House of Commons Hansard #27 of the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was seniors.
Scott Simms Liberal Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL
Madam Speaker, I do not want to suggest the member has taken leave of his senses, but I will leave it at that.
When we rise in the House and talk about an issue as important as this, what bothers me the most is some parties demean this issue. They talk about the divisions to conquer for their own self-interests. What bothers me is they do not stand up for people who are most—
Scott Simms Liberal Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL
Madam Speaker, I would just like to say this, in addition to what I have talked about earlier, in regard to this particular industry and what it faces right now. We need to ask this particular government and all parties in the House to pull together to find a solution here for these people who are the most vulnerable.
Let us talk about the EI issues. Let us talk about the fact that most of these people who find themselves most vulnerable now are just not eligible at this point to claim EI. That is a huge issue, not just in forestry but all other industries.
I want to ask these particular members, and others, to stand up for these particular issues, so that we can protect the most vulnerable in our society, not just in forestry but others.
Scott Simms Liberal Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL
Madam Speaker, apologize? I have represented my constituents since 2004, and I apologize not to him and not to anybody else in this House, because that is what we are here to do.
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Madam Speaker, I congratulate my hon. colleague for his speech today and for his answers. I noticed that after the first question came from the NDP, the member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley, who asked the question, did not listen. He is not listening now. He was then and is again engaged in a discussion with Conservative colleagues across the way. I think it is important that if one asks a question, one listens to the answer, and perhaps if the second NDP questioner had heard the answer to the first question, he would not have asked the same question.
I would like to ask my hon. colleague this question. What does he think of the idea that was proposed by the natural resources committee last June which talked about the need for a national summit, led by the Prime Minister, of the forestry industry to look at the problems that were already existing? We still have not seen that summit.
Scott Simms Liberal Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL
Madam Speaker, I neglected to mention this last time. It is funny how the NDP members will rise in the House to take credit for a budget that occurred several years ago, but when they take credit for that budget, they never mention any one moment of reform of the EI system. It is funny. It is called the politics of convenience, I believe.
Nonetheless, let me get to the situation that my hon. colleague from Halifax West talks about. The national forestry summit should prove to be a great conversation had by all.
Sometimes the echo is deafening, Madam Speaker, but I will continue despite that. I will say this about--
The Acting Speaker NDP Denise Savoie
I would like to call the members to order out of respect for the member who is speaking.
Scott Simms Liberal Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL
Madam Speaker, it is quite the workout I am having today.
I want to give an example of a summit in this particular situation because a lot of people say it is not really necessary, but it is. It has worked in the past. In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador we had a fisheries summit that was chaired, incidentally, by a gentleman I know who used to sit in this House. His name was Loyola Hearn and he chaired the summit. What came out of that summit were some of the policy initiatives that we have today, some not so good, others pretty good, but it basically created a crossroads of communication for which I commend my former hon. colleague, Mr. Hearn, for doing at the time, and I wish him all the best, incidentally.
Nonetheless, that is the conversation that we need to have each on a provincial basis, as well as in a national forestry summit, to consolidate opinions and to allow the free flow of communications from unions, industry, and definitely from our government.
Gord Brown Conservative Leeds—Grenville, ON
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to state that our government listens to Canadians and we act on their behalf, and nowhere is that more positively demonstrated than in my riding of Leeds--Grenville.
Canadians, including those in my riding, told us that they needed infrastructure money to move critical projects forward. This government delivered.
One of the many important projects is the Port of Prescott, where crumbling docks will be rebuilt. This is an inland, deepwater port where dry bulk cargo is transferred and stored. The port services municipalities throughout eastern Ontario, providing storage and delivery of road salt, and farmers with grain storage and shipment.
Without this critical dock, thousands of transport trucks would be driving across Ontario delivering salt for roads and delivering corn. Our government--
Mario Silva Liberal Davenport, ON
Madam Speaker, on March 28, 2009, Armindo C. Silva is to be honoured by the Portuguese Canadian community for his many years of public service. A wise man once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”. Armindo Silva is the embodiment of this ideal.
He arrived in Canada in 1961, started his own business, studied and received a master's degree in business administration from the University of Toronto. He has had a very successful business career. However, it is his work on behalf of others that we will celebrate this year. He is a founding member of the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals. He has pioneered scholarships for young people, worked as a fundraiser for the United Way, and served on the mental health advisory board of the Toronto Hospital.
These are only a few of his accomplishments. He brings to life a passion for community service and a deep understanding that we all have a responsibility to make our communities and our country a better place for all of us.
