Labour  Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Labour has announced the first comprehensive review in 40 years of part III of the Canada Labour Code. Part III of the code establishes basic conditions of work and provides protection for some one million employees, 10% of the Canadian workforce. Could the minister tell the House what this review will encompass?

Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure and an honour to speak this evening to Bill C-24. Canadians understand that equalization has been one of the pillars of our federation for more than four decades now. To begin with, the equalization and the territorial formula financing programs ensure that all Canadians, no matter where they live, have access to reasonably comparable public services.

Biotechnology  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that today is the opening day in Ottawa of the 11th annual BioNorth, Canada's international biotechnology and life sciences conference and exhibition. This year's theme is “Commercializing the Success Gene--The Business of Science and the Science of Business”.

Canada Labour Code  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to speak to Bill C-263, introduced by my colleague, concerning the use of replacement workers during strikes and lockouts. There is a very important point of principle that we should keep our eye on as a House and as members. When we go back to the Sims report of 1995, there was never total unanimity on the report's recommendations with respect to replacement workers.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. In 2000 the Prime Minister, in his capacity as finance minister, committed to developing national environmental and sustainable development indicators to help improve overall decision making in Canada. At that time the Prime Minister stated that the current means of measuring progress were inadequate and that these indicators could well have a greater impact on public policy than any other single measure we might introduce.

Hiv-Aids  Mr. Speaker, we all know that the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. Media reports today again raise fundamental questions with respect to the Conservative Party's lack of empathy for human suffering caused by HIV-AIDS. Although the Conservatives are desperately trying to re-brand themselves as more moderate, once again Canadians get a real look at their views from a prominent member of that party.

Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise to speak in support of Bill C-6, an act to establish the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the amend or repeal certain other acts. I know I do not need to remind the members of the House that we live in an increasingly interconnected, complex and often dangerous world.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. In accordance with its order of reference of Tuesday, October 26, 2004, the committee has considered Bill C-7, an act to amend the Department of Canadian Heritage Act and the Parks Canada Agency Act and to make related amendments to other acts, and agreed on Thursday, November 4, 2004 to report it without amendment.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, this morning we learned that Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill to ratify the Kyoto protocol. Can the Minister of the Environment tell us his reaction to this action by the Russian president, which represents a crucial step for Russia and makes it possible for the protocol to take effect next year?

Housing  Mr. Speaker, as noted in the Speech from the Throne, shelter is the foundation upon which healthy communities and individual dignity are built. The government is committed to ensuring that those Canadians who are most in need can access safe and affordable housing. I would like to inform the House of an initiative that will help communities develop new affordable housing projects.

Financial Administration Act  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased this afternoon to speak to Bill C-8. Before doing so however, I would like to sincerely thank the people of Ottawa South for electing me as their member of Parliament in the House of Commons. I am most grateful to them for placing their confidence in me.

Housing  Mr. Speaker, many Canadians still face the challenge of finding safe and affordable housing. In last week's Speech from the Throne the government has rightly pointed to the affordable housing initiative as one of the tools it uses to meet these needs. Can the minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation inform the House of the status of this program?