National Day Of Remembrance And Action On Violence Against Women  Mr. Speaker, on December 6 Canadians across this country will join in marking our National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It is a day of mourning for the 14 young women who tragically lost their lives in 1989, specifically because they were women. It is a day to reflect on the many women who continue to live and die in the shadow of violence.

Violence Against Women  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased the hon. member indicated that violence against women was linked with women's economic independence and autonomy. The government recognized this and moved forward in assisting women to achieve post-doctoral studies in the new millennium in which we will be looking at technology as a source of jobs for women that are sustainable.

Violence Against Women  Mr. Speaker, we have strengthened certain legislation over the last two years, anti-stalking legislation being one of them. We have also initiated and are working on a SIN de-linking project that would give women who are stalked a new identity so that they can start new lives and not be victims of stalking.

Violence Against Women  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see the hon. member across the way being very interested in this issue. It is a great commitment of the government to reduce violence against women. First and foremost, the biggest tool we have used is gun control legislation. Second, we are setting up $32 million for crime prevention initiatives that will be aimed at the prevention of crimes against women.

Toy Labelling  Mr. Speaker, the statistics and the results of that survey are a great concern to all of us. The Minister of Canadian Heritage is convinced that the key to a strong Canadian identity is a sound knowledge of Canada. The role of the federal government and in particular that of the Department of Canadian Heritage is to provide support to enable all Canadians to learn about each other, about our diversity, about our heritage, history, symbols, traditions and shared values, so that we can all participate fully in and appreciate the society and country we have built together.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation  Mr. Speaker, this round of cuts is the final one that the CBC is making. It was predicted. Everyone knew that it was going to happen, but I am pleased to say that in fact there are fewer cuts than there were planned to be purely because we have put in $10 million into RCI and that has lowered the number of cuts.

Canadians  Mr. Speaker, may I say from the outset that although I consider this motion misguided, I am absolutely sure that its impetus was my colleague's sincere love for Canada and his desire to ensure that Canada remains whole and united. Having said that I want you to know, Mr. Speaker, that my basic objection to this motion, since there is no official policy about calling oneself a hyphenated Canadian, is there is no law that designates that one must do that.

Drinking Water Materials Safety Act  Mr. Speaker, I listened to the hon. member speak against this proposed legislation. I believe the hon. member's heart is in the right place. She brought up some very thoughtful questions. She made some very thoughtful interventions. I want to comment on a couple of the questions that the honourable member asked.

Canada Pension Plan  Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member is mistaken. Having been at the federal, provincial and territorial ministers' meeting in Halifax I can say that the federal, provincial and territorial ministers for the status of women did not say anything about gender analysis in the CPP phase 1; but they did request unanimously that in phase 2, which is coming up, there be comprehensive gender analysis done in light of new information that has come about with an economic indicators project launched at that meeting.

Canada Pension Plan  Mr. Speaker, on the contrary. Because of gender analysis it was done in part 1 of the CPP. All the things that affect women positively were retained in the CPP: all of the dropout conditions in the CPP, the time off for maternity leave and the issue of spousal benefits, survivor benefits.

War Medals  Mr. Speaker, I reiterate that one must be respectful to the family of Lieutenant-Colonel McCrae. In this instance the family has questioned the medals. As a result we are talking with the family and once those medals are authenticated the Canadian government will do everything in its power to ensure that those medals remain here and we will give financial support.

National Defence  Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant-Colonel McCrae has given a great deal to Canada and the world. Canadians are very proud of him. Members should know that the Minister of Canadian Heritage and her officials have been in touch with the family of Lieutenant-Colonel McCrae who are now looking to ensure themselves that those medals are authentic.

Employment  Go to your seat.

Multiculturalism  Mr. Speaker, that is precisely why the multiculturalism program exists. We have just set up the Canadian Race Relations Foundation so that we can deal with the issue of racism across the country. We also have programs in our health institutions, municipalities, police forces and schools to be able to develop grassroots programs to assist communities in dealing with racism and tolerance.

Tamil Eelam Society  Mr. Speaker, with regard to the funding of any group, we always have clear criteria. We evaluate and we ensure always that the funds spent are spent for the things they were in fact asked for.