Walt Lastewka

[World Habitat Day, October 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the United Nations has designated the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day, a day to reflect on our communities and their importance in our lives.

This year's theme, “Water and Sanitation for Cities”, reminds us of the urgency to improve human settlements, especially for those individuals living without adequate water, proper sanitation and basic services.

We recognize the key role that good housing plays in the quality of life of Canadians and in the health of both large and small communities. In building strong communities and addressing the housing challenges faced by our citizens, we must have strong and enduring partnerships.

Canada will be hosting the third UN-Habitat World Urban Forum in 2006 in Vancouver. We will play a lead role in consultation UN-Habitat and the international community developing a substantive program and in designing this event. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Western Economic Diversification will lead the government's preparations for the forum.

I encourage members and all Canadians to join the United Nations in observing World Habitat Day this October 6, 2003.

[Multiculturalism, September 29th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women. Today Statistics Canada released the first ever ethnic diversity survey in Canada. Could the Secretary of State tell the House how this survey will better inform public policy for Canada?

[World Peace Day, September 22nd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked one of the most important dates on our calendar. World Peace Day passed us by with war and violence being waged all over the world. Despite this, Canada's commitment to the goal of peace must persist.

Canadians have a proud tradition of commitment to the pursuit of peaceful resolutions to global conflicts. Former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the establishment of the international peacekeeping.

I believe that it is through continued support of the ideals of the United Nations and peacekeeping missions that the world will become a more secure and just place.

Today I ask all Canadians to join me in recognizing World Peace Day and use this occasion to commit themselves to a peaceful world for us and for generations to come.

[John Stevens, September 17th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to pay tribute today to Mr. John Stevens, a respected businessman and community leader in my riding of St. Catharines, who passed away on September 2, 2003.

John was born on January 7, 1918, in Grantham Township. In 1941 John and his wife Marguerite were married prior to his service overseas during World War II. After the war, John resumed his Fruitbelt Trucking Business, which he ran until his retirement in 1971.

John was a dynamic and extremely active member of his community. He was a St. Catharines alderman from 1965 to 1969, a member of the St. Catharines Rowing Club and the minor and junior lacrosse clubs. He was a life member of the St. Catharines Old Boys Lacrosse Club and was inducted into the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame as a builder in 2002.

I offer my condolences to John's wife Marguerite, his children, Neil, Bill and Carolyn, and all his family. John Stevens did much for the community of which he was so very proud. He will be sorely missed, but his contribution will live on in St. Catharines for many years to come: a great friend to many, John Stevens.

[Ukraine-Canada Relations, May 14th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House of Commons today to welcome Mr. Viktor Yushchenko, former prime minister of Ukraine to Canada.

From 1993 to 1999, Mr. Yushchenko was governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, one of Europe's newest central banks, and he played a key role in establishing a solid banking system in the newly independent Ukraine. For his outstanding accomplishments, he received the Global Finance Award as one of the world's top central bankers.

During his 16 months as prime minister, he oversaw a series of key economic reforms that helped turn around Ukraine's struggling economy and improved conditions for foreign and domestic investment.

In January 2002 Mr. Yushchenko united a broad range of democratic parties and groups to create “Our Ukraine”, an electoral coalition that won numerous parliamentary elections that year.

While in Canada, Mr. Yushchenko will be reinforcing the good relations between Ukraine and Canada and will be meeting with members of Canada's million strong Ukrainian community.

[Trade, May 8th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, exports account for 41% of Canada's GDP. One in four jobs in Canada is linked to trade. Current events such as SARS, the U.S. deficit and the increasing Canadian dollar all have an impact on imports and exports. Would the Minister for International Trade please provide the House with an overview of Canada's state of trade?

[Tourism Industry, May 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the peak tourist season is quickly approaching and this important sector of the economy is undoubtedly impacted by the tension surrounding SARS.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry please tell the House what the Government of Canada is doing to help this important sector of the economy?

[Committees of the House, April 30th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology.

In accordance with its orders of reference on Thursday, October 24, 2002, and Tuesday, April 1, 2003, the committee has considered Bill C-249, an act to amend the Competition Act and agreed on Monday, April 28, 2003, to report it with one amendment.

[Human Resources Development Canada, April 29th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, as you know, this is National Volunteer Week. Between 1982 and 1990, the Government of Canada recognized the contribution of Canadian volunteers. Last year the Minister of Human Resources Development launched the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award to recognize the valuable work of Canadian volunteers.

Could the minister inform the House on the status of this award and who the recipients will be this year?

[Committees of the House, April 28th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology entitled “Opening Canadian Communications to the World”.

A modern telecommunications infrastructure and a robust telecommunications sector are essential to Canada's economic success in the global networking economy. The committee believes that implementing the four recommendations contained in this report will help to improve investment and innovation in the Canadian telecommunications sector, provide better services to consumers and ensure that the government's telecommunications policy goals are achieved.

I wish to thank the individuals and organizations who took part in our hearings, the research staff of the Library of Parliament, particularly Dr. Lalita Acharya, Geoffrey Kieley and Dan Shaw, and the members for their invaluable contribution during the discussions.