Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was petitioners.

Last in Parliament May 2004, as Liberal MP for Cambridge (Ontario)

Lost his last election, in 2006, with 34% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Petitions May 7th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 it is my privilege to present to the House a petition signed by close to 100 concerned citizens of my riding of Cambridge.

In Canada one out of four children dies before birth from induced abortion. More than half of all Canadians agree that human life needs protection prior to birth and yet there is still no law protecting unborn children.

The petitioners pray and request that Parliament enact legislation that would provide legal recognition and protection of children from fertilization to birth.

Citizenship and Immigration May 6th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

A few weeks ago, the minister toured the Wellington detention centre with the member for Guelph—Wellington and myself. Can the minister tell us how negotiations with the province are progressing to find space to house those citizens posing a security risk?

Bank of Montreal May 6th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, for longer than Canada has been a country BMO Financial Group has played an important role in community reinvestment. The Bank of Montreal is one of our nation's top corporate donors, giving $21.4 million to more than 2,000 charities and non-profit groups in 2002.

In my riding of Cambridge, groups like the United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries, Countryside Camp and Conference Centre Association, Preston High School, and Cambridge Youth Soccer have received generous assistance from BMO Financial Group.

I wish to join all members in thanking the BMO for assisting Canada's regions and for serving as an example of good corporate citizenship to others in the financial sector.

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act April 29th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, I will be supporting the government.

(The House divided on Motion No. 1, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Forum for Young Canadians April 9th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, each spring Forum for Young Canadians organizes a study tour of Canada's system of government for 600 high school students from across the country.

Students interact with parliamentarians and take part in simulations of question period and federal-provincial conferences. Through this program the future leaders of Canada gain a deeper insight into the governance of our nation.

This year Megan O'Neil, Anthony Pereira, Andrea Hunniford, Bethany Suzanne Maus and Taylor Selig from my riding of Cambridge are taking part in this incredible learning experience.

I join all members in welcoming these young Canadians and I wish them success as they gain insight into our system of government.

Petitions April 8th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 it is my privilege to present to the House a petition signed by 50 concerned citizens from my riding of Cambridge. In Canada one out of four children dies before birth from induced abortion. More than half of all Canadians agree that human life needs protection prior to birth and yet there is still no law protecting unborn children.

The petitioners pray and request that Parliament enact legislation that would provide legal recognition and protection of children from fertilization to birth.

St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School March 27th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to join all members in welcoming Ms. Leslie MacKinnon's grades 11 and 12 class from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School to our nation's capital. During their stay in Ottawa, these students, who are from my riding of Cambridge, will tour Parliament, attend question period, and meet with members, senators and even with the Prime Minister.

I encourage these young Canadians to take the opportunity to delve into and gain a deeper insight into the governance of our nation. I wish all of them a successful visit and an enjoyable stay in Ottawa.

Assisted Human Reproduction Act March 26th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, I am voting yes.

ATS Automation Tooling Systems March 25th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, ATS Automation Tooling Systems, a very successful company in my riding of Cambridge, was named business leader by the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Founded by Klaus Woerner in 1978, ATS makes automated production systems, precision components and solar powered products, and employs close to 2,000 people in Cambridge and Kitchener.

Klaus and his wife Anna were both recognized for their extensive community involvement, including support of local hospitals and Conestoga College.

ATS recently launched a new subsidiary, Spheral Solar Power, and is moving aggressively to make solar power more practical.

I want to congratulate ATS and the Woerners for their economic leadership and philanthropic contribution to the greater community.

Persons with Disabilities March 19th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance.

Leading associations advocating for persons with disabilities and their families have been raising concerns about access to the disability tax credit. What steps is the government taking to address the serious concerns of Canadians with disabilities?