House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2008, with 37% of the vote.
Aboriginal Affairs September 23rd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I rather resent the fact that the member opposite has a very unfavourable position in terms of the relationships with the grand chiefs of more than 600 first nations peoples. They have a right to ask for changes within their offices and we, certainly, as a government have a right to consider those changes.
The decision has not been made but it will be made in due course. He certainly should have an office fitting the position he serves in this country
Aboriginal Affairs September 23rd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the matter is under review. A request has been made in terms of a change of leadership among the first nations peoples, and the grand chief will need some changes.
It is certainly a matter for review but, as of this date, no definite amount of money has been set aside for that purpose.
First Nations Governance Act June 5th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as parliamentarians we all come to this House to do parliamentary business. We have to be very careful that we do not show a flagrant disrespect of the House and of the Speaker's rulings and proceed in the manner that has been outlined here by the member for Calgary Centre.
For the record, the committee received the bill last fall. It spent hours on the bill. It spent in fact the longest time of any bill that ever was processed before the House. The party that the member represents failed to come to any of those committee meetings, except for the last two or three when he also tried to obstruct that committee. It is very--
First Nations Governance Act June 3rd, 2003
Madam Speaker, I would like members opposite to listen very carefully because I want to speak about the codes which are a very significant part of the bill.
As we crossed the country and listened to various first nations people, many of them said that codes already existed which were as good, if not better, than what the bill proposed. The government proposed this with Motion No. 89. Madam Speaker, I ask that you seek the unanimous consent of the House that we be allowed to bring this in as part of our legislation. It was denied by the Speaker. It certainly would be relevant to our first nations people to recognize the significance of the fact that they already have suitable codes in existence.
Petitions May 16th, 2003
Madam Speaker, the second petition is from a group that is very much opposed to Bill C-250. They petition the House that the bill not be passed.
Petitions May 16th, 2003
Madam Speaker, this petition is from many citizens living near the Kouchibouguac national park.
Most of them sold their property when the park was created. This year, due to a shortage, Parks Canada has prohibited clam digging in the park.
The petitioners point out that they regard clam digging for personal use as a historic right and they ask that the restriction be lifted.
Aboriginal Peoples April 11th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I speak a different language and I hope the translators have done well. However I have pointed out to the House that we have committed $137 million this year toward first nations housing.
I think that is quite adequate for now, but we certainly need more. Our government is working closely with first nations to improve the situation.
Aboriginal Peoples April 11th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member is well aware that this year our government has committed some $137 million toward this program. Over the last few years, in fact since 1996, we have built nearly 2,600 new houses annually and have repaired some 3,300 on an annual basis.
We have made a strong effort to work with first nations.
The Environment April 11th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, since a National Wildlife Week was declared by Parliament in 1947, this event has highlighted to Canadians the importance of conserving our wildlife. April 6 to 12 marks National Wildlife Week this year, a great opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to a national treasure.
The beaver, the loon and the polar bear on our coins, and the maple leaf on our flag, are symbols that epitomize the richness and diversity of this country's wildlife. These symbols help bind us together as a nation.
This year's theme for National Wildlife Week is “Native Species, Nature's Choice”. It highlights growing concerns about the devastating impacts of invasive alien species on Canada's wildlife and the environment. Although some of these species may be benign, others are harmful and are taking a huge toll on our wildlife habitat.
The federal government has a long history of action in addressing invasive alien species and is developing a national plan to better prevent the introduction and spread of such species in Canada.
Frederick Forrest Moar April 2nd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to salute Frederick Forrest Moar of Miramichi who, with 14 other veterans, was honoured by the minister with the Veterans Affairs Commendation on Monday.
Fred Moar was a militia sergeant who volunteered for active service in 1940. Joining the North Shore Regiment he proceeded overseas in 1941. On D-Day, Lieutenant Moar landed at Normandy and was made company commander in August. He served in Europe until 1946 and later became commanding officer and honorary colonel of 2RNBR North Shore.
Since 1984 Colonel Moar has volunteered at least one day each week in the office of three Miramichi members of Parliament in assisting veterans and their spouses in their relationships with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
We thank him for his many years of dedication and service to his country and to our Miramichi constituents. All of us could learn from this example of one of the 15 recipients of the award on Monday of this week.