Mr. Speaker, we take the security of our nation very seriously. Every step is taken along the way to ensure that every potential immigrant passes the security check. We follow this procedure because, as I said, security is paramount for our nation.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 51% of the vote.
Citizenship and Immigration May 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, we take the security of our nation very seriously. Every step is taken along the way to ensure that every potential immigrant passes the security check. We follow this procedure because, as I said, security is paramount for our nation.
Budget Implementation Act, 2003 May 27th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I followed attentively the hon. member's speech about the situation and I have two questions for him.
First, he blamed Canada for the September 11 tragedy in the U.S. If there is someone to blame it is the U.S. system which allowed those terrorists to come into that country. They did not come from Canada, first and foremost.
On the same subject, the U.S. government gave the terrorists visas six months after they committed suicide. How can the hon. member stand up in the House and blame us for the September 11 tragedy? That is totally unfair.
Second, on the economic issue, the opposition blamed us and gave credit to the Americans when the dollar was 65¢. Now that the dollar is 74¢, it blames us again and gives credit to the Americans for the dollar being so high.
It seems to me we are guilty both ways. Maybe the hon. member should suggest fixing the dollar so that it will not go up or down. If that is his economic policy he should make a clear statement.
Last year the government created 550,000 jobs and the U.S. lost 2.5 million jobs. Again, the hon. member blames us for the reverse economic difficulties that the U.S. is experiencing. American congressmen have never blamed their government in the way this gentleman blames us for the last 12 years. He blames the Government of Canada for the good policies we have and disasters that occur in Washington. I would like the hon. member to comment on that.
Supply May 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate my colleague's stand defending the sovereignty of Canada. Last month when we were discussing the Iraqi situation he was against the sovereignty of Canada and said we should follow American foreign policy. Now he has changed his mind. That was April and this is May. Is this the way it is going to go? How far are we going to go in giving in to U.S. pressure?
Having said that, prior to becoming the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, I signed petitions supporting this concept, but however, now that I am the parliamentary secretary to the minister I suppose my position would be different from what it was. I would not vote against it, but certainly now I abstain from it.
Supply May 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, in the member's last sentence he said that the U.S. is in favour of this observer membership, but I do not think it is the case that the hon. member is correct. Maybe he could discuss this with his colleagues and ask them exactly what the U.S. policy is on this issue. How does he compare his policy and that of the U.S. government concerning Taiwan's participation in the WHO?
Supply May 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the hon. member if he can indicate to us what the U.S. policy is on this issue. Also, does the member support U.S. policy on the same issue we are discussing today?
Algeria May 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to bring to the House's attention the terrible earthquake that recently afflicted the people of Algeria. The earthquake has already claimed over 2,000 lives, injured almost 9,000 people and left countless people homeless. Even more are still missing. It is the worst earthquake in the country in 23 years.
In its efforts to help the people of Algeria in this difficult time, the Government of Canada has made an immediate contribution of $200,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
I would ask the House to join me in offering our condolences and support to the citizens of Algeria who have suffered from the earthquake and those who have lost friends and family members. We wish to extend all condolences to the people of Algeria.
Supply May 26th, 2003
Madam Speaker, over the weekend China offered help to Taiwan on the current SARS situation in Taipei and the surrounding areas. I wonder if the hon. member can comment as to whether this has anything to do with the application made by Taiwan for observer status at the WHO.
Nursing May 12th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, nursing is the art of combining skills, education, science and nurturing. It is the art of balancing emotional care as well as physical care. Nurses are present in our hospitals and nursing homes seven days a week, 24 hours a day sharing critical moments in their patients' lives.
The professionalism and dedication of our nurses were never more evident than during the recent SARS epidemic. Their efforts on the front lines on our behalf deserve our recognition and thanks.
I invite my fellow members of Parliament to join me in recognizing the tremendous contributions made by our nurses by celebrating National Nursing Week the second week of May each year. Congratulations to all the nurses.
Juno Beach Centre May 8th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, on June 6, 1944 the first wave of assault troops landed on Juno Beach opening the way for the liberation of occupied France.
With the cooperation of the Minister of Veterans Affairs a constituent of mine, David J. Ward C.D. Retired, a veteran of the Juno Beach landings, will travel to France in June to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Juno Beach Centre.
Mr. Ward was born in France on May 11, 1921 and returned 23 years later as a Canadian soldier to help liberate the country and town of his birth.
Please join me in extending our thanks to Mr. Ward and all veterans for their sacrifice, valour and courage so ably demonstrated on the battlefields of World War II.
I call upon the House to join me in wishing Mr. Ward a happy 82nd birthday this Sunday, May 11. Happy Birthday, David.
Committees of the House May 1st, 2003
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 109 of the House of Commons I am pleased to present today, in both official languages, the government's response to the first report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration entitled “The Safe Third Country Regulations”.