Business of Supply May 9th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that it was not $1 billion, it was not $1 million, but at the end of the day it was in the thousands, and that was rectified.

However, my question is on what this $3 billion, when it is spread out, could do for health care. Right now we are seeing many of the hospitals having to charge more and more for parking to pay their bills. How could that money, which could be allocated to health care, help people who cannot afford to pay for parking when they visit their loved ones when they are sick?

Emma van Nostrand May 9th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of a young Cape Breton role model, Emma van Nostrand, who died suddenly while taking part in the Toronto Marathon.

An extremely focused and determined young woman, Emma put forth a passionate effort in whatever she took on. Whether it was her studies, her running or her family, she was always looking to the future. Being an honour student, she went to France where she studied this past semester before returning to Riverview High School, where she was to graduate with her classmates.

Riverview High School, with principal Joe Chisholm, staff and students have a great spirit, but now that spirit is in mourning.

One can never begin to understand the tragedy of losing someone so young. It is hoped they can find some comfort in the positive impact she has made on many in her short life.

I ask the House to join me in extending our condolences to her mother Katherine, father Steven, sisters Katy, Alyssa, brother Daniel and to all her family and friends.

Situation in Syria May 7th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, we have just completed a full study on public-private partnerships dealing with aid. Many times and in many disasters over the last few years, the Liberal government and the Conservative government have matched dollars, for the tsunami, in Pakistan and other areas. My question is, with the member's position and her beliefs that we should be using more private funds to help and aid, why is her government not pushing for a matching of dollars to help people in Syria?

Situation in Syria May 7th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, as was alluded to, it is not only a Middle East situation but also a situation that concerns the people in Canada.

My question is more on the diplomatic side.

The member for Ottawa Centre alluded to the U.S. and the Russians dealing with it using a diplomatic approach. On the UN side, one would think the UN could do a lot more on the situation. With our position at the UN now, to an extent we have taken a second seat to it. My question is this: what more could the UN do, and with our position now, have we compromised how much we can push forward on a UN solution to this situation?

Petitions May 6th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, I have a petition signed by over 400 of my constituents from my riding of Sydney—Victoria calling on the government to address the issue of moving cluster mailboxes to Halifax centre. These residents are concerned in relation to next-day delivery of their local mail not being maintained and also about the loss of jobs of Canada Post employees in Cape Breton.

Transport Canada May 2nd, 2013

Mr. Speaker, for 62 years the Baddeck Lions Club has operated a ferry service at no charge and provides transportation from Baddeck to Kidston Island. Due to the new Transport Canada guidelines, this vital service will stop operating this year.

I have made many ministers on that front bench aware of this serious situation, but time is running out, not only for Baddeck but for the Cape Breton tourist industry. What is the government's solution to keep this vital ferry service operating?

Harry Huntington and Lloyd MacDonald April 29th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two great Cape Breton community leaders who recently passed away. Mr. Harry Huntington of Marion Bridge and Mr. Lloyd MacDonald of Ironville.

Harry, a native of Cape Breton, was a successful businessman and innovator, while also offering his time to numerous community events and organizations. He was a passionate farmer and I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him on several agricultural projects in Central America. Harry was also an author. He wrote the story of his life and incorporated a lot of Cape Breton's local history into his work. I offer my deepest condolences to Harry's wife Wilma, a true lady, and to his family and friends.

Lloyd, better known as “Tokyo Lloyd”, not only sold many cars, but created many jobs and gave back to the community. He also played a mean fiddle. It was always heartwarming joining him and his family at Loaves and Fishes every Christmas Eve. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Winnie, his family and friends.

Cape Breton will miss them both dearly.

Petitions April 24th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition on behalf of 32 constituents in my riding calling on the government to support Bill C-452, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (exploitation and trafficking in persons).

Business of Supply April 16th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, the problem we have here today is the NDP members do not want to bring in any temporary workers and the Conservatives want to bring anybody in.

The reality is that we need temporary workers. Spring is upon us now. Farmers need these workers. They cannot get enough workers. The question is the criteria.

My question for the hon. member is this: should workers be brought in and other workers fired? That is the question. I think that is what the review is asking. It is asking that we look at the whole system. There are industries that depend upon temporary workers; they should be brought in for those companies, but other companies should not be firing people and using temporary workers in their place.

Why should we not have the review? As well, would the member agree that people should be fired when temporary workers are brought in?