House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 51% of the vote.
Human Rights February 27th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa.
In Pakistan, Salam Masih, 14, and his uncle Rehmat were convicted to die for writing anti-Islamic slogans on a mosque wall. I am pleased to hear that the conviction was overturned by the high court.
What action has the secretary of state taken on behalf of the Government of Canada to ensure that human rights of minorities are protected in Pakistan?
Small Business February 20th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and applaud the aggressive approach the city of North York is taking in establishing the North York Small Business Centre.
Canadians realize that the small business sector now accounts for over half of all private sector employment. They understand, as this government does, that the impact of small business on the
Canadian economy is profound. Small business will be relied upon for economic growth and job creation.
This government promised to focus on a jobs and growth agenda. The Minister of Industry's plan calls for partnerships among all Canadians and their institutions-businesses, unions, professional associations, interest groups and governments-to facilitate and create jobs and growth in the private sector.
The North York Small Business Centre realizes that growing new businesses is important, that new business people need help in marketing themselves and simply need some encouragement.
I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Lincoln Allen, the executive director, and all of the centre's staff and wish them success.
[Translation]
Youth February 14th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Jim Coombs, who is a member of my riding of Don Valley North, and the board of directors of Eva's Place, North York's first emergency shelter for youth.
It is most encouraging that Canadians understand and appreciate the role which young people play in our society.
The government has been addressing the needs of young Canadians, those often referred to as generation x . In September 1993 there were about 420,000 unemployed young people in Canada. Since the government took office the number of unemployed youth has been reduced by 60,000. The government is committed to creating more jobs for youth and bringing more youth back into the economy.
We must ensure that our young people have the best possible opportunities to lead productive and self-sufficient lives because they are the future of our country.
Eva's Place is a positive step toward addressing the needs and concerns of homeless, abused and often alienated youth. Once again I applaud the board of directors and urge the government to take notice of their achievements.
Petitions February 8th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, the second petition signed by 63 members of the community asks that the names of young offenders be released. It also asks that the age limit for young offenders be lowered to allow the punishment to meet the severity of the crime.
Petitions February 8th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure of presenting two petitions from the citizens of Ottawa South, one of them signed by 55 members of the riding.
The first petition calls upon Parliament to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Taxation February 8th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I have a very good question, unlike the members on the other side.
My question is addressed to the Minister of National Revenue. Canadians are made to believe by the Reform Party that their income tax goes only toward the federal government because there is no deduction shown for provincial taxes on paycheques.
In the case of Ontario the provincial tax box is blank. However, I believe this is misleading. What action can the minister take to make sure Canadians know which government is really getting their money and by how much?
Immigration Act February 6th, 1995
Madam Speaker, I am appalled that some members take the matter so lightly. They make the accusation that 24,000 new Canadian immigrants or refugees who are waiting to be processed are criminals and that 30 people are not enough to investigate them. Now they turn around and try to defend themselves which is indefensible.
The other point that the member made earlier was that one did not have to be in Ottawa to know in which direction the government is going. He is very right. He is 100 per cent perfect. During the Christmas recess I was in my riding and I knew it far ahead of the hon. member. The reason I mentioned that they do not know what is going on in Ottawa and the rest of the country is because during the campaign in my riding on Victoria Park Avenue, the Reform Party candidate had a four by eight sign which read: "We will run the country the way we run the campaign" and they ran the campaign without Quebec, just remember that.
Immigration Act February 6th, 1995
Madam Speaker, he cannot have it both ways. First he complains we do not listen, then he says that all the witnesses spoke very highly about the Bloc Quebecois. Which one is true? Did they speak very highly about your policy or our policy? We listen. If he does not like the decisions we make, I am sorry. He does not want to stay in Canada anyway, so what is the point? He wants to go.
Also he says he is proud that he came to Quebec. He should know if Canada was not here he would not have any Quebec anyway. He should stand up and thank Canada for allowing him to come here and also thank the people in the province of Quebec for asking him to serve Canadians in the province of Quebec in this Chamber.
Immigration Act February 6th, 1995
Why do we not go together? Maybe you can apply to re-enter Canada so you will know what Canada is all about.
Immigration Act February 6th, 1995
Madam Speaker, I would be more than happy to address the hon. member's concern.
A few months ago when I put forward Bill C-229 about limiting political parties from becoming federal parties when they do not have 50 per cent of provincial representation. I noted at that time the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform Party both voted against my bill. They shared that regional concern.
The other point I want to make is that both of them have national headquarters for their parties outside of Ottawa. I want to remind them that Ottawa is the nation's capital. The way I see it you cannot be a federal party in this country and have your headquarters in some other region of the country. Members work in Ottawa so their headquarters should be here.
Concerning immigration policy levels, the Globe and Mail said the minister did not go far enough because he has to have 255,000 new immigrants. We have dropped to 190,000. This person complained that we dropped too much. This is a conservative newspaper that speaks often on behalf of the Reform Party.
It says we have to increase the number to make it 255,000. It says here that each immigrant coming in will add to the national budget a $10,000 surplus. How much more of a balance do we want?