Karen Redman

[The Environment, October 20th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, there seems to be an emerging pattern by the government, in which it makes things up when it does not feel that its legislation can stand the test of time.

Yesterday the parliamentary secretary showed that he did not let facts get in the way of his slanderous campaign against Liberals. Despite the fact that he knew the Conservative plan has a base year that is 13 years out of date, he proceeded to slander all Liberals.

Will the parliamentary secretary once again retract his remarks and once again apologize to the House for misleading it?

[The Environment, October 20th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, government members never hesitate to quote headlines when they think it will help them. It is funny that we have not heard much of that today.

Let me give the government some of its reviews: “Critics blast Ottawa's 'shameful' green plan”, said the Globe and Mail; “Shameful delays in the clean air act”, said the Toronto Star; “Proposed legislation just 'smog and mirrors'...”, said the Vancouver Sun; and “Quebec surprised and disappointed by federal environmental plan”, said NTR.

Why has the government completely failed Canadians on the environment?

[Business of Supply, October 19th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I listened with great interest to my hon. colleague. I have often risen in this House to speak about the value of the arts. Investment in the arts and culture promotes excellence in all aspects of the creative process, encourages diversity in Canada, and helps us know who we are.

One of my constituents wrote me a letter, Cheryl A. Ewing, who coordinates eyeGO, an innovative program which enables students to go to the arts and provides access. When she heard of the government's cuts, she wrote that it was inconceivable to her that any government with a vision and an understanding of Canada could impose devastating cuts on a sector that is growing and continuing to grow and that has demonstrated much better fiscal management by making do with much less than a self-respecting businessman would.

I know my hon. colleague mentioned the reductions in the museum funding. Would she agree with this sentiment that cutting the arts is a devastating thing to do to the culture and the quality of life in Canada?

[Committees of the House, October 18th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. There have been discussions among the parties and I think you would find unanimous consent for the following motion: That Bill C-290, An Act to amend the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act (Northern Ontario), be referred, after second reading, to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs as opposed to a legislative committee.

[Infrastructure, October 18th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the President of the Treasury Board, if he had read an article in the Ottawa Citizen, would have seen “people thought that this was purely political” when they were speaking about his actions in Ottawa. The new deal has become a raw deal and the minister responsible for infrastructure can do nothing about it.

Is this the new government policy, to breach confidentiality agreements, deny local democracy, use federal funding for blackmail and interfere in municipal elections?

[Infrastructure, October 18th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, last week by having his staff leak confidential documents concerning Ottawa's signed light rail contract, the President of the Treasury Board inserted himself in a municipal election. Now he has his sights set on Toronto's waterfront revitalization project and a TTC contract.

How many more municipalities across this country will this minority government blackmail and bully before it hands over previously committed infrastructure funding?

[Oktoberfest, October 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, this coming weekend Kitchener invites the world to share in the great German tradition of Oktoberfest. The nine day festival is the largest Bavarian celebration in North America and boasts Canada's greatest Thanksgiving Day parade.

The 38th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest celebrates our local Canadian German heritage with over 20 Festhallen and 45 cultural and family events. Through the gaiety of this Spirit of Gemuetlichkeit, the local economy is stimulated and over 70 charities and not for profit organizations raise funds to benefit the residents.

Kitchener is firmly rooted in its German heritage. Oktoberfest is an opportunity to commemorate the traditions and culture of our nation's three million German Canadians.

I would also like to congratulate the hundreds of volunteers who commit their time and energy to the success of Oktoberfest.

Kitchener is the place to be for the next two weeks. I invite all Canadians to don their lederhosen and head to Oktoberfest.

[Literacy, October 4th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the meanspirited cuts to literacy will force organizations that help Canadians improve their reading and writing skills to close their doors.

The government refuses to honour the labour market partnership agreement in Ontario which earmarked $1.4 billion for workplace training emphasizing literacy skills.

The President of the Treasury Board used to believe that literacy training was key when he was an Ontario minister. Why has he abandoned Ontario adults now?

[Softwood Lumber Products Export Charge Act, 2006, October 3rd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the vote be deferred until the end of government orders tomorrow.

[Business of the House, October 2nd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, discussions have taken place between all parties concerning tomorrow evening's take note debate on Government Business No. 10 and I believe you would find consent for the following motion. I move:

That during the debate on Government Business No. 10 scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, under the provisions of Standing Order 53.1, members may be permitted to split their time by so indicating with the Chair.