Lost his last election, in 2006, with 38% of the vote.
Justice March 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the government takes the statements of victims very seriously because we believe in the rights of victims to do the kinds of things that are necessary.
We as a government and all who are involved in this very important area want to ensure that victims are heard because that is fundamental to the very justice system which we instill and we want to maintain.
Parole Board March 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, there are two things wrong with that question. The first is that there are absolutely no quotas in the country. To keep repeating that is doing a great disservice not only to Correctional Service Canada but to Canadians wherever they are.
The second is that we do as a government provide the resources and tools necessary. I do not think anything is served by the fearmongering of the people opposite. I believe what we should do is get down to the task at hand, which is to ensure that there is security in this country, which is precisely what the government does.
Parole Board March 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the government is very sorry for the families involved in any of these tragedies because it is very sad for them and for all Canadians who feel very strongly about the great work that our police do and how we have to stand behind them in a very meaningful way.
What I do know is that our police, wherever they are in Canada, do a tremendous job on a daily basis. We should always be grateful that we as a government have the tools in place to ensure that they have the kind of capabilities that are necessary.
International Co-operation March 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, Canada is currently hosting a very important visit of senior officials from the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department including the commissioner of corrections, his assistant commissioner, the principal of the staff training institute and the chief officer of the Correctional Services Department of Hong Kong.
The visit is part of a joint collaboration to enhance our respective correctional services through the sharing of best practices, values and experiences. It is but one component of the work being achieved under the memorandum of understanding signed in March last year between our two jurisdictions.
The visit also supports Canada's international agenda to build strong and safe communities by creating and sharing opportunities globally. It is another indication of how the Government of Canada is committed to working with its international partners to promote international peace and security and to strengthen democracy, justice and social stability worldwide.
Canada is indeed strengthening its place in the world, and we look forward to future visits and collaborative efforts of this kind.
Heart Month February 18th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, February is Heart Month in Canada. It is a time to raise awareness about the things Canadians should be doing to reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes. This includes following a heart healthy diet, exercising regularly and abstaining from cigarettes.
Cardiovascular diseases impose a devastating burden on Canadians, accounting for over 36% of deaths annually and placing a significant hardship and diminished quality of life upon those living with these conditions.
As our population ages, we can expect to see an increase in Canadians living with the crippling effects of heart disease and stroke.
Today representatives from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses are on the Hill meeting with parliamentarians. They are here to speak to us about the essential role that the federal government must play in improving our health system and in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
I call upon all parliamentarians to raise awareness in their communities about the benefits of leading a heart healthy lifestyle. Our efforts in that regard will save lives.
James Bartleman February 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to extend the warmest congratulations to James Bartleman, who was appointed lieutenant-governor of Ontario a few weeks ago. His Honour, the Honourable James Bartleman, is the first aboriginal to be appointed to the post. He is a member of the Minjikanig First Nation.
Before being named lieutenant-governor, Mr. Bartleman was a senior member of the Canadian foreign service and held very senior posts in Cuba, Israel, South Africa and Australia. Most recently he led the Canadian mission to the European Union.
I ask members of the House to join me today in extending our congratulations to James Bartleman and to wish him luck in his endeavours as lieutenant-governor. We know he will serve Ontario and Canada with pride and distinction.
Volunteers December 14th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to congratulate the recipients of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award. This award was established to recognize the unsung heroes, those people whose day to day efforts to improve other people's lives often go unnoticed but have a profound impact on Canadian communities.
This is a medal not for one time acts of bravery and courage but for the ongoing compassion and caring that are representative of the Canadian character. Suitably these awards are presented not in one grand ceremony but throughout the year to extraordinary Canadians nominated by their fellow citizens.
I ask the House to join me in congratulating these and all other Canadians whose contributions to their communities make such a difference in all our lives.
National Security December 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, if the member opposite is saying that Mr. Harris and the province of Ontario are not doing their job with respect to metro Toronto police, then I agree with him.
What I do know is that we at the federal government level continue to provide the resources and the tools necessary to make sure that our country, as a whole, is safe and secure for all residents wherever they live in this great country.
National Security December 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we continue to provide the necessary tools and appropriate resources to the RCMP. For example, since the last budget, close to $3 billion has been provided. This speaks volumes about the commitment of the government when it comes to security and safety, not only in our neighbourhoods but in our cities, towns, villages and indeed across Canada. That is exactly what the government stands for: safety and security for all Canadians wherever they live.
Justice December 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I have toured the prisons across Canada many times and will continue to do so in my capacity. I am pleased to report that not only do we have ion scanners in place, but drug dogs as well.
We will continue to ensure that safety is priority number one. We will continue to ensure that we have the best prison system in the world. We will continue to ensure that Canada stands proud in this very great area.