A Stronger Justice System Week

April 10th, 2008

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am pleased that the House of Commons has just voted to approve the Budget Implementation Bill at 2nd reading. The Bill will now proceed to the Standing Committee on Finance where it will be studied by the members of that committee.

As I’m sure the Liberal House leader is aware, the passage of the Bill is important to the stability of the Canadian economy during a time of global economic uncertainty and to reduce the immigration application backlog that is causing Canada to lose much needed talent from potential immigrants. We hope that it will be dealt with quickly at committee, so we can have it back in the House for third reading.

Today and tomorrow, Mr. Speaker, we will continue to debate Bill C-23, which amends the Canada Marine Act, Bill C-33, which mandates five per cent renewable content in gasoline by 2010 and two per cent renewable in diesel and heating oil by 2012, and Bill C-5, dealing with nuclear liability, all as part of protect the health and safety of Canadians week.

Next week will be a Stronger Justice System Week.

Next week, we will start by debating at report stage and third reading, Bill C-31, which amends the Judges Act to allow the application of additional resources to our justice system.

We will also consider Senate amendments to Bill C-13, which is our Bill to amend the criminal code in relation to criminal procedure, language of the accused, sentencing and other matters.

We then will continue by debating Bill S-3, our Bill to reinstate modified versions of Anti-Terrorism provisions - the investigative hearings and the recognizance with conditions provisions - in the Criminal Code.  This important piece of legislation, which has already passed the Senate, will safeguard national security, while at the same time protecting the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.

I hope all members of this House will work with the government to ensure its quick and timely passage.

We will debate Bill C-26 which imposes mandatory prison sentences for producers and traffickers of illegal drugs, especially those who sell drugs to children.

Finally, if time permits, we will start debate on Bill C-45, regarding our military justice system.