House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 42% of the vote.
Homelessness February 24th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the throne speech demonstrates quite clearly our commitment to affordable housing in Canada. That is what the Prime Minister spoke of yesterday. We are making that plan now, and we are going to continue to invest in affordable housing in the country.
Infrastructure February 6th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, as I said, we committed $53 million as part of the strategic highway infrastructure fund and the Government of Canada was quite prepared to put all of the money available to that fund, in Quebec, into that highway. The province of Quebec and the Government of Canada decided to do otherwise. We are committed to that piece of highway.
Infrastructure February 6th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, as a New Brunswicker, I am very aware of the importance of route 185 to the national highway system. In fact, my friend from Madawaska—Restigouche brought a delegation before me just this week on that subject.
I am very pleased that the Government of Canada right now has committed $53 million to this stretch of highway under the national highway system through the strategic highway infrastructure program. I am sure that we are prepared to do much more.
Committees of the House October 30th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the eighth report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to its order of reference of Tuesday, May 13, your committee has considered Bill C-33, an act to implement treaties and administrative arrangements on the international transfers of persons found guilty of criminal offences, and has agreed to report it with one amendment.
I have also the honour to present, in both official languages, the ninth report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to its order of reference of Tuesday, April 1, your committee has considered Bill C-20, an act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children and other vulnerable persons) and the Canada Evidence Act, and has agreed to report it with amendments.
If I may, I would like to thank the members of the committee and the staff. This is our fifth piece of legislation in the last two weeks. It is very important legislation and everyone has done very good work. I must say, as the chair, that I appreciated it.
Committees of the House October 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to its order of reference of Tuesday, April 8, 2003, your committee has considered Bill C-23, an act respecting the registration of information relating to sex offenders, to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, and agreed to report it with amendment.
I also have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to its order of reference of Wednesday, October 8, 2003, your committee has considered Bill C-46, an act to amend the Criminal Code (capital markets fraud and evidence-gathering), and has agreed to report it without amendment.
Robert Short October 8th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, everyone in Canada was saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of two of our Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan on Thursday, October 2. One of the soldiers, Sergeant Robert Short, was from Charters Settlement, just outside Fredericton.
This tragic event has affected people across our country. Yesterday, in Pembroke, Ontario, more than 3,000 civilians and soldiers paid tribute to Sergeant Short and Corporal Robbie Beerenfenger. This Saturday, approximately 400 members of Sergeant Short's battalion at CFB Gagetown will gather at a graveside ceremony.
Not only was Sergeant Short a soldier, he was a friend, a father and a husband. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. The community of greater Fredericton and in fact the entire country share in their sorrow.
Canada's military personnel make an invaluable contribution to help ensure that our world is a safer place. Their sacrifice is immense. I pay tribute to all of them.
Petitions September 24th, 2003
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition that brings to the attention of the House the fact that the Government of Canada has announced the closure of nine Environment Canada forecast centres. One of these forecast centres is in Fredericton which will result in lost services within the province of New Brunswick.
On behalf of the petitioners, I call upon Parliament to keep the Environment Canada centres open.
Information Technology September 23rd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, last night in Toronto, CANARIE held its seventh annual IWAY awards.
The purpose of these awards is to honour those who have made an outstanding contribution to this country's information society.
Fredericton's own Bob Gamble was recognized as the national winner in the category of “Application of Technology”. This award recognizes individuals who have pioneered innovative uses of technology related to the development of Canada's information highway or have adapted existing products or applications in an exceptionally creative manner.
As President of Service New Brunswick, Mr. Gamble has worked to provide many online functions for the citizens of New Brunswick. In fact, Service New Brunswick currently provides more than 176 government services online. Mr. Andrew Bjerring, President and CEO of CANARIE said, “Under the direction of Mr. Gamble, SNB has accelerated and improved the way New Brunswickers access, use and benefit from government services”.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Bob Gamble on this award and thank him for his contribution to Canada.
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival September 18th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, congratulations to those involved with the 13th annual Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
The five day event attracted over 70,000 people who enjoyed more than 150 shows last week in Fredericton. It keeps getting bigger and better every year with larger crowds and more impressive performers visiting New Brunswick from across the country and the United States. The headline acts this year were Canadian blues and rock veterans Colin James and David Wilcox.
This hugely successful festival would not be possible without the tremendous support of 700 dedicated volunteers and an enthusiastically engaged corporate community.
The Government of Canada has been a major contributor to this event. We provided close to $200,000 from the sponsorship program, Heritage Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts and the summer career placement program in the last 10 years; this year almost $50,000 to Harvest Jazz and Blues.
Congratulations to everybody associated with it and we will see you again next year.
Committees of the House June 11th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to its order of reference of Monday, April 28, 2003, your committee has considered Bill C-32, an act to amend the Criminal Code and other acts, and has agreed to report it with amendments.
I also have the honour to table, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
In accordance with its reference of Wednesday, June 4, 2003, your committee has considered Bill C-205, an act to amend the Statutory Instruments Act (disallowance procedure for statutory instruments) and has agreed to report it without amendment.