House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2004, with 46% of the vote.
Firearms Act February 16th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I listened to my hon. colleague give his speech and I have a couple of questions I would like to ask him.
Regarding the numbers and stats, how far did you go in trying to find this information? Were you able to get this information from the Minister of Justice or his department? Also, with you living in a rural area how long would it take for the police to respond?
Firearms Act February 16th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I have heard the hon. member from the other side state many facts and figures.
It has been mandatory to register handguns since 1934. I would like to know how much and how far crime has depleted with the use of handguns. I also heard the member mention crime control at border crossings. I would like the hon. member just to remember that this is the same government that could not stop the smuggling of cigarettes.
National Literacy Action Day February 16th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, as one who left school too early and returned to get my grade 12 at the age of 28, I wish to mention a new study.
We have heard that 30 per cent of Canadian youth leave school. However a school leavers survey from September 1993 shows this has improved 18 per cent of 20-year old Canadians not completing high school.
Employment is related to school leaving, with employment in excess of 20 hours per week a big factor. Despite long hours in blue collar and service jobs, hundreds in my riding of Okanagan-Shuswap are attending an alternate education program called "The Open Door", open until 9.30 p.m. weekdays. Since it started three years ago school leavers have completed 338 courses.
Last week I had the pleasure of speaking there. Today on National Literacy Action Day I applaud "The Open Door" and the hard working people walking through it to a better future.
Petitions February 15th, 1995
Madam Speaker, on behalf of my hon. colleague, the member for Calgary Southeast, I rise in the House on day eight to present petition number eight. These petitions are being presented on behalf of constituents who wish to halt the early release from prison of Robert Paul Thompson. April 11, 1995 is the date set for the parole hearing.
The petitioners I represent are concerned about making our streets safer for our citizens. They are opposed to the current practice of early release of violent offenders prior to serving the full extent of their sentences.
The petitioners pray that our streets will be made safer for law-abiding citizens and the families of the victims of convicted murderers.
Young Offenders Act February 10th, 1995
That is the Liberal look.
Tributes December 15th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, today it is both an honour and indeed a pleasure to pay tribute on behalf of the Reform Party of Canada to my friend, chief page André Fréchette, on the occasion of his retirement.
Mr. Fréchette was born in Hull and first came to work in this place in 1951. He became chief page in 1980. What are his plans for retirement? We know he enjoys bowling every week, and we wish him all success to bowl perfect games. In the summer he knows the many wonderful locations where he can pick every kind of wild berry around the area.
After 42 years as a page he has well earned a rest, but we have been informed that a friend has also invited him to form a partnership in a small business. Mr. Fréchette has a big decision to make ahead. But I know he will bring his special enthusiasm to whatever choice he makes.
What advice would he give to young people today? I would like to quote: "Do anything you can to become a page. It is the best experience in the world and it is wonderful for young people to feel they are contributing to their country".
I am sure his wife, daughter and grandson take special pride in the years that he has given to Canada. I want to express the appreciation and congratulations of Parliament and our personal thanks to chief page André Fréchette. We will all miss you.
Also, we would like to extend our best wishes on the retirement of Mr. Leo Robitaille who has served Parliament here since 1953, and Mr. Sam Renaud since 1954. We wish you the best of everything in your retirement and the best of the season.
Questions On The Order Paper December 13th, 1994
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. My Question No. 40 has been on the Order Paper since April 22, 1994 or 231 days. I am also wondering when I can expect an answer. It seems to be taking a terribly long time.
Income Tax Act December 1st, 1994
He will not listen to you.
Points Of Order December 1st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I withdraw that. But what has just been said in the House is a total mistruth. I never said that. I would like to have the record rectified on this.
Points Of Order December 1st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I do not know if it is parliamentary language here to say that that is a lie, but I certainly did not say that-