Aerospace and Defence Industry  Mr. Speaker, Canada holds an enviable place in the global aerospace industry, ranking among the top five countries in the world and employing upward of 80,000 skilled professionals in over 400 firms across the country. We know it was this government that implemented the Canada first procurement strategy and strengthened the industrial regional benefits program.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, it is important we look at the types of programs we have for our seniors. With respect to the guaranteed income supplement, it is important for seniors to have the money they require. The key thing is to ensure that costs are down and that investments are such that our tax structure is able to deal with this.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, seniors truly are the backbone of our communities and throughout the country. To pick the aspect of establishing a senior's day, although it is important and recognizes the commitment that seniors have given to our communities, I think there is a lot more that is being done.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Nepean—Carleton for sharing his time with me. I am pleased to participate in the debate on our government's Speech from the Throne. Just over a year ago, I gave my maiden speech on budget 2009 just before it was passed by this esteemed House.

2010 Winter Olympians  Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today to congratulate my constituent, Lyndon Rush of Sylvan Lake, for his medal winning bobsled run at the 2010 winter Olympics. Lyndon was the pilot of Canada 1 that earned a bronze medal. What an accomplishment. This was his first Olympic Games but Lyndon is no stranger to being a world contender.

Employment  Mr. Speaker, during the most challenging global economic period in recent history, our Conservative government was up for the fight. Canada's economic action plan is working, stimulating the economy, creating and saving jobs and protecting those hit hardest. We have already committed 97% of the plan, 12,000 projects across the country.

National 4-H Month  Mr. Speaker, November is National 4-H Month. As many Canadians know, 4-H stands for head, heart, hands and health, and its mandate is to inspire youth to become leaders in their communities. The Government of Canada has invested in the Canadian 4-H Council since it was established in 1933, and we have just recently announced an additional $3 million in support for 4-H.

Taxation  Mr. Speaker, the Liberal leader has finally come clean on his plan to raise taxes. This is not surprising, as he proudly calls himself a tax and spend Liberal. He wants to hike the GST, and he was the first Liberal out of the gate to call for a carbon tax on everything. Could the award-winning finance minister of the year inform the House on the latest news of the Liberal leader's tax hike agenda?

Employment Insurance Act  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to speak in favour of Bill C-50, our government's latest step to help Canada's unemployed. Our government has taken action throughout the past year to help Canadians. As part of Canada's economic action plan, we have made changes and improvements to the EI system to help those Canadians who have become unemployed through no fault of their own.

Rodeo Builder  Mr. Speaker, it is my honour today to pay tribute to Jack Daines, who was honoured May 29 with an induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a rodeo builder. When we think of Alberta and rodeo, we think Jack Daines. He won Canadian saddle bronc titles in 1956 and 1957.

Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada  Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Liberal Party must be living on another planet or perhaps he is out of touch with reality because of his lengthy absence from Canada. The leader of the Liberal Party recently said, “We will have to raise taxes”. How does the leader of the Liberal Party suppose that a tax increase will benefit hard-working Canadian families?

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition signed by 126 people of my riding of Red Deer, Alberta. The petitioners believe that all efforts should be made to prevent animal cruelty and reduce animal suffering. Therefore, the petitioners call upon Parliament to support a universal declaration on animal welfare.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, with regard to deportation and situations that are that serious, there are immigration officers who are trained to be vigilant in watching for inconsistencies that may indicate that a relationship is not bona fide. We have to ensure genuine applicants are granted these approvals in principle.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, spouses and common-law partners already living in Canada may also apply for permanent residence in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class. Further, applicants in the spouse or common-law partner class can stay here and apply for open work permits once they have received approval in principle, so if we look at the types of things that are taking place, we will find that there is the protection that is required.

Committees of the House  Mr. Speaker, with regard to family class applications, one of the things the hon. member mentioned earlier was that there could be some i's not dotted and t's not crossed and this is the reason why these particular concerns could last as long as four years. As I mentioned, I do not believe that is the case.