Alan Garcia Perez, actually did 102 legislative decrees on the agreement.

Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Madam Speaker, my colleague's speech speaks well about why we have been asking for fair trade and not a free trade agreement. I want to touch base on some of the comments by our other colleagues, and specifically the Minister of Justice, with regard to how free trade has actually worked.

Questions Passed as Orders for Returns  What is the total amount of government funding since fiscal year 1998-1999 up to and including the current fiscal year, allocated within the constituency of Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, listing each department or agency, initiative, and amount?

Environmental Enforcement Act  Mr. Speaker, let us review some of the fine requirements under this bill. The maximum fine for an individual under these new punishments would be $1 million. This amount is a real sacrifice for an individual, not to mention the threat of jail time. Corporations can see offences of no more than $10 million, even on continual offences.

Environmental Enforcement Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Churchill, Manitoba, for her question. When the government decided not to follow through with the Kyoto targets, it had a great impact across the world as to whether Canada was actually committed. No longer are we leaders with regard to environmental laws.

Environmental Enforcement Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question. During my speech I did talk about the enforcement part. Certainly the enforcement officers that we have out there right now are actually extremely well trained and can do the job. The problem is that there are not enough of them to do the job.

Environmental Enforcement Act  Mr. Speaker, although I rise in support of this bill, I would like to take this opportunity to expand on some key points and concerns. We feel that Bill C-16, an act that relates to the environment and enacts provisions respecting the enforcement of certain acts that relate to the environment, is a step in the right direction.

Environmental Enforcement Act  Mr. Speaker, the member across certainly has a lot to say, but let us see. They are the ones who have failed to act on the environmental impact. We saw what it did to the wildlife when 1,600 migrating ducks flew into a toxic pond owned by Syncrude. The total amount fined to this company was approximately $800,000, which was a very small amount for such a large company, given the negative impact their actions had on our wildlife and environment.

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague on his speech. I agree that this bill is a step in the right direction, but I also share his concerns about whether the government will really follow through on its promises. There are a lot of farms in my riding, and farmers are frustrated by the fact that the Conservative government is not paying attention to them, nor doing anything to help them.

Electronic Commerce Protection Act  Mr. Speaker, we have to refer this bill—sorry, I was thinking of his brothers—to committee for further study because it has some problems. I myself think that it is very important to make sure people do not get spammed all the time, as they do now, especially since there are so many young people online.

AbitibiBowater  Mr. Speaker, at the height of the crisis in the forestry sector, AbitibiBowater decided to reward its outgoing president with a large cheque for $17.5 million. The government did absolutely nothing to put a stop to excessive bonuses in the public sector, and it certainly has no intention of doing so in the private sector.

Employment Insurance Act  Mr. Speaker, I apologize. The fact of the matter is that the Liberals say that changes have been needed for a long, long time. They certainly had not moved on them when they were in power, which leads us to wonder whether they will come through on the 360 hours. Just on that note, I think it is extremely important to recognize that we actually do need the changes to EI and that this is a perfect time to debate the issue and to bring it forward so that we can make sure that people are able to support themselves during these tough economic times.

Employment Insurance Act  Mr. Speaker, there is a double whammy on this that will actually benefit the workers. The 360 hours would be across the board. No matter where one lives in the country, all one would need is 360 hours to qualify for employment insurance. Reducing it and making sure that it is the best 12 weeks as opposed to the best 14 weeks will actually enhance their premiums.

Employment Insurance Act  Mr. Speaker, let us look at this. Certainly we support initiatives that actually enhance employment insurance. The only thing is that the initiatives have to be very worthwhile. My understanding is that the five weeks the government has put in has been done as a stipulation. It hopes that not very many people will access those five weeks because they are at the end.

Employment Insurance Act  moved that Bill C-280, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (qualification for and entitlement to benefits), be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to stand here today and deliver a piece of legislation in my name that will have a great effect on the lives of hard-working Canadians who have, through no fault of their own, found themselves unemployed.