John Cannis

[Supply, May 30th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, I have a couple of comments to make after listening to the member.

I found it very ironic, if I may say so, because often we hear from the Reform Party how it compares Canada to the United States. In the member's presentation he compared us to California and the United States. Not too long ago the leader of the Reform Party visited Mr. Gingrich of the United States, at which point he said: "We don't do things the way you do in the United States". Yet all of a sudden they want to compare us to California.

I want to go beyond that point because it seems to me they want to suck and blow at the same time.

I refer to an article about Reform in the House that states: "Reformers cast themselves as the official opposition but they have a few flaws". I believe the flaws keep flopping back and forth.

In my private life I came from the employment industry. I would like to give a specific example of some problems that had to be overcome. A major retailer wanted to hire a computer operator. In that area there were rotating shifts, sometimes eight-hour shifts, sometimes twelve-hour shifts three days consecutively or five days a week.

The employer indicated to my firm that he was adamant he did not want to hire a female simply because there were rotating shifts. Somehow or some way we convinced the employer to hire a female. I am proud to say today, six years down the road, the female is still with the company. She has been promoted three times and is doing an excellent job. What would have happened if the placement agency decided to listen to the employer and be swayed by him that because she was a female she could not work shift work?

I am proud to say the legislation will open avenues, allowing people to go ahead, move forward and compete for jobs equally. I believe employers will hire based on merit, not just on the fact that someone is oriental, black, male or female.

I encourage the party across the way to stop posturing and being intellectually dishonest with the people of Canada. Reformers cannot have it both ways. They either compare us to the United States or they do not. They cannot keep flip-flopping.

[Members Of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act, May 12th, 1995]

You will have your turn.

[Cedarbrae Collegiate, May 11th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, today a group of students from the student body of Cedarbrae Collegiate, located in my riding of Scarborough Centre, are visiting Ottawa. Along with my colleague for Scarborough West, I extend a warm welcome to them.

Cedarbrae Collegiate evokes fond memories to me of the occasions in the past when I visited the collegiate and participated in citizenship ceremonies.

I also thank the collegiate publicly for previous occasions when I and others were treated to some exceptional performances conducted by its excellent and renowned music department.

Congratulations to all the staff, administration and the student body. A special note of thanks and welcome to Mr. John Connors, also a member of the school administration.

[Petitions, May 5th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the last petition requests that Parliament act immediately to extend protection to the unborn child by amending the Criminal Code to extend the same protection enjoyed by born human beings to unborn human beings.

[Petitions, May 5th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the other petition requests that Parliament not amend the human rights code, the Canadian Human Rights Act, or the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in any way that would tend to indicate societal approval of same-sex relationships or of homosexuality, including amending the human rights code to include in the prohibited grounds of discrimination the undefined phrase "sexual orientation".

[Petitions, May 5th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I have the pleasure of presenting three petitions today.

The first petition requests Parliament to ensure that the present provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada prohibiting assisted suicide be enforced vigorously and that Parliament make no changes in the law that would sanction or allow the aiding or abetting of suicide or active or passive euthanasia.

[V-E Day Ceremonies, May 5th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I say these words today.

I was moved by the ceremonies performed today across Europe in recognition of war's end and especially to remember Canada's role with the allies in the liberation of Europe. The news coverage revealed the incredible feelings of hospitality,

thankfulness and warm affection these people feel for Canadians.

To see the Canadian flag waving, to hear the cordial words from their youth, to participate in the prayers in their churches, to see the bloom of flowers on every street and city square made me, and I am sure all Canadians, even more proud of our heroes and country. It is this that shows us the true bond that exists between our nation and our people with the former allies overseas. We should all pause to consider how fortunate we are that we inherited and formed these bonds as a result of the sacrifices our fighters made in defending freedom.

It is moments like these we should dwell on to put into true perspective our lasting relations with our friends across the seas. Today in Canada we feel truly proud and grateful that God has blessed us and our country with such history and friends.

[Gun Control, April 25th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, at the Reform Party policy convention in October, 1994 the delegates passed two resolutions. First, if elected the Reform Party will introduce legislation by which the criminal use of firearms will be severely punished and the right of law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms will be protected. The amendments introduced to the Young Offenders Act by our party include stricter penalties for crimes using firearms.

The second resolution stated the Reform Party supports the rights of citizens to protect themselves and their property against criminal acts using all reasonable means and that the right to do so has priority over offenders' rights.

This resolution has been marketed to the gun lobby as the Reform Party's answer to gun control. It is a motherhood and apple pie statement that could only confuse the people who would believe this is a Reform Party position against the gun control act, yet another example of Reform Party pretence.

[Lobbyists Registration Act, April 25th, 1995]

Wait until you see what is coming.

[Canadian Volunteer Advisors To Business, April 4th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the House about an act of generosity that was rendered by a citizen of Canada and a constituent of mine. Mr. Brian Oxley of Scarborough travelled to Romania to help and advise local manufacturers engaged in glass production.

Mr. Oxley was a volunteer advisor working overseas for Canadian Volunteer Advisors to Business, otherwise known as CESO. Since it was founded in 1967, CESO has been providing Canadian volunteer advisors to businesses and organizations in Canada's aboriginal communities, developing nations and emerging market economies in central and eastern Europe.

CESO volunteers are skilled Canadians, men and women, usually retired, who willingly share their lifetime of practical experience with those who need it most.

This merits congratulations to all concerned. I congratulate Mr. Oxley for his outstanding contribution.