Janko Peric

[Petitions, February 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I have the privilege to present to the House a petition with some 50 signatures dealing with marriage. The petitioners from my riding of Cambridge wish to draw to the attention of the House that the institution of marriage has always been defined as a union of a man and a woman.

The petitioners pray and request that the Parliament of Canada respect and uphold the current understanding of marriage as a union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others.

[Canada Elections Act, January 27th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, last Friday the Leader of the Opposition directed the media to the National Citizens' Coalition on the continuation of his own court challenge against the Canada Elections Act. This court challenge has the effect of prohibiting disclosure of third party spending during an election.

Could the government House leader explain why the government has requested leave to appeal the Leader of the Opposition's court challenge?

[Fred Ward, December 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, last week my riding lost a former city counsellor known for his gentle nature and determination that was key in helping to establish the new City of Cambridge almost 30 years ago.

Fred Ward served with the Perth regiment during the second world war, was a member of Branch 121 of the Royal Canadian Legion, and a former member of the Galt Kinsman Club.

A lifelong resident of Galt, Ward served two terms on Galt council, served on regional government , and was elected to the first ever Cambridge city council.

I would personally like to extend my condolences to his wife Irene, his son Wayne, his daughter Sandra, and his extended family and countless friends in Cambridge.

[Kyoto Protocol, November 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I believe the hon. member is repeating himself. Did we not hear that yesterday? Did anyone notice that?

[Multiculturalism, November 20th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Internationally, Canada has been leading a movement to preserve and enhance national cultures at a time of increasing globalization.

What is the Minister of Canadian Heritage doing to preserve and enhance cultural communities in our own country?

[Community Leadership, November 19th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, since 1916 when the Chaplin family bought Canadian General-Tower, this company has exemplified the very best in community leadership.

A North American leader in the production of flexible polymer covers, including vinyl for the automotive, construction, leisure, publishing and environmental sectors, this Cambridge based company was chosen top business by the Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region.

CGT's motto, “Best people...best products...best practices...best service”, explains its reputation for quality and service, its investment in employees and the Chaplin family tradition of excellent corporate citizenship.

I am very pleased to extend congratulations to the Chaplin family, CEO and President Jan Chaplin, and the management and employee teams at CGT for their ongoing success.

[Petitions, November 19th, 2002]

Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present a petition with 70 signatures from my constituents in the riding of Cambridge. They wish to draw to the attention of the House that the majority of Canadians condemns the creation and use of child pornography. The petitioners call upon Parliament to take the necessary steps to outlaw all materials that promote and glorify child pornography.

[Senior of the Year, November 7th, 2002]

Madam Speaker, retired general surgeon, Dr. John Moffat was recently named senior of the year by the City of Cambridge.

Dr. Moffat is chairman of the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation, a former chairman of Wilfrid Laurier University and a founding father of the annual Can-Amera Games.

Never one to seek the limelight, Dr. Moffat's generosity, kindness and tireless community involvement has touched the lives of many people in my riding of Cambridge.

I join all members of the House in congratulating Dr. Moffat on receiving this award. I wish him all the best and I encourage him in his volunteer efforts to make Cambridge the best city in Canada.

[Citizenship of Canada Act, November 7th, 2002]

Madam Speaker, a long time ago I chose this country. When I received my citizenship, I felt very proud. I had become a member of the best society on the globe.

Our hon. colleague mentioned some very important issues. I believe that each member of the House would have a different opinion about different issues in the bill.

It bothers me as well, as a citizen who chose this country, that we are a bit loose on the side where newcomers spend three years here, receive their citizenship and then leave the country. They work somewhere else and then come back. Some of them even collect welfare and social assistance on purpose. They are abusing the system.

Some of the proposals that I have heard today in the House are commendable. Is the hon. member proposing that the oath be changed? Would she agree that new citizens should commit to this country, not just pledge and sort of voluntarily accept this?

Once one becomes a citizen, one is a citizen and is part of this society. One should be fully committed to the nation which has accepted the person and the nation that one chose to be part of. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it.

Does the hon. member agree that we should change the wording so that it is very strong? Those who receive citizenship should be 100% committed to the nation and should respect the laws, not observe but respect the laws and the people of this country.

[Petitions, November 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present a petition with 50 signatures from concerned constituents in my riding of Cambridge. My constituents draw to the attention of the House that a majority of Canadians condemn the creation and use of child pornography.

The petitioners call upon Parliament to take the necessary steps to outlaw all materials that promote or glorify child pornography.