Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I listened with great interest to the statements of my next door neighbour and colleague, who accuses this government of doing nothing more than paying lip service to many of these issues. I take issue with that, because I serve on the aboriginal affairs committee and I can assure her and the others members of this House that we are doing far more than that.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I would remind my colleague that this is International Women's Week and that this week we all had the opportunity to meet a number of Afghan female parliamentarians who were here in the House. That was a great privilege for all of us. I also would remind her of some of Canada's international efforts as they relate to women.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest to my colleague's comments and he repeatedly used the words “the Liberal government would have”. The Liberal government would have fixed the infrastructure problem. It would have solved the climate change issue. It would have solved the health care problem.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the member opposite on his diligence and hard work, and the successes that he has achieved in his 40 years since coming to Canada. I am glad he is here in the House representing his constituents. He has highlighted for all of us the number of blessings that we have in this great country.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, residential schools mark a sad period in our nation's history for generations of aboriginal children. We have heard stories of abuse, loss of language and culture, the effects of which are present even to this day. It is the time to turn the page on this sad chapter.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, the government has moved ahead with action on aboriginal affairs issues. I pointed out the water issue. We have addressed over half of the outstanding water issues in first nations communities that have critical concerns. There are a number of other initiatives on which the government has moved ahead with action.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I am glad the member did point out that in budget 2008 we have set aside a large amount of money to recruit more police officers. I cannot say specifically where these will be allocated, but I know the government is committed to working with territorial, provincial and municipal partners to help increase the number of front line police officers to improve the safety and security of all of our communities.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I think one thing that almost all of the members in this House and the opposition parties continue to ignore is the rapid debt repayment that this government has embarked upon. By the end of this year, just a few weeks from now, we will have paid down over $37 billion of debt.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to have the opportunity to speak today in support of budget 2008. It has been said before and it deserves to be restated: this budget is balanced; this budget is focused; and this budget is prudent. I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to the Minister of Finance for his continued fine work on behalf of all Canadians.

Finance  Mr. Speaker, in the fall economic statement our government acted early to deliver tax relief for Canadians. Tomorrow afternoon the Minister of Finance will bring forward our government's third budget. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance please inform the House if the government will accept opposition amendments to budget 2008?

Canadian Content in Public Transportation Projects  Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest to the member's speech and I think the goals of his motion are certainly laudable. I have two questions. First, does he have any idea as to how municipalities would feel about the federal government putting a restriction on their purchasing?

Canada Elections Act  I would have been welcome. He indicated that under the previous regime, loans could not be forgiven without consequence. I was wondering if he could outline for the House what the consequences would be for someone like Mr. Rae, who has a loan of $845,000.

Canada Elections Act  Mr. Speaker, the previous speaker mentioned that everything was okay with the fundraising initiative that was scheduled for last evening. I was wondering then why the event was cancelled, and further to that, during the hon. member's speech he said, or at least changed.

Valentine's Day  Mr. Speaker, over the past two years I have had the incredible privilege and honour of serving the constituents of Kitchener—Conestoga here in the Parliament of Canada. While the list of those who have influenced my life and encouraged me along my journey is a long one, there is one person to whom I am most indebted and who deserves great thanks on this very special day: my wife Betty.

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking my hon. friend, the member for Peace River, for drawing the attention of the House, through this private member's bill, to the complex difficulties created by methamphetamine. I am fully aware of his deep concern for the problems that methamphetamine inflicts on Canadians.