Mr. Speaker, the next petition involves the same rights for the unborn as those who are born.
Lost his last election, in 2008, with 36% of the vote.
Petitions June 15th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the next petition involves the same rights for the unborn as those who are born.
Petitions June 15th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the next petition is opposed to aiding and abetting euthanasia.
Petitions June 15th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, this petition relates to a national referendum on government funding for abortions.
Petitions June 15th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of presenting some petitions that have been duly certified under Standing Order 36.
The first relates to the request of the petitioners to work with VIA Rail and the local governments in order to build a VIA Rail station in my riding of Nepean—Carleton.
The Late Gilles Landry June 13th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, it was with great sadness that many of us learned of the recent passing of Mr. Gilles Landry, the Minister of Political and Public Affairs at our High Commission in London.
Only 48 years of age, Gilles had spent 25 years in the Canadian diplomatic service. He was an active promoter of both the Commonwealth and the Francophonie and had previously represented this country in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and Paris. Gilles was one of the key people behind the reopening of Canada House.
I had the pleasure of working with Gilles last year and this year in connection with Sierra Leone. I greatly admired the intelligence, the hard work and the obvious dedication that he brought to his work representing this country abroad.
Our foreign service attracts some of the best and the brightest this country has to offer. Gilles was among the best of the best.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family, the friends and the colleagues of Mr. Gilles Landry.
Cadets June 12th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a few comments about the efforts and enthusiasm of thousands of young people in hundreds of communities across Canada.
On Saturday more than 70,000 cadets, their instructors and supporters actively demonstrated their concern for the environment by working to improve and beautify their corner of our great land. Armed with rakes, shovels and brooms, the cadets showed their appreciation for the communities that have given them so much.
Cadets Caring for Canada is one of the largest activities of its kind. Through their initiative and hard work these young Canadians are making their mark. Despite their youth, or maybe because of it, they understand the importance of good citizenship and co-operation.
I ask all members of the House to join me in congratulating the cadets for their dedication and ingenuity. They are planting the seeds for a proud future.
Century Of Service Parade June 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite all Canadians to share in a grand military celebration Saturday morning, June 3, at 9.30 on Parliament Hill. Two hundred and fifty Canadian soldiers will participate in the Century of Service Parade to commemorate 100 years of proud military service to our country. This is a unique opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to four regiments that served in South Africa at the turn of the 20th century.
The Royal Canadian Regiment valiantly fought its way to victory through searing heat, thirst and sickness at the battle of Paardeberg in February 1900. In November 1900 the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery held fast at the battle of Leliefontain despite many casualties.
It is also an opportunity to commemorate the raising of Lord Strathcona's Horse, the Royal Canadians, in the year of 1900 just prior to their service in South Africa. In fact the Musical Ride will be performed by horses and riders from the Strathcona Mounted Troop, an event rarely seen in eastern Canada.
I encourage all Canadians to share in this momentous tribute to these four proud Canadian regiments that continue to serve our home and native land.
The Unknown Soldier May 29th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, yesterday Canada laid to rest the body of an unknown Canadian soldier in a special tomb next to the national war memorial. This soldier's body which lay for over 80 years in the Cabernet Rouge cemetery in northern France was finally brought home last week after a formal ceremony at Vimy Ridge.
I had the honour and privilege of joining the official delegation in France last week which included the Minister of Veterans Affairs, representatives of veterans organizations, a few parliamentarians and members of the Canadian forces. It was an experience I will not soon forget.
I would like to pay tribute to all of those responsible for making the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a reality. In particular, I would like to single out Mr. Chuck Murphy, former president of the Royal Canadian Legion who unfortunately passed away last Thursday only hours after returning from France. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
Sierra Leone May 16th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence.
As the crisis in Sierra Leone continues, can the minister advise the House if a further specific request for support has been made to Canada from the United Nations? If so, how has our government responded?
Vina Waddell May 15th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the old saying “You don't know what you've got till it's gone” never rang more true for me than with the retirement last week of one of my long time staff members, Mrs. Vina Waddell.
Vina joined me when I was first elected to Nepean city council in 1988. She stuck with me through the next two elections and such was the quality of her work that when I resigned to run federally in 1997 she was appointed regional councillor for the duration of the term. She has continued to work for me in my constituency office.
Not only did Vina provide excellent service to me and my constituents, she also found time to serve her community, volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society and Pinhey's Point Historical Society.
To Vina Waddell I say many, many thanks for her wonderful work and service. I wish her and Eldon the very best for a long and healthy retirement.