Sophia Leung

[Canada Post Corporation Act, June 5th, 2002]

Madam Speaker, the CCRA aims to provide Canadians with the best services possible. In order to do this, CCRA operations must be carried out in a streamlined and cost effective manner. It is for that reason the CCRA has made administrative reforms and has a renewed corporate objective. Awarding a contract for office supplies is a prime example of how we are changing the way we do business to pass on savings to the taxpayers.

I thank the hon. member for his concerns.

[Canada Post Corporation Act, June 5th, 2002]

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for St. John's West for his concern.

The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is committed to providing the best possible service to Canadians. In order to do this we must be efficient and fiscally responsible in the way we operate.

With respect to office supplies, the CCRA plans to simplify and streamline its ordering process through partnering with a single supplier. As my colleagues are aware, the CCRA took full responsibility for its contracting activities after becoming an agency in 1999. With this responsibility comes an accountability to make decisions that are in the best interests of all Canadians.

Through a process of internal and external consultation and researching best practices, we have concluded that a single supplier is the best option for the agency. It will allow the CCRA to leverage its buying power and in turn pass along overall savings to Canadian taxpayers. This initiative is part of the CCRA administrative reform and renewal that has been identified as a main objective in the CCRA's corporate business plan. It is in line with the corporate goal to provide responsive and reliable services at an affordable cost.

We are aware of concerns about the impact such a partnership could have on small businesses in communities across the country. It is for this reason that the notice for proposed procurement allows smaller suppliers to form partnerships with larger suppliers. As well, prior to posting the notice on the MERX government electronic tendering system, a draft of the document was posted to allow for industry feedback. Recommendations received from this draft posting as well as from internal and industry consultations were taken into account in the drafting of the final notice for proposed procurement.

The CCRA will be awarding a contract to the company that best meets CCRA needs in the best interests of Canadians.

The CCRA recognizes that it must take full advantage of any and all opportunities to provide Canadian taxpayers with the best value for their tax dollars while still providing the excellent service they have come to expect. That is the motivation behind becoming an agency. The CCRA is taking full advantage of its flexibility to explore new, more cost effective and efficient ways of serving the Canadian public.

[Asia Pacific Business Association, May 31st, 2002]

Madam Speaker, last week I was proud to attend the 9th annual gala dinner of the Richmond Asia Pacific Business Association. With over 600 people in attendance, the dinner raised funds to support the association's non-profit community activities for many charitable organizations.

I would like to congratulate President Ian Cheung and the board of directors of the Richmond Asia Pacific Business Association for all their hard work in making this association a leading organization promoting business and serving community needs in health and social services in Richmond and across the greater Vancouver region.

[Member for Etobicoke--Lakeshore, May 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate my colleague, the recently appointed Secretary of State for the Status of Women and Multiculturalism and the member of parliament for Etobicoke--Lakeshore.

In 1993 she became the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to the House of Commons. I have known the member since I was elected in 1997 and I can tell the House that she is a truly outstanding woman. I am she sure will be a remarkable secretary of state.

I wish her all the best in her new portfolio and would invite all my colleagues to congratulate her on becoming the newest addition to the cabinet.

[Asian Heritage Month, May 9th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the second annual Asian Heritage Month celebrations in Calgary. Calgary has the third largest Asian community in Canada. It is a truly multicultural city.

It was my pleasure to lead a forum with over 300 in attendance to discuss the future of the Asian youth and their community in Calgary.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the Calgary Chinese Community Service Association for all its hard work in organizing a firstclass program in celebration of Asian heritage and culture.

[Asian Heritage Month, May 3rd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the month of May is Asian Heritage Month. This acknowledges the long, rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada.

In Canada our cultural diversity enriches all of us socially, politically, economically and culturally in numerous ways. Asian Heritage Month is an ideal occasion for all to celebrate the beauty and wisdom of various Asian cultures.

Since the inaugural Asian Heritage Month celebration in Toronto in 1993, cities across Canada, including Halifax, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, have been holding annual festivities during the month of May to recognize Asian Heritage Month. In December 2001 the Senate of Canada passed a motion designating May as Asian Heritage Month.

I invite every Canadian to take part in the celebration--

[Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, April 24th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, recently I had the pleasure to attend the 10th anniversary gala of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce of British Columbia, TCCBC. This organization was established in 1992 to promote business opportunities in Canada for Taiwanese and Canadian investors.

The Taiwan Chamber of Commerce has promoted many business and investment programs and activities for British Columbia and it continues to strengthen Canadian-Taiwanese business relations.

I wish to congratulate Mr. Jacob Lai and his members of the TCCBC for their contribution to B.C. I ask all members to join me in congratulating the hard work of the TCCBC for furthering Canada-Taiwan business relations.

[Vaisakhi, April 18th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday the Canadian Sikh community held its annual Vaisakhi celebration. It was my pleasure to attend the Vaisakhi ceremony arranged by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

This society was founded in 1906 as the first Sikh society in Canada. It has over 60,000 registered members and plays an active role in the economic, social and religious activities of the Vancouver community. The annual Vaisakhi parade is one of the highlights of the year. It attracts more than 50,000 people to a 303-year old celebration of freedom, equality and peace among the Sikh people.

I wish to congratulate the Khalsa Diwan Society and the Canadian Sikh community for their contributions to our communities and our nation.

[Chin Wing Chun Tong Society, April 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, on April 13, the Chin Wing Chun Tong Society will be celebrating their 84th anniversary in Vancouver. Established in 1918 the Chan Society has provided a great deal of support for the Chinese community in Vancouver.

The educational and cultural programs of the Chan Society are an important part of its work in the community. Its service to the community includes supporting a Boy Scout troop, running an active women's program and providing computer and ESL classes for many members.

I invite all members of the House to join with me in congratulating the Chan Society on its 84th anniversary. I am sure it will have many more.

[Multiculturalism, March 22nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday night I had the honour of participating in a conference of the friendship group of parliamentarians for UNESCO. The conference was focused on the dialogue of cultures and civilizations, building on the UN Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations that was celebrated in 2001. I was honoured to join His Excellency John Ralston Saul as well as a number of my colleagues in exploring this important issue.

In this age of international uncertainty it is more important than ever that we actively engage in dialogue between those of different backgrounds. We want to create lasting peace in our world. We must find ways to speak to the hearts and minds of our common human family.