Paddy Torsney

[Gary Norton, June 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the wonderful volunteer efforts of Mr. Gary Norton of Burlington.

Mr. Norton went on two CESO assignments with the Central Reserve Bank of Peru. During his first visit, he assisted in the creation of a new statistics system and recommended that the bank install a project manager to oversee its successful implementation. Using his expertise of payment systems from Canada and Peru, Mr. Norton authored a report that will allow the existing Peruvian system to improve and evolve to meet Peru's statistical needs into the future.

In this International Year of the Volunteer, volunteers like Gary Norton are positive role models in communities around the world. Mr. Norton's contribution to the Central Reserve Bank of Peru demonstrates the best of Canadian values. His wealth of experience and generous spirit make him an exemplary grassroots ambassador.

I ask all my colleagues to please join the friends and family of Gary Norton in commending him on his impressive accomplishments in Peru.

[Foreign Aid, June 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, over the past few weeks Canadians have watched with dismay as the situation in Afghanistan has gone from bad to worse. Millions of people are hungry and in refugee camps. The death rate of children in the north is soaring and the situation for women in particular is dismal.

Could the Minister for International Cooperation tell the House what Canada is doing to signal our displeasure with the situation?

[Congressional Fellows, June 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the 20 American Political Science Association Congressional Fellows visiting Ottawa this week from Washington, D.C.

This impressive group of individuals comes from a wide variety of backgrounds and includes political scientists, judges, foreign service officers, doctors and journalists.

Initially designed to bring academics and political reporters to Capitol Hill, the congressional fellowship program now includes a full range of individuals taking a one year sabbatical so they may gain valuable experience and understanding of their political process.

Last month these fellows warmly welcomed our own parliamentary interns for a stimulating week of meetings with politicians, professors, party representatives and government officials.

I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming these congressional fellows to Canada and in wishing them a week of invigorating discussion surrounding the common challenges and achievements that continue to strengthen the very important relationship between our two great nations.

[Human Rights, May 28th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the world is in great hands. On Friday, May 25, I was delighted to host some 160 students and members of the community of Burlington at a human rights forum.

Our speakers, Senator Landon Pearson, Ms. Jaene Castrillon of Save the Children Canada and Mr. Martin Connell of Calmeadow Inc., ensured debate was lively and topic varied: war affected children, work against the sexual exploitation of children at home and abroad, micro credit and poverty alleviation, international labour and trade laws, and the environment.

The high school students were engaged, informed and curious. Their energy and dedication in making choices to work for change in their world were refreshing and encouraging.

Canada has an important role in world issues. Citizens have an opportunity to get involved to help ensure our nation continues to be the best place in the world in which to live. The dialogue the young people of Burlington engaged in gives me great hope that we will continue to care, to renew and to innovate, and that human rights will be respected and indeed improved internationally and domestically.

I congratulate my parliamentary intern, Ms. Jackie Steele, for organizing the whole event.

[The Environment, May 14th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, three years ago the international community agreed to dramatically reduce or even eliminate persistent organic pollutants. Known as the dirty dozen, POPs include PCBs, dioxins and DDT. They remain in the environment for decades. Particularly, they are harmful to Canada's northern peoples.

Could the Minister of the Environment tell the House what action Canada is taking domestically and internationally to reduce these substances?

[Foreign Affairs, May 11th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are seriously concerned about what is happening in Zimbabwe, particularly since the abduction of a Canadian aid worker and the harassment of our high commissioner to that country.

Could the Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa tell us what action the Government of Canada is taking to signal our concern over the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe?

[Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, May 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, May is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. The MS Society of Canada continues to lead the way as our country's foremost voluntary agency, providing services to people with MS and their families and supporting an extensive research network.

This past year, with the help of generous Canadians, the MS Society raised more than $21 million for research and services. It funded an additional $3.2 million to 14 potentially ground breaking MS research projects and 36 research scholarships.

The MS Society is bringing research from the test tube to people living with MS and there are now treatments for some forms of MS.

I wish to tell colleagues that tomorrow carnations will be handed out and I ask hon. members to wear them as a symbol of their support for all these amazing volunteers right across the country and to support MS research and services.

I wish to congratulate all MS Society volunteers. They make an incredible difference in the real lives of Canadians.

[Landmines, April 24th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, on April 10 a commitment was made by Greece and Turkey that warrants much celebration. On that day both countries committed to ratifying the Ottawa convention banning anti-personnel landmines.

These bold decisions are huge steps toward lessening the suffering of thousands of civilians and soldiers confronted by the reality of war. These commitments by Turkey and Greece confirm that the anti-mine crusade is an effective way to improve world security and stability.

Greece and Turkey will be tabling the ratification instruments with the general secretariat of the United Nations at the same time.

All Canadians can applaud these commitments and feel confident that the movement that was started here in Canada will one day assure improved opportunities for human security and peace throughout the world.

[The Environment, March 30th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, in 1995 the House passed the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, an act to ensure that we have clear assessments that contribute to sustainable development in Canada.

For the past year there has been an extensive review of the act, and last week the minister introduced an amendment to it. Could the parliamentary secretary tell the House how the bill will improve the assessment for all Canadians?

[Anti-Personnel Mines, March 27th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as Canadians, we are proud of Canada's leadership role in the Ottawa process to ban anti-personnel mines.

An important effective instrument of international law, the convention demands that signatory countries destroy their stockpiles of landmines.

Could the Minister of Foreign Affairs tell the House what Canada is doing to help Ukraine deal with its significant stockpile of anti-personnel mines so Ukrainian authorities can meet their Ottawa convention obligations?