Public Services and Procurement  Mr. Speaker, construction workers in my riding and across the country have approached me to explain how late payments affect them and their families. Small businesses count on getting paid in a timely manner in order to feed their families. This has been an issue for far too long.

Long Range Mountains  Mr. Speaker, in the middle of our usual winter wonderland in the Long Range Mountains, Mother Nature had a change of plans and overnight, on January 12, we saw temperatures rise and wind and heavy rain hit with a vengeance. Saturday, state of emergencies were declared in the city of Corner Brook and numerous communities along the south side of the Bay of Islands and the south side of Bonne Bay, all the way to Trout River.

Gros Morne Theatre Festival  Mr. Speaker, most of us know that the oldest professional theatre company in Canada is Stratford, of course, but I am sure most do not know the second oldest, which is Theatre Newfoundland Labrador. Their Gros Morne Theatre Festival, in Gros Morne National Park, is now the economic backbone of the community of Cow Head.

Tourism  Mr. Speaker, yesterday, as the new chair of the all-party tourism caucus, it was my pleasure to host a breakfast. We heard updates from TIAC, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, as well as from Destination Canada. As many of us know, we have had a banner tourism year so far.

Social Development  Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the minister responsible for seniors about an issue that occurred in the past month. Some seniors living separately for no reason of their own seem to be being denied their GIS benefits. Can the minister tell the House what action he has taken to ensure our seniors get all the benefits they deserve?

Tourism Week  Mr. Speaker, happy Tourism Week to everyone. Tourism accounts for over 2% of Canada's GDP and more than 1.7 million jobs right across the country. I am proud of Canada's new tourism vision. Our plan will help grow the tourism industry and create good jobs for the middle class across the country.

Tourism Industry  Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend, the member for Ottawa West—Nepean, for her passion and her excellent work in the tourism industry. Canada's rural and urban communities have much to share with the world. Last week, the Minister of Small Business and Tourism announced Canada's new vision.

Aboriginal Tourism Industry  Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 25th anniversary of Quebec Aboriginal Tourism, the first aboriginal tourism organization in Canada. The aboriginal tourism industry is an important one, and it sets Canada apart as a unique tourist destination, while respecting and reinforcing the vital traditions and cultures of aboriginal communities.

National Seal Products Day Act  Madam Speaker, the subject debated by my hon. colleague and friend is something we are all passionate about. Could the member give the House an estimate of the number of seals on the east coast of our country? What does he think could be sustainable, and what does he think the impact of such a number of seals would be?

Come From Away  Mr. Speaker, last week we braved a nor'easter to celebrate the people of Gander on Broadway with the musical Come From Away. The show moved our Prime Minister and the entire delegation to laughter and tears with the incredible and true story of how people from my province welcomed thousands, with open arms, as a town of not 9,000 people nearly doubled when 38 aircraft landed in just hours on 9/11.

Tourism  Mr. Speaker, 2016 was the best year for the Canadian tourism industry in over a decade. Nearly 20 million international tourists visited our country, including many to my riding of Long Range Mountains. That is 20 million customers for many small businesses across Canada from coast to coast to coast.

Women Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs  Mr. Speaker, in Canada, women represent 48% of the workforce and more than half of university graduates. However, they remain under-represented in certain areas of the workforce, including on corporate boards and in senior management positions. Ensuring equal opportunities for women in the workforce is a priority for both Canada and the United States.

Small Business  Mr. Speaker, this government does understand the importance of small and medium-size businesses. We understand that they are the backbone of the economy. They are proud of the work that they do, especially in the tourism industry where we have seen a boom of $90 billion this summer for 192,000 small and medium-size businesses.

Linda Vatcher  Mr. Speaker, over the holidays, communities and families in my riding were devastated to learn that Linda Vatcher was the Canadian who had been killed in the terrorist attack in Jordan, which claimed 10 lives and injured several, including her son. Linda had been on holidays visiting her son.

Tourism Industry  Mr. Speaker, let it snow, let is snow, let is snow. While some complain, I love winter and being outdoors, exploring the inspiring landscapes of my riding of Long Range Mountains. Canada is a winter wonderland, with stunning views and exciting adventures to be found, especially in Newfoundland and Labrador.