Janko Peric

[Com Dev International, December 13th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, through strategic investments in research and development, COM DEV International of Cambridge has established itself as an international leader in the design and production of equipment for satellite payloads. Eighty per cent of its annual revenues are from exports which demonstrates an ability to compete in the global economy. It illustrates how Canadians with vision can succeed.

Founded in Canada and Canadian owned, it has grown from a small start-up company to one which employs over 1,000 people with facilities in Canada, Europe and Asia. Its equipment has been chosen to fly on over 300 satellites. Its customers include NASA and all major commercial prime contractors. In 1996 alone, COM DEV created over 200 new jobs.

COM DEV is Canada's premier supplier of satellite payload equipment. This business success story needs to be recognized. COM DEV continues to boldly face the future with continued R and D, capital investment and expansion into new markets. We must all work together to help companies such as COM DEV to continue to succeed and generate economic wealth for Canada.

Merry Christmas.

[Canada Post, December 9th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of this House to a matter of great concern to many constituents in my riding of Cambridge who are currently employed by Canada Post. They face the prospect of losing their jobs should aspects of the Canada Post mandate review be implemented.

I have received many letters and phone calls from Canada Post employees and members of their families who will be affected should the Canada Post mandate review recommendation for withdrawal from the delivery of economy unaddressed admail be acted upon.

Before making a final decision on Canada Post's withdrawal from the delivery of economy unaddressed admail, I urge the minister to consider the impact which these lost jobs will have on these people and their families in Cambridge and across Canada.

[National Unity, November 27th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, inspired by their vision of a united Canada, four artists from my riding of Cambridge, Gerald Barry, Carol Ann Cole, Terry Torra and Janet Young, worked together from August to September to complete their "Canadian Unity" painting. Just as Canada is made vibrant through our regional and cultural identities, these artists brought together their own special talents and unique approaches to create a vibrant and unified work of art.

It is my hope that the collaborative efforts of our four artists and their artistic creation will inspire all Canadians to take to heart the message of Canadian unity. The message is simple. While Canada contains within it distinct regional and cultural identities, we can all work in solidarity for a strong and united Canada.

[Rwanda, November 7th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Co-operation.

Given the recent media reports and concerns raised about human rights, can the minister explain whether Canada is contributing money to the Government of Rwanda, yes or no?

[Elvira Saadi, October 29th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, the federal government has designated the month of October Women's History Month. There is no better way to celebrate women in our communities than to highlight their contributions and achievements.

I wish to congratulate Elvira Saadi, a two time Olympian and head coach of Canada's gymnastic team at the Atlanta Summer Olympics, for her work as a coach and teacher. A member of the Cambridge Kips Gymnastic Club, Elvira Saadi was named the 1995 Coach of the Year by the Canadian Gymnastic Federation.

On behalf of the people of Cambridge, I congratulate Elvira for the care and effort she has put into the training of young Canadian gymnastic athletes.

[Constable Philip Francis, October 23rd, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, this summer Constable Philip Francis, a member of the Peel Regional Police who lives in my riding of Cambridge, was awarded the Medal of Bravery.

On September 21, 1994, Constable Francis, with the help of Mr. Robert Fitzgerald, pulled two people from a burning tractor trailer whose fuel tank had ruptured following a collision with a vehicle on Highway 401 near Milton, Ontario.

As the tires of the rig exploded, Mr. Fitzgerald hoisted Constable Francis on to the cab of the truck. The constable smashed the window and pulled two passengers to safety just moments before the rig was completely in flames.

Through his example, Constable Francis has shown that bravery and concern for others are not outmoded virtues.

On behalf of the people of Cambridge, I congratulate Constable Francis on being awarded the Medal of Bravery.

[Petitions, October 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition urges the government to enact legislation to prohibit convicted criminals from profiting financially by selling the details of their crimes to others for publication through books, movies and videos.

[Petitions, October 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, today I have the privilege of presenting to the House two petitions from concerned citizens in my riding of Cambridge.

The first petition contains approximately 400 signatures and requests that the Parliament of Canada amend the Criminal Code to ensure that anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death receive a sentence from seven years to a maximum of fourteen years.

[Yvonne Tousek, October 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, in order to create greater awareness of women's contribution to Canada, the federal government declared October Women's History Month. For this reason I wish to pay tribute to Yvonne Tousek who, with great determination, represented Canada at the Atlanta summer Olympics.

A member of the Cambridge Kips Gymnastics Club, Yvonne was named the 1995 athlete of the year by the Canadian Gymnastics Federation and was the only Canadian to reach the gymnastic finals, competing with the elite of the world and placing a very impressive 26th.

On behalf of the people of Cambridge, I congratulate Yvonne on her tremendous effort and excellent showing as a member of Canada's gymnastic team.

[Ceso Volunteers, October 1st, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to several people from my riding of Cambridge who have volunteered their professional skills to help developing economies in Russia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Poland and Hungary.

Through CESO International Services, Steve Meissner, Donald MacLeod, Dirk Booy and Al Galusz have at the grassroots level exemplified the time honoured Canadian tradition of international co-operation and responsibility.

CESO volunteer advisers are professionally skilled men and women, usually retired, who share their years of experience with companies and organizations in developing countries.

On behalf of the people of Cambridge, I welcome back these volunteers who have done Canada proud. I urge them to continue playing a role in assisting developing economies of our global village.