House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1993, with 38% of the vote.
Petitions May 15th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present today on behalf of the constituents of Simcoe Centre.
The first group of petitioners request that the Government of Canada not amend federal legislation to include the phrase sexual orientation. The petitioners fear that such an inclusion could lead to homosexuals receiving the same benefits and societal privileges as married people.
National Unity May 15th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, talking about a lack of response or repetition, their answers would qualify.
History will show that while Canada was being torn apart, the best this Liberal government could do was send in a lawyer to help with a court challenge. This is nothing short of a disgrace.
The Reform Party had a plan. We made it public months ago. Reformers have shown leadership. Where is this government on leadership? My question is for the Prime Minister.
The first minister's conference is only a few weeks away. Why is he stalling, why is he frustrating federalists across the country and why will he not announce his plan today?
National Unity May 15th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, the future of our great country is threatened because the government does not have the will or the imagination to come up with a national unity plan to answer the demand for change that I am hearing all over Ontario.
The Prime Minister says that something big will happen at the first ministers' meeting. Ontario and the provinces need to know now whether he will stop delaying and announce whatever that something big is today?
Somalia Inquiry May 10th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, on October 27, 1995 the minister told this House and Hansard states: ``Every member of the Canadian armed forces has an obligation to come forward to that commission. The government will not tolerate any intimidation toward any of those people''. These are fine words but Purnelle listened to the minister and is being punished for coming forward.
Why is the government talking out of both sides of its mouth by publicly encouraging soldiers to come forward by permitting-
Somalia Inquiry May 10th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, the Department of National Defence has just laid seven charges against Corporal Michel Purnelle. His crime? He wanted to testify before the Somalia commission. Yesterday the inquiry chairman said he was troubled and strongly disappointed by the decision to detain and charge Purnelle.
Why does the minister allow his department to intimidate potential witnesses?
Petitions May 9th, 1996
Madam Speaker, the second petition concerns the age of consent. The petitioners ask that Parliament set the age of consent at 18 years to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Petitions May 9th, 1996
Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I have two petitions to present today on behalf of constituents of Simcoe Centre.
The first petition requests the Government of Canada not amend the human rights act to include the phrase sexual orientation. The petitioners fear that such an inclusion would indicate societal for approval of homosexual behaviour.
The petitioners believe the government should not legitimize this behaviour against the clear wishes of the majority.
Federal Budget May 7th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, it is too bad for the Canadian taxpayer that when the Liberals talk about going from 5 per cent, to 4 per cent, to 3 per cent of GDP they do not mention $40 billion and $50 billion of interest payments that it is costing Ontario taxpayers.
The lack of resolve on the part of the federal finance minister to eliminate the deficit is a cause for concern among Ontario taxpayers. They are asking whether a tax cut provincially will be swallowed up by a federal tax grab.
Canadians are judging their finance ministers by their ability to balance their books. This finance minister is dead last in that concern. When will he start leading by example?
Federal Budget May 7th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, to this government acts of God are used as an excuse for breaking promises. The act of God that is feared by Mike Harris is a consequence of not keeping one's word.
Today's Ontario budget will fulfil two major election promises, a firm date for a balanced budget and tax relief.
When will the finance minister follow the example of eight provincial ministers and commit to a firm date for a balanced budget?
Petitions May 3rd, 1996
Mr. Speaker, the second petition concerns the age of consent laws.
The petitioners ask that Parliament set the age of consent at 18 years to protect children from exploitation and abuse.