Debates of June 6th, 2011

Hockey

[Cheryl Gallant, Conservative, Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON]

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize the Pembroke Lumber Kings as this year's National Junior A Hockey champions.

Known as “Hockeytown Canada”, Pembroke has a rich tradition of hockey excellence. This is the first national title for Pembroke.

The Pembroke Lumber Kings earned the right to play for the RBC Cup, which is presented to the National Junior A champions, by first winning the Central Canada Hockey League championship and then the Fred Page Cup to advance to the RBC Cup as the eastern Canadian representative.

The Ottawa Valley is well-known for its sporting traditions and contributions to the history of hockey. By defeating the two-time defending champion, Vernon Vipers, in thrilling fashion, they rewarded their loyal fans and added a new chapter to the hockey lore of the Ottawa Valley.

I commend the Lumber Kings' players and coaches for their outstanding performances. I also recognize the Vernon Vipers for their valiant title defence. Their defence of the RBC Cup demonstrated the passion, skill and competitive spirit that make hockey the world's most dynamic and thrilling sport.

Health

[Françoise Boivin, NDP, Gatineau, QC]

Mr. Speaker, on May 2, a very large majority of the people of Gatineau voted for change, and I said I would deliver their message. Clearly, health is the number one issue for the people of Gatineau, and I promised strong leadership to ensure solid support from the federal government.

There are desperate needs in my riding. In May, at times, it got to the point where the Gatineau hospital's emergency room was filled to over 200% of capacity, and the Gatineau CSSS had to ask people to avoid emergency room visits.

In 2010 and 2011, the average wait time to see a doctor was approximately 24 hours. In 14% of cases, wait times exceeded 48 hours. We all want a more effective health care system that meets everyone's needs.

From the very first day of the election campaign, the NDP, my leader and I put health care at the top of our priority list. The government said in the Speech from the Throne that it will help to ensure the stability of the health care system and will work to reduce wait times while respecting provincial jurisdictions.

I am prepared to begin working with the government and Quebec immediately in order to give the people of Gatineau the health care system that they deserve.

Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival

[Brad Butt, Conservative, Mississauga—Streetsville, ON]

Mr. Speaker, first let me express my congratulations to your on being elected as our Speaker.

This past weekend I participated in the Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival, which is a very popular local event in my riding. Founded in 1973, it has become an annual event celebrating the historic backbone of Streetsville's economy, which was its five major mill sites along on the Credit River. Honey was included to reflect the many small apiaries existing at the time the festival began.

The festival was run by over 300 volunteers over the three days. Thanks go to local business, community groups and service clubs that donated thousands of hours of their time for this event.

I give special thanks to David Mosley, Sandy Pitts, Lucie Muldoon, Kathy Dineley, Gary Clipperton, Greg Landry, Kevin Little, Christine Simundson, Suzanne Tierney, Bill Vautour, Reg Vertolli, Duncan Wilcock and Al Yoemans for their outstanding leadership of this great event.

D-Day

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, proud home of the 39th Brigade, I rise to recognize the 67th anniversary of D-Day and to honour the tens of thousands of valiant soldiers, sailors and pilots who invaded Normandy's coast on June 6, 1944 and who changed the course of World War II.

On D-Day, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division stormed Juno Beach facing fierce opposition and Canadian soldiers secured a critical bridgehead for the allied invasion. The liberation of Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany soon followed.

These brave Canadians left their loved ones behind to fight for freedom, democracy and peace—fundamental values for Canadians.

Their legacy endures as we also pay tribute to our men and women in uniform serving in Afghanistan, Haiti, Libya, Sudan and here at home.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and all Canadians, I salute these men and women and I wish to express my profound gratitude to all Canadian veterans.

We will remember.

Ajax--Pickering

[Chris Alexander, Conservative, Ajax—Pickering, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the people of Ajax--Pickering. Poised between the blue water of Lake Ontario and the highlands of Durham, with its roots in first nations and around the world, in the tests of war and the promise of peace, from Carruthers Creek to the Rouge Valley, our community brings economic dynamism, youthful creativity and enriching diversity to Canada's table.

In the last election, the electors of Ajax--Pickering sent a clear message to the House. They want us to get Canada's economic recovery right. Amid global uncertainty and competition, we need to generate jobs that sustain growth, secure financial stability, unlock new markets and harness innovation.

My family has been proud to call Ajax--Pickering home since returning from Afghanistan in 2009. We are humbled by the confidence our neighbours showed in us on May 2.

As we begin this 41st Parliament, with its justifiable focus on our economic future, I will aim to discharge this trust by hard work and tenacity.

Veterans

[Annick Papillon, NDP, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I will start with warm thanks to the voters of the riding of Québec for the confidence they showed in me in the May 2 election. People voted for change and for MPs who will listen to their socio-economic concerns and I will do everything in my power to live up to those expectations.

Today, June 6, 67 years after the Normandy landing—as my Liberal colleague pointed out—a day when so many young men and young women sacrificed themselves to defend our values against oppression, we remember them with gratitude, respect and pride.

