House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2008, with 42% of the vote.
Citizenship and Immigration November 25th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the immigration minister said her chief of staff was only doing his job when he travelled to a strip club to discuss importing women into Canada who work as strippers. Meanwhile, over half a million legitimate immigrants languish in the queue while Mr. Wons enjoys his time out chilling at the club.
Does a legitimate applicant who has been waiting years to be processed have to own a strip club before the minister's right-hand man will pay a visit?
Citizenship and Immigration November 24th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we ask questions so we can get to the bottom of these allegations. This minister continues to fail Canadians by not exposing her role in this. Allegations that eight women were improperly granted landed immigrant status by this minister's official have recently come to light. Once again, the minister and her staff are in the middle of scandal.
Will the minister finally take the responsibility for her role in this scandal and resign?
Citizenship and Immigration November 24th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has tried to portray the granting of a minister's permit to a stripper as an act of compassion. However, we now know that for senior aide Ihor Wons it was regular operating procedure to meet with the owners of strip clubs. They would discuss ways to circumvent the immigration system in order to bring exotic dancers into this country.
How many permits did the minister sign as a result of Mr. Wons' rendezvous at these clubs?
Citizenship and Immigration November 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, these allegations are coming from Liberal insiders and public servants. The minister should listen to what is happening on her own side.
Under the stewardship of this government, Canada's immigration system has become known for more cronyism and unethical treatment than helping legitimate immigrants and refugees. The minister has engaged in shady practices throughout her campaign. She has rewarded her election workers by allowing one to queue jump and another to escape deportation.
When will the Prime Minister demand better of his cabinet and ask the minister to step aside?
Citizenship and Immigration November 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration was wrong not only in giving preferential treatment to the detriment of honest immigrants, but also for having created a system of corruption in her riding. First she gets rid of officials in her election headquarters, then she attracts volunteers by promising favours and, finally, she gives preference to applicants who do not deserve it.
Will the Prime Minister put an end to these schemes?
Citizenship and Immigration November 19th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the immigration minister clearly bent the rules in granting a minister's permit to her stripper friend and campaign worker. This was done on the advice of senior adviser Ihor Wons. At the time, however, Mr. Wons was on leave of absence to work on the minister's election campaign. Three days before the election, the permit was issued as per his memo.
Could the minister explain why the political staffer, on leave from the department, was telling the department what to do?
Citizenship and Immigration November 18th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the immigration minister continues to be stripped of her credibility.
Yesterday she was asked a very specific question regarding her Ottawa political staff travelling to her riding and working on her election campaign. This staff person charged $5,900 to the taxpayers for hotels, meals and travel. When asked if this person worked on her political campaign, the minister changed the subject.
I will ask the minister again. Did the political staffer from Ottawa work on her campaign, yes or no?
Citizenship and Immigration November 18th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, at the time of the election, the Prime Minister's Office had concerns about suspicious operations in York West. Worrying information about the issuance of immigration permits reached the ears of a certain Scott Reid.
Did the Prime Minister know about this before or after confirming the appointment of minister?
Citizenship and Immigration November 17th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, no doubt convinced that she would not be in the cabinet, the future-ex-minister of citizenship and immigration decided to take a vacation outside Canada. She was so torn between her public and her private life that what it took to convince her was the reimbursement of travelling expenses for two, in addition to $10.34 for her passport.
Can the minister tell us if she intends to use her passport a great deal in the weeks to come, to get some rest?
Citizenship and Immigration November 17th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the immigration minister seems to think that this country operates under two sets of rules: the rule of law for Canadians and an orgy of corruption for her and her Liberal friends.
According to an ATI, the minister cut short her family vacation when she was appointed to cabinet. Instead of paying the cost herself, she stuck the taxpayer for not only her personal expenses but that of her husband's as well.
Why is the taxpayer on the hook for the minister's travel plans?