Hon. Carol Skelton (Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, CPC)

Mr. Speaker, I would like to present a petition on behalf of the people of Biggar and area about the proposed destruction of the unique and historic locomotive roundhouse in Biggar. The petitioners are asking that the roundhouse be deemed a national historic site and not become another pile of concrete, stones and rubble.

Hon. Carol Skelton (Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, CPC)

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed my honour to present a petition on behalf of the people of Biggar, Saskatchewan and people from right across Canada who are very interested in keeping our historical CN roundhouse in the town of Biggar. It is the duty of Parliament to protect our heritage buildings. I ask that the roundhouse be designated a heritage building in Canada.

Hon. Carol Skelton (Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, CPC)

Mr. Speaker, I have a petition to present on behalf of the citizens of Biggar and area.

The petitioners call on the Government of Canada to prevent the proposed demolition of the historically unique locomotive roundhouse in the town of Biggar. I ask the minister, on behalf of the petitioners, to deem the valuable structure a national historic site.

Hon. Carol Skelton (Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, CPC)

Mr. Speaker, from helping mobilizing “Hay West” for Saskatchewan farmers experiencing drought, to introducing a taxpayers' bill of rights and an ombudsman, it has been my greatest honour to represent the people of Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar in Parliament. They placed their trust in me for three successive terms and I thank them for their confidence.

Although I announced this summer that I will not seek re-election, I will remain involved with my home province of Saskatchewan.

I thank the Prime Minister for his leadership and for entrusting me to serve our great country in cabinet.

For me, politics is public service, serving people and laying a firm foundation on which to build an even greater nation for future generations. The many fond memories of the people I have met and that I have had the privilege of working with will remain with me always.

I thank my husband, Noel, for his support. I thank Terri, Gord, Wendy, Tenille, Mark, Nadeen, Victoria, Ted, Shelby and Shea, and my beloved 91-year-old mother, Irene. I could not have done this without them.

Hon. Carol Skelton (Minister of National Revenue, CPC)

Mr. Speaker, we do no such thing. When people come to the office, they must verify the living conditions they are in and no one under any circumstances is denied their basic rights.