Gasoline Prices  Mr. Speaker, gasoline prices depend on factors including world market trends, the price of crude, and local variables, such as competition and transportation costs. In Canada, only provinces and territories have the power to regulate gasoline prices. If it were up to the opposition parties, they would let the price of gas rise by 60% under Bill C-288.

Cancer  Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about a cause very close to my heart. Every year, children with cancer must fight this unfair disease. I have decided to collect money for this cause and to have my head shaved for the fourth Shaved Head Challenge. Close to 10,000 people from across the province have already shaved their heads for this cause.

House debate  Mr. Speaker, Canada's new government is committed to helping Canadians reduce their gas consumption so that they can save money and protect the environment. We believe that we can make real progress on environmental issues without endangering economic growth or unfairly increasing the burden on thousands of Canadian families, which an excessive increase in the price of gas would do.

House debate  Mr. Speaker, I fully understand the concerns of my colleague and Canadians concerning the impact of rising gas prices. The rising price of gas and other basic commodities has a negative impact on the cost of living for everyone. Canada's energy policy is based on an open market in which businesses are free to make business decisions within a regulatory framework designed to protect the current and future interests of all Canadians.

Canada Summer Jobs  Mr. Speaker, our government has accelerated the second phase of funding for the Canada summer jobs program in order to help students quickly acquire the best work experience possible during the summer months. Canada summer jobs is focused on encouraging employers of not for profit, public sector, and smaller private sector organizations with 50 or fewer employees to create jobs.

National Mining Week  Mr. Speaker, National Mining Week runs from May 14 to 20. Our mining industry means social and economic prosperity for many communities across the country. I invite the hon. members to join me in congratulating our mining industry during this week of celebrations. This year's theme is “Canada's Natural Resources: Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence in Mining and Minerals Science and Technology”.

Nuclear Energy  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her interesting question. This matter falls under provincial jurisdiction. The provinces are the ones to decide what kind of energy can be used to exploit the oil sands.

Nuclear Energy  Mr. Speaker, any increase in oil sands production falls under provincial jurisdiction. We are working with Alberta to make this decision.

Gasoline Prices  Mr. Speaker, according to leading Canadian economists, the Liberal plan, which is supported by the Bloc Québécois, would trigger a 50% increase in hydro costs, as well. As for the costs of heating homes with natural gas, they would basically double from what they are right now. This is irresponsible.

Gasoline Prices  Mr. Speaker, in our last budget, we introduced various initiatives, such as the eco-auto rebate program, which helps Canadians purchase high efficiency vehicles through rebates of up to $2,000. As the government, we are taking action.

Official Language Minority Communities  Mr. Speaker, last week, Justin Trudeau spoke out against bilingualism and the institutions that support it. Why do the federal Liberals want to close francophone schools in New Brunswick or Manitoba, and close anglophone schools in Quebec? The Liberals' arrogance shows that they have no consideration for cultural communities.

Business of Supply  The Liberal Party supports an increase in gas prices. On August 24, 2005, the leader of the official opposition said that an increase in gas prices would benefit Canada in the middle and long term. My question is for the hon. member. Does the Bloc support an increase in gas prices?

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am happy to reply to my colleague. Our balanced approach for producing new fuels will help the fuel industry become more competitive. Prices will thus be allowed to decrease. A balanced approach is very important to secure the energy resources of Canada.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I will be happy to answer the question asked by my hon. friend. The proof is also in the new technologies that have been developed to use resources in a more efficient and a more environmentally friendly way. For example, green coal technologies will allow Canada to fully mine its immense coal reserves.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to take part in this debate. There are few issues that Canadians care about as much as the price of gas, except, perhaps, the weather. Whether it is at the office or at the local eatery, everyone talks about it. Everyone has a theory on why the price of gas is so high.