On behalf of all members of Parliament, I am pleased to recognize and honour the community service of an outstanding man who is an example to us all, Mr. Armindo C. Silva.
Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to speak today about Quebec Intellectual Disability Week and its slogan promoting greater empathy.
This is a week to be open to differences and recognize that those who live with intellectual disabilities are full-fledged citizens. I myself have had a number of enriching experiences, having been a host family for the Centre de réadaptation en déficience intellectuelle de la Montérégie-Est and a sponsor for Parrainage civique. I can assure you that I came out of these experiences a better person.
I would like to thank all of the volunteers who work in this area and I would encourage people to get more involved with the wonderful people living with an intellectual disability. I am proud to say that the riding of Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot is blessed with a large number of services to help those living with intellectual disabilities.
Wayne Marston NDP Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
Madam Speaker, today we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising. Fifty years ago, 300,000 Tibetans surrounded the Dalai Lama's palace to protect their young leader from the Chinese military. That dedication to the Dalai Lama is today reflected not only here in Canada but worldwide.
The NDP reaffirms its commitment to supporting human rights in China, including the collective self-determination rights of the people of Tibet. The government of China must respect freedom of religion, speech and assembly for Tibetans. I would remind the House that on February 15, 2007, the House of Commons gave unanimous consent to a motion by NDP MP Peggy Nash. It said:
That, in the opinion of the House, the government should urge the government of the People's Republic of China and representatives of Tibet's government in exile, notwithstanding their differences on Tibet's historical relationship with China, to continue their dialogue in a forward looking manner that will lead to pragmatic solutions that respect the Chinese constitutional framework, the territorial integrity of China and fulfill the aspirations of the Tibetan people for a unified and--
LaVar Payne Conservative Medicine Hat, AB
Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2009 Brooks citizen and junior citizen of the year awards ceremonies.
Mr. Joe Yarrow was the citizen of the year recipient. Since arriving in Brooks 48 years ago, he has dedicated 45 years to the Brooks Fire Department, 49 years to the Royal Canadian Legion, 42 years to the Elks, and has donated over 400 units of blood. Joe is truly a remarkable man whose dedication and commitment to his community and its citizens are second to none.
Jessie Wang was the recipient of the Brooks junior citizen of the year. Jessie's community involvement includes organizing a student exchange trip and volunteering at the Brooks Health Centre. She is involved with over half a dozen local, national and international organizations, all while attending high school and tutoring some of her classmates. She is an outstanding and accomplished young lady.
On behalf of my constituents, I offer Joe and Jessie our sincere congratulations on their awards.
Frank Valeriote Liberal Guelph, ON
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in congratulating the Pakhtunkhwa Peace Forum for its efforts to draw attention to the violation of human rights and terrorist action in Swat, Pakistan.
Over the past two years, more than 300 innocent civilians have been killed and more than 800,000 have been displaced in the Swat Valley as a result of fighting between Pakistani Taliban groups and the military. In addition, more than 200 schools have been destroyed, depriving 120,000 girls of needed education. The peace forum held a successful rally in Toronto last month in a show of solidarity with the citizens of Swat.
I invite the government and, indeed, all of the House to condemn the killing of innocent civilians, the displacement of others and the destruction of schools in Swat, and request that it provide humanitarian aid to all those affected.
Brent Rathgeber Conservative Edmonton—St. Albert, AB
Mr. Speaker, small business is the engine of economic growth and will be the main driver of economic activity as we navigate our way out of this current economic downturn.
As governments wrestle with appropriate stimulus packages and many major transnational corporations are forced to significantly downsize their operations, it is the small business sector that continues to operate efficiently, and in the process creates and maintains jobs and contributes to our GDP.
On Friday, February 27, I had the honour of hosting the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism at a round table forum of small business leaders from Edmonton—St. Albert. We enjoyed a frank and open discussion of some of the challenges and also some of the successes of the entrepreneurs operating within my constituency.
One such enterprise, the Tudor Glen Veterinary Hospital, was honoured that night at the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction for demonstrated excellence as a small business.
I would like all members of the House to congratulate all successful small businesses, the backbone of the Canadian economy.
Claude Guimond Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight the extraordinary work of regional concert presenter Spect'Art Rimouski, which was awarded the Rideau/XM Radio Satellite top concert presenter prize in February at the Capitole de Québec. The award honours Spect-Art's boldness, ingenuity and excellent work in the field of artistic direction.
