House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2004, with 40% of the vote.
Agriculture March 8th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Last week's decision by a judge in Montana has delayed the opening of the U.S. border to Canadian cattle. While the White House has committed to reopening the border, we do not know when that will happen.
Could the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell the House what action the government is taking to support our Canadian farmers because of this injunction?
Petitions February 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I wish to present two petitions. The first petitions is on behalf of the parishioners of the Dresden Community Church in my riding of Lambton--Kent--Middlesex. The second petition is from Kitchener-Waterloo region.
The petitioners call upon Parliament to use all possible legislative and administrative measures, including invoking section 33 of the charter if necessary, to preserve and promote the current definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
Petitions February 14th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I wish to present a petition on behalf of the constituents living in the town of Wallaceburg in the riding of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex.
The petitioners pray that Parliament define marriage in federal law as being the lifelong union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.
Agriculture February 10th, 2005
I apologize, Mr. Speaker.
Agriculture February 10th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
The United States closed its border to Canadian cattle and other livestock in May 2003 as a result of BSE, causing devastating economic impacts for the Canadian livestock industry.
Yesterday, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Andy Mitchell, met with the U.S. secretary of agriculture in Washington. What assurances did the minister receive from Secretary Johanns regarding the upcoming March 7 border opening and when can farmers expect full and fair resumption of trade within the industry?
Petitions February 9th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I wish to present a petition on behalf of the Dresden Community Church members in the riding of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex who call upon Parliament to use all possible legislative and administrative measures, including invoking section 33 of the charter if necessary, to preserve and protect the current definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.
Food Freedom Day February 8th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, today, February 8, is Food Freedom Day. Today Canadians have earned enough money to pay for their entire year's food supply. It takes just 38 days out of the whole year for the average Canadian to pay for his or her groceries.
According to Statistics Canada, in 2003 Canadians spent 10.6% of their disposable income on food. That number has dramatically decreased over the years. In 1997 Canadians spent over 12.5%. By comparison, Food Freedom Day in Australia falls on February 12, in Japan on February 20, in Iceland on February 27, and Mexico does not reach it until March 4.
Farmers are earning just a fraction of the average food dollar. While Food Freedom Day is February 8, January 9 is the day on which we have paid for the farmers' amount. That is right, January 9. It takes only nine days to pay the farmers for a whole year's worth of food.
We need to recognize our primary producers so that Food Freedom Day can be a day that everyone can celebrate, including our farmers.
Petitions February 7th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I wish to present a petition on behalf of constituents who reside in the villages of Melbourne and Mount Brydges in the riding of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex.
The petitioners pray that Parliament define marriage in federal law as being a lifelong union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.
Petitions February 2nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I wish to present a petition on behalf of the constituents of Lambton--Kent--Middlesex. They are calling upon Parliament to protect the health of seniors and children and save our environment by banning the disputed gas additive MMT as it creates smog and enhances global warming.
Grenada Medical Clinic December 9th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the wrath of hurricane Ivan was felt thousands of miles away, but that did not stop two doctors living in Wallaceburg from feeling the pain of its devastation. Grenada is where Dr. Atoe studied medicine and met his wife, Dr. Gemma Bain-Atoe.
The Atoes' way of giving back to another community was to build a medical clinic in Grenada. The clinic has been hit by hurricanes and constantly suffers power outages. It is difficult to provide proper medical care. The Atoes recently sent a very large generator to the clinic. The residents of Wallaceburg and surrounding areas held their fundraising event on November 19 to support the doctors' project and raised over $7,200.
It was a successful evening thanks to the residents of Wallaceburg. The true generosity to help out another community that has been impacted by a natural disaster speaks volumes for the spirit of the people of Wallaceburg and the support of their doctors.