House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 51% of the vote.
Public Service February 27th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, given the importance of retaining our excellent public servants, their priceless corporate memory and their dedication to their given responsibilities, it is my opinion that any attempt by the government to contract out will have a profoundly negative impact on the quality of service the government provides to all Canadians.
Could the President of the Treasury Board reassure Canadians that the government has no plans to privatize services?
CBC Literary Awards February 27th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation presented its literary awards at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, in Gatineau.
The novels that received an award include La librairie de la place , by Nicole Filion, and Un homme ordinaire , by Catherine Desgagnés.
Those who like poetry should read Comment voir le poisson rouge dans l'eau rouge du bocal , by Kim Doré, and Le pain quotidien , by Annie Perreault.
Finally, those who like travels will enjoy La délicieuse odeur de miel des jeunes éléphants mâles , by Isabelle Giasson, and Retour de Sarajevo, à la première personne , by Denis McCready.
Official Languages February 26th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, linguistic duality is an asset for Canadians. It is part of the global knowledge based economy that means better access to world markets and jobs.
According to the Centre for Research and Information on Canada, 77% of anglophones outside Quebec believe it is important to learn to speak a language other than English. Of that number, 74% believe that French would be the language most important for their children to learn to speak.
Other findings in the study reveal that two out of every three Canadians agree: living in a country with two official languages is one of the defining factors of what it means to be Canadian.
We must continue to encourage linguistic duality.
Public Service of Canada February 25th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I wish to ask the President of the Treasury Board a two-pronged question regarding the public service.
First, when does the President of the Treasury Board intend to lift the freeze on the reclassification of positions and second, is the government planning a program review?
Public Service February 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, Canadians should take pride in a professional public service.
It is comforting to know that the President of the Privy Council will soon introduce a bill to protect conscientious public servants who blow the whistle on wrongdoings at the workplace. Such legislation must protect serious whistleblowers and those who are wrongfully accused either accidentally or purposely.
The key to success for whistleblower legislation rests on protecting the career of honest employees and the integrity of the public service.
Public Service February 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, our public servants often hesitate to disclose certain activities such as the waste of public funds because they fear the consequences for their career advancement, as well as other possible retaliation.
Could the President of the Privy Council inform the House when he intends to introduce a bill that would protect whistleblowers' careers in the federal public service?
Scout-Guide Week February 19th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, this week is Scout-Guide Week which takes place February 15 to 22.
This is the time of celebration for Scouts Canada and Girl Guides of Canada. It is a chance for the public to recognize the limitless potential of Canadian youth and the work that scouting does to help build a better world for our nation's future leaders.
Scouting is an activity that instils fundamental principles such as leadership, pride and honour in more than 120,000 young boys and girls.
Moreover, these programs and activities are made possible through the commitment and dedication of some 40,000 volunteers working within the scouting movement.
I would encourage all members to join me in wishing both Scouts Canada and Girl Guides of Canada continued success as they move forward.
Public Service February 16th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the air needs to be cleared on rumours and mixed messages in the media regarding the public service.
I ask the President of the Treasury Board this. Is it true that the government is planning: one, another program review; two, job cuts; three, outsourcing; and four, freezing justified promotions and reclassifications?
Winterlude February 9th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the 26th edition of Winterlude in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, I would like to commend the National Capital Commission on the event's continued great success.
The NCC has had a great impact on the national capital region over the years and has brought a myriad of benefits to the region.
The chair of the NCC, Marcel Beaudry, and his staff continue to fulfill their mandate with great distinction.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Canada for providing much needed support to the NCC and its leadership over the years. Canadians can therefore take great pride in their capital.
Petitions October 29th, 2003
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition, signed by more than 12,000 people, calling on the House of Commons to confirm that marriage must remain the union between one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others.
The petitioners also wish to remind the House that on June 8, 1999, it voted 216 to 55 affirming the definition of marriage as being the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.