Gurbax Malhi

[Petitions, September 29th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I have the honour to present the following petition.

The petitioners draw the attention of the House to the fact that Canadian consumers are deeply affected by the price hikes in gasoline. Though gasoline is a Canadian natural resource, Canadians have little control over this important resource.

Therefore they request that Parliament encourage the establishment of a gas price review commission to keep gasoline prices and other oil products in check.

[Spar Aerospace, April 16th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, a few days ago Prime Minister Chrétien announced that Spar Aerospace located in my riding of Bramalea-Gore-Malton will develop the space shuttle's Canada Hand, thus creating at least 125 local jobs.

Everyone in the riding is pleased that our highly skilled local workforce has once again helped sustain and create local jobs. In fact, an even larger impact on local companies is expected due to the manufacturing and marketing of commercial spin-offs resulting from the Canada Hand robotic technology.

I want to thank the Prime Minister for his ongoing efforts to create as many jobs as possible, despite the current tough economic climate. Though the government cannot be satisfied with the current level of unemployment, its efforts to date are still commendable.

Having said that, I want to point out that I plan to pursue additional job creation until everyone-

[Peel Regional Police, March 20th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, on March 7, I had the pleasure of participating in the official opening of the Peel Regional Police community station in the Westwood mall in Malton.

The opening ceremony was organized by the regional municipality of Peel, the Police Services Board and the Peel Regional Police. The community station concept, which was first developed in Japan, allows for more accessible, less intimidating interaction between police officers and the general public. Not only will this station increase citizens' sense of safety and security, it will also enhance the current level of police enforcement in the region.

I encourage the community of Malton to lend its full support and cooperation to officers working at the new station. Only by working together can we continue to maintain good law and order in this country.

[Employment, March 11th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development.

Many people in my riding are frustrated in their efforts to find employment. Some are frustrated because they can only find work through temporary placement agencies. It is difficult for them to support their families on salaries from part time jobs. Many may wonder in today's job market if the government's Human Resources Centres of Canada are still relevant.

Does the minister have any suggestion on services available in HRCCs to many Canadians who are looking for employment to support themselves, their families and their relatives?

[Petitions, March 11th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I have the honour to present the following petition.

The petitioners draw the attention of the House to the fact that south Asia's human smuggling trade costs hundreds of lives a year, including the more than 200 south Asian men feared drowned after a crowded refugee boat reportedly sank on December 25, 1996.

Therefore the petitioners pray and request that Parliament encourage the government to point out to foreign governments in southeast Asia that the travel agencies involved in human trade must face severe penalties and punishment for their illegal and inhumane activities.

[Housing, March 6th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, thousands of low income families in Ontario and across Canada depend on social housing.

Yesterday the government reached its first agreement with the province on the transfer of the administration of social housing. However in Ontario the Tory government wants to shift responsibility for social housing to the municipalities.

I ask the Minister of Public Works and Government Services to reaffirm our commitment to quality, affordable social housing. Among Canada's neediest families social housing is a necessity, not a luxury, so the government must preserve it.

[Religious Tolerance, February 18th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my deep concern over last Thursday's display of religious intolerance and blind bigotry displayed by police in Karachi, Pakistan against the Christian minority.

I believe it is essential for people of different religions, including minority groups, to respect each other's faith. We are all children of God, so rather than work to destroy each other, we must try to eliminate the true source of conflict which is religious intolerance.

In the words of Patrick Henry: "Religion must only be directed by reason, not by force or violence. All individuals are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, and it is the mutual duty of all to practice tolerance, love and charity toward each other".

Therefore, I would ask that the Government of Canada issue a strong call for religious tolerance and understanding in Pakistan.

[Petitions, February 7th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of presenting a second petition pursuant to Standing Order 36, that Parliament encourage the establishment of an energy pricing review commission to keep the pricing of gasoline and other energy products in check.

[Petitions, February 7th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I have the honour of presenting a petition that Parliament ensure that visitors who abuse the privilege of a member of Parliament by filing a refugee claim be deported and that their accomplices face legal proceedings.

[Job Creation, February 6th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, one of Canada's major banks recently announced a great new way to encourage job creation.

CIBC has agreed to lend money to small businesses at reduced interest rates if they promise to create jobs. A business that borrows the maximum of $100,000 will save $3,000 in the first year.

The bank will advance loans at one percentage point below prime to small firms that promise to use the money to expand and create at least one full time job or three part time jobs in the first year of the loan.

Since the major concern of all Canadians is job creation, I want the federal government to do everything it can to ensure all banks make their loans more accessible and affordable to the small business sector.