Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act  Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise on debate on the tougher penalties for child predators act. Although members of the House do not always agree on the best approach to tackle challenging societal problems, I am confident we can all agree on the need to act to better p

Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his intervention and speech today. Obviously, his law enforcement background and his work here in this chamber have done a lot in fighting these kinds of issues. He explained that we have an environment in which people are b

Access to Information  Mr. Speaker, the independent commissioners of Parliament are responsible for managing the funds in their offices, and we expect this to be done in a way that is fair to the taxpayer. If agents of Parliament believe they need extra funding, they should respect the process and make

Access to Information  Mr. Speaker, commissioners are independent of Parliament and are responsible for managing their own offices' budgets. We expect them to do so in a way that is fair to taxpayers. If parliamentary agencies feel that they need more money, they should respect the process and make a f

Parliament of Canada Act  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide the government's response to Bill C-613, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and the Access to Information Act (transparency). For many reasons, the government cannot support this bill, not least of which is because it includes a num

Questions Passed as Orders for Returns  Mr. Speaker, if Questions Nos. 684 to 699 as well as 716 could be made orders for returns, these returns would be tabled immediately.

Questions Passed as Orders for Returns  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all remaining questions be allowed to stand.

Government Response to Petitions  Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to 26 petitions.

Access to Information  Mr. Speaker, this government has done more than any other government to make sure that Canadians have access to information, particularly through the Access to Information Act. Last year we saw an increase of about 27% in inquiries being answered. We are making sure that there a

Access to Information  Mr. Speaker, in 2012-13, our government set a number of records for openness and transparency. The government processed a record number of access to information requests, released a record number of materials, and had an improved turnaround time. Our government processed nearly 5

Taxation  Mr. Speaker, Public Service Pension Investments, which is responsible for addressing the post-2000 pension obligations of the federal government, operates at arm's length from the federal government. It is not part of the federal public administration, and its business and affair

Canada-Korea Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, I always find it ironic when the NDP or, in this case, this particular member praises a local industry. Yes, absolutely, this copper mine has helped Princeton, and actually the whole Okanagan-Similkameen has seen economic activity. However, on the same aspect, the me

Canada-Korea Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the member reiterating her support, as well as the Liberal Party of Canada's support, for this important free trade agreement. I do think that when we have good deals and bring them here and debate them, we can also see some support for things.

Canada-Korea Economic Growth and Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I talk about the landmark Canada-South Korea free trade agreement. I will be sharing my time with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources. The fact that even the NDP can see the benefits and support this deal

Incorporation by Reference in Regulations Act  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to debate this bill with the hon. member today. I actually find it slightly ironic, so I will give a comment and then a question. The member and his party are relying on arguments based on debates in the Senate. They do not support bicameralism. Th