The Clerk informed the House of the unavoidable absence of the Speaker.

Thereupon, Mr. McClelland (Edmonton Southwest), Deputy Chairman of Committees of the Whole, took the Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 8.

PRAYERS

RECALL OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

The Acting Speaker informed the House that, pursuant to Standing Order 28(4), he has recalled the House today for the sole purpose of granting the Royal Assent to certain Bills.

ROYAL ASSENT

The Acting Speaker informed the House that the Honourable the Deputy Governor General will proceed to the Senate today at 2:00 p.m. for the purpose of giving the Royal Assent to certain Bills.

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

Messages were received from the Senate as follows:

-- ORDERED: That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed Bill C-32, An Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development, without amendment.

-- ORDERED: That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed Bill C-78, An Act to establish the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, to amend the Public Service Superannuation Act, the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, the Defence Services Pension Continuation Act, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pension Continuation Act, the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act and the Canada Post Corporation Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act, without amendment.

ROYAL ASSENT

A message was received from the Honourable John Major, Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, in his capacity as Deputy Governor General, desiring the immediate attendance of the House in the Senate.

Accordingly, the Acting Speaker, with the House, proceeded to the Senate.

The Commons returned to the Chamber.

Whereupon, the Acting Speaker reported that when the Commons had been in the Senate, the Honourable the Deputy Governor General was pleased to give, in Her Majesty's name, the Royal Assent to the following Bills:

Bill C-32, An Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development. -- Chapter No. 33;

Bill C-78, An Act to establish the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, to amend the Public Service Superannuation Act, the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, the Defence Services Pension Continuation Act, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pension Continuation Act, the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act and the Canada Post Corporation Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act. -- Chapter No. 34.

ADJOURNMENT

At 2:19 p.m., the Acting Speaker adjourned the House until Monday, September 20, 1999, at 11:00 a.m., pursuant to Standing Orders 28(2) and 24(1).