Lloyd St. Amand

[Paul Brideau, March 24th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to a very brave young man who died two years ago today at the young age of 20.

Paul Brideau of Miramichi, New Brunswick, was the son of Ronald and Monique, and was the brother of Danielle and Chantal. Paul was a son and brother who made his family very proud. He was a fine athlete and was gifted with ambition and intelligence. All of those who came into contact with him were greatly impressed by him. He had a winning personality. It was not possible to dislike him.

Paul was diagnosed with thymus cancer in July 2002. He remained positive and upbeat and fought with valour the ravages of cancer. Our country was diminished on March 24, 2003, when he lost his battle.

Paul Brideau achieved what we all aspire to do. He made a significant difference to his family and his community. He will never be forgotten.

[Older Adult Justice Act, March 21st, 2005]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-348, an act to establish the Office of the Ombudsman for Older Adult Justice and the Canadian Older Adult Justice Agency and to amend the Criminal code.

Mr. Speaker, the bill deals with efforts to reduce elder abuse.

This has become an issue of concern for all Canadians, including many persons in my riding of Brant. The bill aims to: first, establish an office of the ombudsman for older adult justice; second, to establish an older adult justice agency; and third, to include for the purpose of sentencing in the criminal justice system, the vulnerability of an elder person as an aggravating circumstance.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, February 21st, 2005]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the numerous Canadians who volunteer their time as Big Brothers or Big Sisters.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge the Brantford local agency. Big Brothers of Brantford and District has been creating friendships since 1967. This agency started matching big brothers with little brothers and has grown to include a variety of different programs which serve both boys and girls.

The Brant community is proud of the achievements of the Big Brothers of Brantford and District. We will continue to strive to be on the leading edge of the movement in Canada.

I myself am proud to have been a former big brother for 10 years and I am honoured to be part of the longstanding alumni of Canadians who have given their time and effort to providing a positive role model for children in Canada.

The goal of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada is that every child in Canada who needs a mentor has a mentor. I would like to encourage all of my hon. colleagues to become involved by volunteering a few hours of their time and in turn making a significant difference in a child's life.

[John Vandertuin, February 10th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the Brant community. Dr. John Vandertuin is a gentleman with exceptional musical talent and I am honoured to acknowledge him today.

At an early age Dr. Vandertuin began his formal study in piano and music Braille. He attended the well known W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind, as it was then known, in Brantford. At the age of 14 he made his recital debut in Paris, France. Dr. Vandertuin continued his studies in music and earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree with highest honours from the University of Michigan. After a lengthy and rewarding career as an organist, Dr. Vandertuin has earned numerous awards and honours. Most recently in July 2004 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

I would ask all of my hon. colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Vandertuin on his many outstanding accomplishments.

[Health, February 7th, 2005]

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to Mr. Jon Lynne-Davis, a constituent of Brant. Mr. Lynne-Davis is the author of From Couch Potato to Baked Potato and has dedicated his life to educating Canadians on the seriousness of obesity. Obesity is associated with increased risks for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and many more life-threatening ailments.

In December 2004 Mr. Lynne-Davis and associates launched a website, WhyIamFat.com. The website and service was developed with the help of educators, physicians, dieticians and exercise physiologists. This site offers information about common problems with obesity and suggests steps for people committed to losing weight.

I would like to ask my hon. colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Lynne-Davis for his hard work and dedication to combating this silent disease.

[World Leprosy Day, January 31st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I rise before the House to acknowledge World Leprosy Day yesterday, January 30. Now more correctly known as Hansen's disease, this condition plagues approximately 500 Canadians, with about a dozen cases arising each year.

Admittedly this disease is not widespread in our nation, but with Canada's vast involvement in global affairs, as well as its sincere acceptance of immigrants and refugees, such an ailment must be conscientiously monitored. Contrary to common belief, this condition is not transmitted through touch, and more evidence is proving that this disease has been mischaracterized.

I wish to commend the efforts of the Leprosy Mission of Canada and Leprosy Relief Canada. Also, there are Canadians living here and abroad who are helping to raise awareness in various places about this often misunderstood disease.

[Rett Syndrome, December 13th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to a very brave young lady and her parents. Olivia, a constituent of Brant, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome at an early age. Since then, her family has actively petitioned for increased medical funding and has also created a network of support for families affected by Rett syndrome.

Rett syndrome is a unique developmental disorder which begins in early infancy, almost always affecting females. Those with Rett syndrome lose previously acquired hand and verbal skills and remain dependent on care providers for life. Rett syndrome did not come to international attention until 1983. Since then, remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding the clinical history and pathophysiology of Rett syndrome.

I ask all hon. members to join me in commending Olivia and her family for their tremendous courage and determination.

[Veterans Affairs, December 8th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the government announced steps to extend benefits to veterans and their caregivers which would allow our veterans to lead independent lives. Along with taking care of our veterans is the duty to commemorate their service.

Can the minister tell the House what the government is planning to do to commemorate our veterans during the Year of the Veteran?

[Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Act, December 6th, 2004]

Mr.Speaker, to its credit, the Tlicho community is a relatively prosperous, well educated and advanced aboriginal community.

Comparisons can be a bit disingenuous in the area of education. How do we quantify one system with respect to another?

The federal government puts $1.2 billion annually into the education of aboriginal youth. Today's aboriginal youth is receiving a better education than his or her peer did five or ten years ago. While aboriginal education is improving, I will concede that it is improving incrementally and not as quickly as the government would like to see. Steps are being taken to ensure that the education of aboriginal youths improves at a faster rate than it has in the recent past.

[Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Act, December 6th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, as I, hopefully, have demonstrated and others at the committee level, the hon. member across the aisle who has asked the question was likewise a diligent, responsible member of the committee that we were privileged to serve on.

As the minister of state indicated in response to the member's question earlier today, the duty to consult will by no means bind the federal government. The Tlicho people have not been provided with a veto with respect to international issues or international negotiations. There is simply, in my respectful view, an ongoing good faith negotiating process that will continue. When the rights of Tlicho peoples or their lands are in any way part of international negotiations, then the federal government will see fit to consult with them but not be bound by the result of any such discussions or consultations.