Main Estimates, 2014-15  Mr. Speaker, we all wish that things would be the way we want them to be. One of the toughest parts is that we all come here with notions about how things should be and how we would change things, but then we find out that not everyone in this place agrees with us. Therefore, we have to have a process to deal with the issues of the day.

Main Estimates, 2014-15  Mr. Speaker, normally I am happy to have the opportunity to participate in a debate, but not today. Today, in this case, I will be rising to oppose a motion denying the allocation of resources for the Senate. In other words, I will not be supporting the motion that opposes funding for the Senate.

Main Estimates, 2014-15  Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask a question in regard to consultation. The member is critical of the government for not consulting. The Supreme Court of Canada issued a ruling earlier, and part of that process was that the Province of Quebec gave its view as to what Parliament could do unilaterally and gave its view that Bill C-7 could not proceed without provincial consent.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, it seems that the opposition has voted against every single tax measure, whether it be consumption taxes, corporate taxes, or income taxes. It does not matter what we do. Those members seem to be ideologically opposed to it regardless of the benefit. We saw a public budget officer report that said the majority of the $30 billion went to low- and middle-income families.

Instruction to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (violence against women)  Mr. Speaker, I rise on this important debate on Motion No. 504, which is before this House today. I intend to support this motion, because it presents a valuable opportunity to explore ways we all can help reduce and prevent violence against women and girls by engaging Canadians, listening to stakeholders, and finding out what works in practice at the national level or at the community level.

Instruction to the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (violence against women)  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the member for Sault Ste. Marie, for his contribution in this debate. This motion is not only worthy of support, but also I want to give him kudos. I have found in working with him at the public accounts committee that the member is very inclusive, very thoughtful and powerfully clear when he speaks.

Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.

Battle of Normandy  Mr. Speaker, this week our Prime Minister and a contingent of Canadian veterans have travelled a great distance to Normandy. There they will reflect and honour the loss of so many lives and the many brave Canadian soldiers who did not return. One of those veterans is Mr. Denis Hubber from my riding of Okanagan—Coquihalla.

Canada-Honduras Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's intervention today. It sounds to me like she has brought up some good examples, like Germany. Germany, obviously, with its Mittelstand of small and medium-sized manufacturers, is an excellent point. I think she should also reflect on the fact that every country comes to the trade game, so to speak, with a different collection of strengths and weaknesses.

Canada-Honduras Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, it is important to be mindful that one out five jobs in Canada is dependent on trade. The NDP member for British Columbia Southern Interior had written that free trade agreements “threaten the very existence of our nation”. I believe that Canada has a special future, but it is not going to be put out by vague ideas or platitudes or charismatic speeches.

Canada-Honduras Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a step back. When we look at trade, we see that trade benefits both parties, or else they would not agree to trade in the first place. Trade balances and surplus change from month to month and from year to year. We had a case where Canada was selling more pork products to Honduras, but because someone else was able to engage and to see tariff-free access, it went down to zero.

Canada-Honduras Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the member's comments as well as his support for some of my work on the interprovincial transfer of wine. To go back to the topic of trade deficits versus trade surpluses, those change over time. We should also remember that economies also change.

Canada-Honduras Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, I just would remind the member that what I said in my speech earlier was that Canadian businesses, small, medium, and large, are working on an unlevel playing field. The European Union already has a free trade agreement with Honduras, as does the United States of America.

Canada-Honduras Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member for Winnipeg North for basically putting in Hansard all of my failures. When he comes to pointing out that the Chrétien government was so great on trade, there were 3 agreements versus 38 agreements with us now. To paraphrase a former Liberal member, they did not get it done.

Canada-Honduras Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to speak in support of the Canada-Honduras free trade agreement today. Since 2006, our Conservative government has been focused on the priorities of Canadians: creating jobs, growth, and economic opportunities for all. One of the ways we have been achieving real results for Canadians is through opening new markets for Canadian businesses.