Mr. Speaker, as I said before, we always investigate and then we prosecute. If any fraud is detected, we will definitely prosecute and impose a fine or punishment.
House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2000, with 43% of the vote.
Goods and Services Tax November 19th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as I said before, we always investigate and then we prosecute. If any fraud is detected, we will definitely prosecute and impose a fine or punishment.
Goods and Services Tax November 19th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the CCRA officials are very dedicated and hardworking. They have the best interests of the country in mind. We are taking additional action to address this. We also will audit first, then investigate. If we detect any fraud, we will prosecute without any question.
Supply October 24th, 2002
Madam Speaker, we are working with industry, the provinces and Canadian farmers to finalize a plan for taking the next step toward how we will meet our target. The agricultural sector will be a very important partner in working with us toward meeting that target. It is very important for us to be involved with the farmers too.
I also want to mention that the agricultural policy framework is proof of the government's strong commitment to help farmers attain higher levels of economic and environmental performance through innovation.
Supply October 24th, 2002
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his questions and concern regarding Kyoto and agriculture.
Let me be clear, agriculture is very sensitive to climate. Agricultural productivity depends on many interrelated factors, but the importance of the climate change in the agricultural sector cannot be understated.
To not ratify Kyoto would put our agriculture sector in jeopardy. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body created by the respected World Meteorological Organization under the United Nations environment program, warns that severe droughts, such as that in southern Canada in 2001, are expected to become more frequent as the climate warms, perhaps doubling in frequency within the next century. Inaction is not an option. Canada needs to be part of a worldwide effort to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations.
Canada's 247,000 farmers manage 68 million hectares of land and millions of livestock. From my perspective that represents an enormous partnership opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Components of Canada's climate change plan will provide direct economic benefits for Canadian farmers. Ethanol and biodiesel create economic opportunities for agricultural communities. Enabling agricultural participation in emissions trading creates economic opportunity for agricultural and rural communities. This will be a win-win situation. Canadian industry will have access to low cost offsets. Canadian farmers can be financially rewarded by the market for the environmental benefits they provide to society.
More farmers are adopting environment friendly practices which reduce their emissions while increasing their efficiency. For a farmer this means there can be an economic payback for good environmental management, helping to reduce operating expenses and increase productivity.
Canadian farmers, whose strong entrepreneurial and innovative instincts are well known, are well aware of these opportunities and are eager to participate in those efforts. This is just one example of the innovation opportunities that our climate change plan will open for Canadians.
Action on climate change will spur the use of innovative new technologies and greater efficiencies for agriculture and create new farm income opportunities. Those products, technologies and efficiencies will provide new economic opportunities for the agricultural sector.
We are now working with all sectors, provinces and Canadians to finalize a plan for taking the next step toward meeting our target. The agricultural sector will be an important partner in meeting our Kyoto target. The government's--
Persons with Disabilities October 24th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, we welcome any cases. If they have been declined they can be appealed. We have never closed the door for any interested party. I want to correct the hon. member. We have never refused any appeals. We welcome appeals.
Persons with Disabilities October 24th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as a rule we cannot comment on individual cases. However, I would like to inform the hon. member that the government has a lot of compassion and empathy for disabled people. Since 1996 we have paid 70% more for the disabled tax claim. I want the member to know that we have not overlooked anyone who is qualified for the disability benefit.
Taiwan Chambers of Commerce October 23rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, on October 19 I had the pleasure of attending the gala dinner of the 15th Congress of Taiwan Chambers of Commerce of North America.
With hundreds of delegates from 32 cities across North America in attendance, the President of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in B.C., Mr. Jason Ko, organized a first class convention that provided his members with an opportunity to exchange information and further promote business opportunities here in Canada.
It is through the work of business associations like the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in B.C. that the Canadian economy continues to lead all other industrialized nations in economic growth.
The Royal Visit October 10th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it was a special honour for me to meet Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on October 7 in Vancouver.
The Queen was very friendly and interested to know about my political pursuits as a Chinese-Canadian MP. Just as the Queen said in Vancouver:
Here in British Columbia as elsewhere in Canada, you are crafting a multicultural society that provides a model for the rest of the world.
Indeed, British Columbia and Canada have been enriched by our diversity. Our beautiful people and breathtaking land are the true source of strength and harmony.
Italian Week 2002 June 21st, 2002
The Italian Cultural Centre Society in my riding in Vancouver will be celebrating Italian Week 2002 from June 23 to June 28 with folk dances, musical entertainment, homemade Italian food and many other delightful programs.
The Italian Canadians have played an important role in the development of our country. I congratulate President Leonard Bruno, Donatella Geller and the many volunteers for their hard work in organizing this event.
I ask all members to join me in saluting all the dedicated members of Vancouver's Italian Cultural Centre Society for making this celebration possible.
Taxation June 20th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, for those inquiries, our auditor general already pointed out and we already requested that it be looked into.
I am on the public accounts committee, so we know all about this. In the meantime we already have requested the witnesses to come before the committee. We even will come back in July, on July 9, to continue committee work.