Helena Guergis

[Petitions, March 24th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition in the House today in support of the volunteer firefighters who we all know are critical to protecting our lives and the fire safety of small communities across the nation in ridings like mine, Simcoe—Grey.

On average we know that our volunteer firefighters give over 443 hours of service, equivalent to 60 work days a year. Small communities are under severe financial stress and having paid firefighters is not an option.

I was pleased to see that this was included in the budget. It is unfortunate that the opposition parties are not supporting it and that we will be going to the polls, because I know that the average Canadian citizen would like to see support for our volunteer firefighters.

[Canada Elections Act, March 24th, 2011]

,

seconded by the hon. member for Portneuf—Jacques Cartier, moved for leave to introduce Bill C-643, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (contributions).

She said: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to introduce, in both official languages, a bill that will enact amendments to the Canada Elections Act so that contributions may be made in any calendar year to the candidate who is not the candidate of a registered party.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Taxation, March 22nd, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I continue to advocate for family-friendly policies like income splitting. Research shows that income splitting can have a positive impact on families, providing tax savings and increased birthrates as more parents have the freedom to choose whether to go to work or stay at home with their children.

Research predicts that family income splitting could address growing concerns over labour shortages and rising social program costs.

There is still time before the budget is tabled this afternoon. Would the finance minister please consider this very important family-friendly tax policy?

[Access to Information, March 10th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, it has been a year since the Prime Minister advised the country of unsubstantiated allegations against me and asked the RCMP to investigate. The result was a set of flimsy allegations that had absolutely no substance, and the RCMP file was closed. I have made an access to information and personal information request under the Privacy Act to receive a copy of the RCMP report to provide some insight to my constituents. It is an extremely frustrating process.

PCO, DFAIT, and the Lobbying Commissioner were all given the deadline of February 28 to respond. The Lobbying Commissioner has responded, but PCO and DFAIT have not. Could the government confirm that it will delay no further and release this information?

[Business of Supply, March 8th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I oppose the amendment.

[Howard Noble, March 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to recognize Howard Noble, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 8, at the age of 92, in my riding of Simcoe—Grey.

The Noble family is one of the first pioneer families in Simcoe county. In the 1800s, Archibald Noble left Ireland and settled in Mulmur township. Over the years, many of Howard's ancestors were buried in the pioneer cemetery. The Noble family established deep roots in the community and those roots are still growing strong.

Howard is survived by three generations, his son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Howard Noble was also one of the area's most respected businessman. In 1945 he founded Howard Noble Insurance. For over 65 years, this family-owned and operated business has successfully met the needs of the residents in the area.

Howard was also a major participant in establishing the community centre in Avening and the medical centre and Station on the Green, in Creemore. He was active in the Masons, the Shiners and the Eastern Star.

Our prayers go out to Howard's family and friends. He will be missed.

[Merchant Navy Veterans, February 17th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize John Stapleton, a constituent and tireless advocate of the merchant navy veterans.

John is a past president of the Allied Merchant Marine Association, a member of the Jewish War Veterans of Canada and an honorary member of the British Merchant Navy Association. He is also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and was one of 15 veterans recognized by the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation Award in October 2010.

John is a champion of veteran's issues and is persistent in his campaign for fair compensation and recognition for World War II merchant navy veterans. He and his wife, Wanita, and former MP, Paul Bonwick, were relentless in their crusade to establish Merchant Navy Day. Thanks to their perseverance, people across the country join to recognize the sacrifices made by World War II merchant navy veterans every year on September 3.

Every year, during the week of Valentine's Day, I recognize seniors and veterans. Today I pay special tribute to John Stapleton for his inspiration, his wisdom and his leadership.

[Committees of the House, February 16th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I support this motion.

[Health Care, February 10th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I had the opportunity to meet with Darryl and Trevor Lewis from my riding. We are all aware of the significant shortage of family doctors across Canada, especially in rural underserved areas like Simcoe—Grey. The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada is calling on the federal government to support strategies to increase enrolment in Canada's 17 medical schools.

In other countries, these strategies have increased the proportion of medical students from low-income and rural origins by 15% and, in turn, doctor representation. Students from rural backgrounds are 2.5 times more likely to stay and practise family medicine in rural communities.

The government needs to recognize these valuable groups and establish an application bursary program to cover the significant cost of applying to medical school. Recruiting and supporting low income and rural students in a career in medicine through education, mentorship, and research opportunities will have a tremendous impact on the quality of health care for all Canadians.

[Committees of the House, February 9th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I will vote yes.