House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 42% of the vote.
Solicitor General October 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as I have said and I think it is very important to repeat, we cannot count on the facts that are presented by Reform.
The union of the employees issued a statement this morning saying that the union and CSC both feel it is counterproductive to have outside critics questioning the professionalism of the service by intentionally raising fears and fearmongering and making inflammatory statements.
Solicitor General October 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, once again I want to go back to the statement made by the Union of the Solicitor General Employees which got together with CSC and said very specifically that it does not help and in fact it is counterproductive to have outside critics attacking the professionalism of the staff they pretend to protect by intentionally raising fears and making inflammatory statements.
Solicitor General October 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, once again they are wrong. In good faith I had a meeting last night with the commissioner to discuss some of the issue raised yesterday. I found out that seven facts presented yesterday by the Reform were absolutely wrong.
That has prompted the following statement by the Union of Solicitor General Employees:
The Union of Solicitor General Employees feels that it is counterproductive to have outside critics attack the professionalism of the service, its staff—
Correctional Service Of Canada October 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we have a number of instruments available for monitoring situations and investigating situations, and the safety of our employees is of paramount concern.
Correctional Service Of Canada October 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned a number of times in this House, the protection of our employees is of paramount concern and is an ongoing concern. Management and the Union of Solicitor General Employees are working together constantly in the interests of their protection.
The Late Fred McCain October 23rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to rise today to pay tribute to Fred McCain. I welcome the opportunity to do that following the fine words of the hon. member for Charlotte. I know they were heartfelt. I know the people of his constituency would see many similarities between the good representation provided by Mr. McCain and the present member.
I never met Mr. McCain, but he served in the New Brunswick legislature as the representative for Carleton county for 18 years before he moved to federal politics as the member of Parliament for Carleton—Charlotte in 1972. He served as the MP for what became known as the fish and chip riding until his retirement in 1988.
Mr. McCain was a classic example of a gentle rural politician who moved easily from the potato farmers of Carleton county to the weir fishermen of Charlotte county, always willing to work for his people and listen to their concerns.
New Brunswick and Canada have lost one of their longest serving and distinguished politicians.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, to Fred's wife, Frances Manning Crompton, to his four children, two step-children, 10 grandchildren and to his sister we extend our deepest sympathies.
Mr. McCain, a father, a grandfather and a brother, was a man who held service to the public in high esteem and, in turn, was greatly admired and respected by the public. We all benefit as politicians from the esteem which he brought to the job.
May Mr. McCain rest in peace and be an example to all of those who follow in his footsteps.
Points Of Order October 23rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, during the course of question period a question was put with regard to safety of guards in the correctional system. I inadvertently referred to inmates rather than guards. I would like to correct that.
Penitentiaries October 23rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I welcome the question because it gives me the opportunity to bring to the attention of everyone the kind of fearmongering that is going on in terms of these institutions.
It is a fearmongering that even the union says does nothing to help the situation.
Penitentiaries October 23rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I am very committed to the safety of the officers of Correctional Service Canada.
I visited these facilities. We have discussed these issues and I have every confidence that in the management of the system we are looking after the safety of the inmates.
Penitentiaries October 23rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, it is important for everybody to note that Correctional Service Canada, the National Parole Board and the Ministry of the Solicitor General are all driven by the interests of public safety.
All evidence shows that the best way to deal with public safety in a corrections system is a gradual controlled release system, which is what we are engaged in.