Let us keep their memory in mind as we face today's challenges and as other young people follow in their footsteps, serving their country in Afghanistan and Libya.

Our past and future veterans deserve our unwavering support.

Lou Gehrig's Disease

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Speaker, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal motor neuron disease that affects approximately 3,000 Canadians. Eighty percent of those affected by this terrible disease pass away within five years of diagnosis, being unable to breathe or swallow.

This cause is very close to my heart as my father succumbed to ALS a number of years ago. After my personal encounter with this disease, I introduced a private member's bill to have the month of June officially designated as National ALS Month. Each year at this time, friends, family and supporters of those suffering from ALS dedicate their time and energy to increase the knowledge of this devastating disease and to raise funds for a cure.

I encourage each member to wear a cornflower today to show their support for finding a cure for this devastating disease. I would also encourage all Canadians to help us find a cure for ALS by supporting or volunteering for their local ALS organization.

Pakistan

[Deepak Obhrai, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is gravely concerned by the abduction and killing of Pakistani journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad.

Despite threats to his safety, he courageously reported on the terrorism and extremism that have undermined the security and stability of the people of Pakistan.

I wish to extend, on behalf of the Government of Canada, our deepest sympathy to his family and friends and to all Pakistanis for their loss.

Canada strongly believes that the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the effective functioning of a free and responsible media remain a cornerstone of democratic societies and are essential to the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

This murder is a blow to the advancement of these values in Pakistan. We welcome the announcement by the government of Pakistan that it will undertake an investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Newfoundland and Labrador

[Ryan Cleary, NDP, St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL]

Mr. Speaker, for my first statement in the House of Commons, I must acknowledge the constituents of the great riding of St. John's South--Mount Pearl and thank them for their support.

For the first time since Confederation in 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador is represented by two New Democrat MPs in this esteemed Chamber. We may not have the raw MP numbers of the other provinces, but the way I like to see it, the member for St. John's East and I make up for it by being from Newfoundland and Labrador.

I have a quick note for Conservative members opposite. If they look to the stained glass window the furthest to their right, they will see the pitcher plant, the official flower of Newfoundland and Labrador. How privileged they are to sit across from such a raw and rugged beauty. The stained glass window also faces toward Newfoundland and Labrador. I ask members to look to the pitcher plant when they speak of my province. But be warned, the--

[The Speaker, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

The hon. member for Elmwood—Transcona.

Hockey

[Lawrence Toet, Conservative, Elmwood—Transcona, MB]

Mr. Speaker, first off, I want to thank the constituents of Elmwood Transcona for the confidence they have shown in me by electing me to represent them. I look forward to serving them well for many years.

Speaking of Winnipeg, last week was a great week for all the people of Manitoba. We have been waiting a long time for our NHL team. It built the MTS Centre. We have had the Manitoba Moose and a trip to the Calder Cup finals. We have had pre-season NHL games.

Last week our dream came true. New generations of Winnipeg hockey fans will discover new hockey heroes, the likes of the "Golden Jet", Dale Hawerchuk, and Teemu Selanne.

As the Winnipeg Jets, Thrashers, Moose or otherwise, Manitoba's team is back and we are anxiously awaiting a Stanley Cup celebration down at The Forks.

Poverty

[Anne-Marie Day, NDP, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

Mr. Speaker, again, congratulations to all hon. members on being elected. I will start by thanking the voters of my riding of Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles.

In 1989, 23 years ago, the House of Commons unanimously passed a resolution to eliminate child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. Canada currently ranks in the unenviable position of 25th out of the 33 OECD countries in terms of the percentage of gross domestic product devoted to social programs. We cannot turn a blind eye: poverty exists in Canada.

The voters in my riding and the rest of Canada expect the government to take concrete action to eliminate poverty in Canada.

1989 Tiananmen Square Protest

[Scott Reid, Conservative, Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's relations with China are positive, comprehensive and enduring. Canada will continue to promote and engage constructively with China on human rights.

With this in mind, I draw to the attention of the House the fact that June 4 marks the 22nd anniversary of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy forces in Tiananmen Square. We express our deepest condolences to those who lost friends and family in the Tiananmen Square massacre.

We urge China to account for those who remain missing, and to release those who continue to be imprisoned two decades later for their participation in this non-violent event.

In light of the ongoing suppression in China of freedom of expression, freedom of religion and other universally held human rights, we urge the Government of China to abide by international human rights standards and to engage in ongoing and open dialogue with its people about the events of 1989.

Former Leader of Liberal Party

[Bob Rae, Liberal, Toronto Centre, ON]

Mr. Speaker, on a day when we are welcoming and celebrating the contribution of former parliamentarians, their parents and grandparents, whose memory they are respecting today, I would like to offer congratulations on behalf of the Liberal Party to all those who ran, either winning or losing, in the last election.

We all know that trying to represent our constituents is one of the great honours and pleasures of our own lives, but above all we have to reflect on those who fought so hard and who were not returned, or who wait for another occasion to be returned.

