House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 58% of the vote.
Goods And Services Tax October 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, when the Prime Minister is here in Canada he does not like to talk too much about the GST. It is no wonder, after all he did promise to scrap it, kill it and abolish it. However yesterday in England the Prime Minister was actually bragging about how much he likes the GST.
Which is it? Is it a tax he grudgingly collects, or one that he brags about to tax collectors around the world?
Penitentiaries October 21st, 1997
Mr. Speaker, Larry Takahashi was sentenced to three life sentences for committing 14 rapes on Edmonton women. He is now serving time at the Ferndale golf and country club for minimum security prisoners in my riding of Dewdney—Alouette, B.C. For his punishment Mr. Takahashi is confined to an institution that boasts a nine hole golf course and a choice of Coke and Pepsi machines.
Is the Ferndale golf and country club too intrusive for the balaclava rapist that he now needs leave to visit family and friends? He raped 31 women and in 1991 he was granted leave which was revoked due to public pressure.
The citizens of my community, of Edmonton or anywhere else in Canada, should not have to beg the solicitor general to keep their families safe from sexual predators. A competent and compassionate minister would place the safety of the Canadian public and the well-being of victims above the demands of coddled criminals.
Petitions October 10th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I present a petition from approximately 300 Canadians who would like to see the income tax law changed so benefits can be applied not only to a surviving spouse but also to any designated individual, whether a common law partner, a son, a daughter, a friend or any other designated individual.
The petitioners believe the current law is unfair.
Violence October 10th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness and heartfelt regret that I rise today to offer sincere condolences to the Holtam and McKelvey families and their friends. They have suffered a great loss in the senseless murders of Leonora Holtam and her 6-year old daughter Jenny.
This tragedy occurred five minutes from my own home in Mission, British Columbia. We soberly consider our own families in the precious gift of life and mourn the tragic loss of the Holtams.
As members of this House I believe we can stand united against such violent and tragic acts which so horribly affect so many.
I respectfully limit my words today to use the rest of my time to pray for young Cody Holtam who is fighting for his life and for the families and friends of the victims whose lives will be forever changed by this tragedy.
Canada Pension Plan October 2nd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, last week in this House the Minister of Finance castigated the former Conservative government for attempting to save the Canada pension plan on the backs of those who are unable to pay, our senior citizens. “We would never do that” stated the minister.
It seems as though the minister and the prime minister are quite content to put the burden of trying to fix decades of mismanagement on the backs of another group unable to pay, young workers.
Young workers are starting their families and careers, undertaking the major financial commitments of their lives while trying to make ends meet. For many Canadians this will be the straw which breaks their financial back.
The 73 percent increase over the next six years is simply another example of an oppressive tax by the Liberals. Not only will individuals pay up to $700 more per year through this tax, but employers will do the same. This is a sure fire way to discourage the youth of today, stifle job creation and stifle economic growth.
My colleagues and I stand opposed to such a meanspirited attack on young people and on all Canadians who contribute to this fund.