Greg Kerr

[VE Day, May 8th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, since 1945, May 8 has been known as Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day. It is the day our allied forces triumphed over adversity, the day that marked the end of the second world war in Europe.

It was a day of great celebration. However, the joy was tempered by the memory of fallen comrades and preparations for the final struggle in the Pacific. When British Prime Minister Winston Churchill went on the air to declare Victory in Europe Day, he told listeners, “We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead”.

More than one million courageous servicemen and servicewomen left their homes, their families and their friends to serve Canada during the second world war. Tragically, 47,000 would never return.

The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to Canada's veterans. We encourage Canadians to honour and respect the tremendous sacrifices and achievements of our men and women who have served and who continue to serve today. We are here today because of them and we owe it to them.

Canada remembers VE Day.

[Battle of Vimy Ridge, April 21st, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, 92 years ago, on Easter Monday of 1917, the four divisions of the Canadian Corps captured Vimy Ridge and earned Canada a place on the international stage.

The Canadian commanders devised an innovative battle plan to take back the ridge, a plan executed to near perfection by the Canadian troops.

Tragically, the glory Canada won on that day came with a heavy price. By the fourth day of battle, our Canadians controlled the entire ridge, but 3,600 Canadians gave their lives in this triumph.

One of Canada's most impressive tributes now stands on the battlefield of Vimy Ridge. The majestic Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands as a reminder of that heroic battle and as a tribute to the brave men and women who served their country during the first world war.

They defended with honour the values upon which our country was founded: freedom, democracy and the rule of law. These are the same values that Canada's military men and women are currently defending around the world.

Ninety-two years later, after that fateful Easter Monday, we pay tribute to our proud history and we honour those who continue to serve today.

[Veterans Affairs, March 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is most unfortunate that the member, who should have knowledge of the veterans as much as anybody should in the House, would deliberately point out something that is absolutely erroneous.

The program that was put in by this government was for people who were hit in 1966-67 by agent orange. The program has been very effective. Over 2,100 people have been recognized and have in fact been sent cheques.

I would also point out that, as emotional as the member gets, it is a shame that his leader and party have not supported any of the programs for veterans in Canada.

[Veterans Affairs, March 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure, in the way the member phrased his question, that he was intent on getting a serious answer on what has been a most serious issue facing many Canadians who were around CFB Gagetown in the years 1966-67.

The fact is that was 40-some years ago and it has been looked at and studied. The previous Liberal government totally ignored dealing with the issue. I think even the member would acknowledge the fact that it was our government that stepped up. We provided ex gratia payments because it was so difficult to get the records all straight. We responded to the issue--

[Veterans Affairs, March 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad the hon. member pointed out that we have moved on the issue of agent orange and all those poor people who suffered from that terrible incident. In fact, we settled with over 2,000 of those individuals, at $20,000 a person. They are very satisfied with that.

The more discussions we have with them, the more concerned they are about where the economy is going, the more concerned they are that the hon. member's leader is opposed to the very action plan that helps these very important people.

The hon. member knows full well we can never do enough for our veterans. The action plan is all about that.

[Veterans Affairs, March 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the member for Sackville—Eastern Shore stated several times how pleased he was that the Conservative government put back in place so many programs for veterans, programs that were cut by the previous Liberal government.

We share the concerns. We meet regularly. We want to the very best we can for our veterans. I know the problem he has and his frustration. The very budget that supports these veterans, which his leader made him vote against, must make him very uneasy.

Veterans are concerned about the economic well-being of our country. They are concerned about everything else that Canadians are concerned about and they support this economic action plan.

[Michael Baker, March 3rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I deeply regret to inform the House that the Hon. Michael Baker, Nova Scotia's minister of finance, passed away last night at his home in Lunenburg, surrounded by his family.

Michael Baker would never allow his cancer to stop him from being a good husband, father and servant of the people of Nova Scotia. As he continued to grow ill, he continued to be the man he always was, hardworking, dedicated and a loving family man.

Michael Baker served in many portfolios in his 10 years in cabinet, making his mark on a number of issues. Most notably, in 2004, after a teenager in a stolen car hit and killed a teacher's aide, Michael led the province's fight to change the youth justice system. As minister of finance, Michael was able to deliver a series of balanced budgets and was currently working on the province's budget for the spring when he died.

Our deepest condolences to his wife, Cynthia, and their sons, Matthew and Daniel. He will be missed.