Janko Peric

[Petitions, February 9th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, it is my privilege to present to the House a petition dealing with marriage and signed by 35 Canadians. The petitioners wish to draw to the attention of the House the fact that the institution of marriage has always been defined as the union of one man and one woman and was upheld as such by votes in this very House. The petitioners pray and request that the Parliament of Canada respect and uphold the current understanding of marriage as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

[Order of Canada, February 9th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, Valentine O'Donovan is only the fifth Cambridge resident to receive our nation's highest honour, the Order of Canada.

The founder and chairman of Cambridge-based COM DEV International, he positioned this company to be a global leader in wireless and satellite communications. For his vision, leadership and contributions to the Canadian space program, he earned the McNaughton Gold Medal and the John H. Chapman Award of Excellence.

A distinguished community leader, he served as chancellor of the University of Waterloo and, together with his wife Sheila, donated significantly to establish Lisaard House hospice for terminally ill cancer patients in Cambridge.

I join all members of the House and all Cambridge riding residents in congratulating Mr. O'Donovan.

[Statistics Canada, February 5th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the minister responsible for Statistics Canada. Currently information from Statistics Canada on Cambridge is lumped under the confusing heading of Kitchener Census Metropolitan Area.

Could the Minister of Industry tell us what changes can be made to better reflect the presence of Cambridge?

[Petitions, February 5th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 it is my privilege to present to the House a petition signed by 27 constituents dealing with the benefits of stem cell research in the fight against juvenile diabetes.

The petitioners wish to draw to the attention of the House that scientists have demonstrated that the growth factors of embryo stem cells can be harnessed to develop into insulin-producing cells that might help to cure juvenile diabetes.

The petitioners pray and request that Parliament support the use of all types of stem cells to help provide a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

[Petitions, February 4th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 it is my privilege to present to the House a petition from over 200 constituents urging the passage of anti-strike-breaking legislation to protect the rights of workers.

The petitioners wish to draw to the attention of the House the fact that anti-strike-breaking legislation will balance the power relationship between management and employees and help to foster and maintain civilized negotiations during labour conflict.

Therefore the petitioners request that Parliament adopt legislation prohibiting employers under the Canada Labour Code from hiring replacement workers to perform the duties of employees who are on strike or locked out.

[Toyota Training and Development Centre, November 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the HRDC minister, Conestoga College president Dr. John Tibbits and Toyota Motor Manufacturing president Ray Tanguay officially launched a new training and development centre in my riding of Cambridge.

Toyota's new 6,000 square foot centre introduces workers to TMMC's world famous production system and provides training in computer skills, vehicle functionality, core manufacturing skills, use of hand tools, safety training and other work related skills.

Conestoga College courses or any other accredited Canadian college or university course can also be taken.

To create an innovative country, we need to produce innovative approaches to training. The partnership between an industry leading company like Toyota and a world class educational institution like Conestoga College is a good example of efforts that all levels of government need to encourage in order to make Canada a leader in innovation.

[YWCA Week Without Violence, October 21st, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, this week Canadians from across the country will be participating in anti-violence activities as part of the eighth annual YWCA Week Without Violence.

The goal of these activities is to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the issue of violence in our communities. This includes the raising of awareness of the plight of women in abusive relationships, children exposed to bullying or violence, and the fear of violence present in our homes, workplace, schools and streets.

The YWCA Canada provides programs and services to over 1 million women and their families through its 40 chapters, including the YWCA of Cambridge.

YWCA volunteers, members, participants and staff have always been at the forefront of the struggle for the equality and empowerment of women in our society.

I congratulate all YWCA volunteers and staff for their ongoing dedication to this cause and the betterment of our society.

[Petitions, October 8th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, it is my privilege to present to the House a petition dealing with marriage and signed by some 130 constituents from my riding of Cambridge. The petitioners wish to draw to the attention of the House the fact that the institution of marriage has always been defined as the union of one man and one woman and was upheld as such by votes in this House. The petitioners pray and request that the Parliament of Canada respect and uphold the current understanding of marriage as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

[Royal Canadian Army Cadets, September 30th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, this year the Royal Canadian Army Cadets are celebrating their 125th anniversary.

The cadet program is the largest federally sponsored youth program in Canada. Some 55,000 young men and women are members in 1,100 corps and squadrons across Canada, including three in my riding of Cambridge.

Cadets participate in a number of activities, including ceremonial drills, marksmanship, map and compass reading, first aid, sports and citizenship events.

The program fosters leadership, responsibility, discipline, good citizenship, physical fitness, communication skills and an interest in the Canadian Forces.

I encourage all members to actively support the cadet movement as it evolves and adapts to meet the needs of our youth and prepares them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

[Joe Martens, September 23rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, this fall His Worship Joe Martens, Mayor of North Dumfries Township, will be stepping down after 18 years of strong leadership and committed service to his constituents.

Known for being a straight shooter and for his easygoing style, the residents of North Dumfries have always trusted him throughout his 21 years of public service.

A former councillor of North Dumfries Township, he also served as a Waterloo Regional Councillor and was a board member of Cambridge Memorial Hospital, United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries, Grand River Conservation Authority, and Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro.

In 2002 he received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. However, if we were to ask Joe Martens for the highlight of his career, he would say that he is most proud of having served the people of North Dumfries for 21 years.

I have had the honour and privilege of knowing and working with Joe, and I wish him every success in the years ahead.