Spect'Art also received another major award, the 2008 Félix for Quebec performance venue of the year. Many industry stakeholders, including the Réseau des organisateurs de spectacles de l'Est du Québec (ROSEQ), praised the regional concert presenter's contribution and its collaboration with other performing arts organizations.
I, too, would like to congratulate Spect'Art on receiving this award and on everything it has accomplished.
Deepak Obhrai Conservative Calgary East, AB
Mr. Speaker, in recent days we have been witness to tragic events in Northern Ireland, including the murder of two soldiers and a policeman.
We offer our sympathy to the families of the victims of these cowardly acts.
Canada condemns these incidents. These cynical acts of violence are the work of a small number of disaffected individuals who want to turn back the clock on the progress that has been made in establishing a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
Canada and Canadians have consistently supported the cause of peace in Northern Ireland.
Canada stands steadfast in its support of the governments of the United Kingdom, Ireland and the political parties in Northern Ireland in their efforts to consolidate the gains of the peace process.
Dominic LeBlanc Liberal Beauséjour, NB
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to rise today to congratulate the new Liberal member from New Brunswick, Burt Paulin. Elected last night in the byelection in Restigouche—La Vallée with more than 53% of the votes, Burt Paulin toppled a former Conservative stronghold in New Brunswick.
The Conservatives never would have believed they could lose that riding, which had been held for so long by the new senator, Percy Mockler. But alas, the popularity of the Graham government, the efforts of our colleague from Madawaska—Restigouche and Burt Paulin's skills sent a very strong message to the Conservatives.
Conservatives in Ottawa and in Fredericton ignored the crisis facing forestry workers, failed to help seasonal workers by improving employment insurance, and turned their backs on small, rural communities. Last night those consequences came home to roost in New Brunswick.
Daniel Petit Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, the director of news content for the Chronicle Herald said that “George Baker is a troublemaker”. The St. John's Telegram scoffs that he is looking for publicity. Rex Murphy writes that Senator Baker's support for a sovereigntist Bloc Newfoundland and Labrador “is useless mischief”. According to an editorial in the Globe and Mail, Senator Baker “should be repudiated, not indulged”.
There are many damning statements about the sovereigntist Liberal senator. But remarkably, we have heard nothing from the leader of the Liberal Party. In fact, you might say his silence is deafening. The title of the Globe and Mail editorial probably says it best: “Intolerable in a national party”.
Will the Liberal leader finally stand up, follow the advice of the Globe and Mail and many other Canadians, stop indulging a sovereigntist senator and kick Senator Baker out of the Liberal Party?
Chris Charlton NDP Hamilton Mountain, ON
Mr. Speaker, when it comes to protecting public medicare, no community stands up as united as my riding of Hamilton Mountain. We rallied to save Henderson General Hospital. We rallied to save the VON services. We rallied at Michelangelo's to oppose the ideological funding cuts that threaten the quality of our care.
Hospital building projects are important, but they will stand as meaningless monuments to medicare without investments and staff.
In Hamilton, hospitals are balancing their budgets by cutting and centralizing services. In the process, Hamilton Health Sciences is axing 300 positions, while St. Joseph's is cutting 175.
Canada needs 26,000 doctors immediately just to meet the OECD average. By 2016 we will be short 113,000 nurses and half of all medical technologists will be eligible to retire. Cuts to staff mean cuts to care.
In this deep recession, economists all agree that strengthening our social safety net is a key government responsibility. Investing in medical personnel will benefit both health care and our economy in the short term, and will create lasting jobs that will strengthen our footing when we emerge from the recession. Clearly the time to act is now.
Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON
Mr. Speaker, racist comments about cat being served in a public restaurant, bullying the Ontario public broadcaster, and being fired by one of the nation's leading Israeli advocacy organizations would amount to a bad year for anyone. Then again, it is only March 10.
Welcome to the Warren Kinsella gaffe watch. The senior adviser to the Liberal leader loves his own voice so much that now it is coming back to haunt him. The Liberal Party asks him for advice, in his own words, “all the time”. Despite that responsibility, in his latest action he wrote an email threatening the Canada-Israel Committee and then claimed his bullying is “not a threat”.
He should be more cautious about what he says. If the Liberal leader were as smart as his Harvard teaching stint would suggest, he would fire Mr. Kinsella so that he would be free to stick his foot in his mouth whenever he liked without a negative impact on the Liberal Party.
Will the Liberal leader commit today to firing his senior adviser, Warren Kinsella?
