Sue Barnes

[Petitions, February 14th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I have two petitions praying that Parliament urges the federal government to join with the provincial government to make the national highway system upgrading possible beginning in 1997.

[Youth Employment Strategy, February 14th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the federal government is now working hard in its commitment to young people in this country with the youth employment strategy announced Wednesday by the Minister of Human Resources Development.

The youth employment strategy is the result of consultations with youth, educators, parents and the private sector to determine how best to serve the needs of Canada's young people in today's newer and new economy. Each of us recognizes that youth unemployment is unacceptably high and that there is nothing as frustrating as wasted potential.

The strategy consolidates over $2 billion in new and existing funding for programs and services that young people need to make the transition from education to our workplace. One of the strategy's highlights is the new internship programs that will provide work experience to young people in the crucial areas of science and technology, the environment, international trade and development.

I call upon those concerned to work together to accomplish what we need, a society that is good for all Canadians starting with our youth.

[The Macauley Boys, February 6th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to recognize the accomplishments of four of my young constituents in London West. Last Wednesday the rhythm and blues group The MacAuley Boys were nominated for a 1997 Juno Award.

Through hard work and their great amount of talent the four brothers, Gary, George, Mark and Randy, have released two albums since 1995 and they have been featured recently on the Much Music dance show "Electric Circus". Their latest album, "In Another Lifetime", is receiving national play and distribution and airplay in the United States. The group has been invited to perform at the half-time show in the final home game of the Toronto Raptors.

A special nod should go to The MacAuley Boys' parents, Rita and Winston, who have supported and encouraged their sons' very special talent. Whatever the results of the Juno awards, London and all Canadians will be very proud of The MacAuley boys. We wish them well with their future. Bravo.

[Excise Tax Act, February 6th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I was not planning to speak in this debate today and I will do so for only a few moments.

I think when we hear incorrect information we are responsible to correct it as soon as possible. The Reform member who spoke before the last member opposite, the member for Yellowhead, was talking about criminal penalties on pricing. He said that if we do not have tax in pricing there would be a criminal penalty. I think that is unfortunate because it is misinformation. I want to be very clear that this is not a criminal offence. At one point there was something in the legislation. However, we all know that in Parliament we have a process for bills, a process of working through this House and through the committees of Parliament legislation so it can be accurate and responsive.

There is a ticketing offence, if one wishes to call it an offence, under the Contraventions Act. This is similar to a driving fine. However, that is a far cry from a criminal offence. Basically that section the member was referring to, in the process that finished a couple of weeks ago when the finance committee met for a review of this bill, that section was taken out of the bill. It will actually end up in some regulation.

I think it is inappropriate to stand in this House and do some scaremongering and fearmongering. Criminal Code offences are a far different thing. We do not have Criminal Code situations here. This is misinformation. Those are the types of situations, when we see a bill and know the work that has gone into it, we know that not everybody does the same amount of homework before they stand up in this House, so I just wanted to correct the misinformation spread.

[Petitions, February 6th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to pursuant to Standing Order 36 to present a petition to Parliament from a group of senior citizens who are very concerned about the labelling practice in the marketing of generic drugs. They call on Parliament to regulate the practice of keeping generic drugs in the size, shape and colour which is similar to that of the brand name equivalent. They are concerned about the safety of consumers on this issue, especially senior citizens.

[Petitions, February 4th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the third petition deals with the GST on reading materials.

I am pleased to present these petitions on behalf of the petitioners in my riding.

[Petitions, February 4th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I wish to present three petitions from people in my riding. Two of the petitions deal with the upgrading of highways and the national highway system in particular.

[Questions On The Order Paper, December 6th, 1996]

I ask, Mr. Speaker, that the remaining questions be allowed to stand.

[Questions On The Order Paper, December 6th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, the following question will be answered today: Question No. 93.

Question No. 93-

[Government Response To Petitions, December 6th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's response to eight petitions.