In that spirit, I would like, in this, my first statement as interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, to pay particular tribute to my former leader Mr. Michael Ignatieff, the former member for Etobicoke—Lakeshore, who served in this House with great distinction and who served the people of Canada with great ability. I know he will continue to go on to great public service, as he did before he came to this place and as he will afterwards.

D-Day

[Jim Hillyer, Conservative, Lethbridge, AB]

Mr. Speaker, we also wish to acknowledge the 67th anniversary of D-Day, the first day of the major allied invasion of occupied France that led to the end of the second world war.

On June 6, 1944, more than 450 Canadians parachuted inland before 15,000 Canadian troops stormed Juno Beach in the face of enemy fire. With courage and skill, the Canadians soon captured three shoreline positions.

The soldiers of the army, the air force and the navy continued fighting until August 25, 1944, when Paris was finally liberated. Nine months later the allies achieved final victory in Europe.

As we remember the contributions of those who landed on foreign shores 67 years ago, we honour Canada's brave service men and women who continue to serve today, and we remember that even if they are not physically injured, soldiers can still come home wounded.

We must never forget Canada's brave service men and women and their sacrifices.

Canada remembers D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

[Peter Stoffer, NDP, Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS]

Mr. Speaker, 67 years ago the largest armada ever to face this planet arrived at Juno Beach, Sword, Gold and other beaches. It left the shores of England to free Europe. Sixty-seven years ago Operation Overlord started.

Those brave Canadians and their allies did not just stop in France, but went clear through Europe and ended up clearing the Nazis out of Holland, the country where I was born.

In fact my 89 year old mother called today asking me to wish this House of Commons well, as well as all the service men and women who served our country so bravely, and who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Those men and women left this country so that we could live in ours.

I am so proud to be a House of Commons representative, born in Holland, now serving the good constituents of Sackville—Eastern Shore in Nova Scotia.

On behalf of this party and all members of the House of Commons, we salute the brave men and women who have served in the past and who are serving today, and especially their families who have braved so much for this great country. God bless.

Hockey

[Mark Warawa, Conservative, Langley, BC]

Mr. Speaker, for four decades, British Columbians have rested their hopes in their hockey heroes.

In 1982 it was King Richard and Stan Smyl, led by Roger Neilsen and his white towel. We knew they would never surrender.

In 1994 it was Trevor, Kirk and Pavel taking us to game 7. We had never been so close.

Last year during the Olympics we saw what winning hockey gold could do for Canada.

Vancouver has waited since 1915 to see hockey's holy grail come back to the west coast.

I know what I will be doing tonight; I will be watching the hockey game.

We are all Canucks. Go, Canucks, go!

Conservative Government

[Jack Layton, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by congratulating the Prime Minister, the government and all members who were elected. I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the Conservatives that 60% of Canadian voters did not vote for them. After the recent campaign, the Prime Minister said he felt an obligation to work with all members of the House. I agree with him on that, but the Conservatives' tone did not change at all in the throne speech.

Where is the government's desire to work with others?

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the new Leader of the Opposition. His party was very successful in the recent election, and we can see the results of that here today. In the throne speech, we repeated the promises we made to voters during the election. The result is clear: we now have a stable majority Conservative government.

[Jack Layton, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, in the election Canadians clearly voted for change and they clearly wanted members of Parliament to work together. That emotion and sentiment was very strong. They wanted a focus on their families and the issues that were affecting them each and every day.

New Democrats have committed to work respectfully, to end heckling and to give this place the decorum that it deserves. Will the government commit today to do the same?

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, we are, of course, looking forward to a mandate in which we can move forward constructively on the issues that we talked about with Canadians and to have in this House a debate that is meaningful, thoughtful and focused on policy and on the values of Canadians.

I think we are going to have that in the years to come. It promises to be a very good, productive and constructive Parliament. I know that with our clear mandate, having laid out exactly what we would do to Canadians—

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

—for Canadians, we certainly intend to carry through on those commitments and do exactly what we said we would do.

International Co-operation

[Jack Layton, NDP, Leader of the Opposition]

I am sure the official record will show the sentiment that was just expressed, Mr. Speaker.

This spring has been extraordinary and unprecedented in the Arab world. The shift towards democracy is not an easy one. The people of those countries need support. Last month, the G8 promised $20 billion, but there is nothing from Canada. The Conservatives do not seem to understand the importance of committing to helping these people make the transition.

Why has Canada isolated itself from its G8 allies?

[John Baird, Conservative, Minister of Foreign Affairs]

Mr. Speaker, at the outset of my time in the House, let me thank the electors of Ottawa West—Nepean and congratulate my friend, the new Leader of the Opposition, on an impressive result at election time. Let me tell him that our government and I are committed to working with him on this and other important issues.

I can correct the correct the record and tell the Leader of the Opposition that over the past few years, we have put more than a quarter of a billion dollars of new funding to support efforts that will be of direct benefit to the people of Egypt and Tunisia. Obviously, we are making an unprecedented commitment in Libya, and I look forward to working with the Leader of the Opposition and his team on this important issue.