House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2006, with 46% of the vote.
National Revenue June 1st, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has raised a question that is currently before the courts. We are looking into the situation and it would be inappropriate for me or any member of this government to comment on the issues of individuals involved in this matter.
Taxation May 19th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, as with all issues, we are currently looking at them and reviewing everything in the department.
Questions on the Order Paper May 12th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the answer is as follows:
a) This group, FRCC and later 3302881 Canada Ltd., has received funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada,WD. There are five previous contracts, and one ongoing contract, as follows:
| Approved Date | Federal Funding Approved | Type of Assistance |
| July, 1996 | $365,000 | Conditionally Repayable Contribution (Loan) |
| June, 2002 | $100,000 | Non-repayable Contribution |
| Sept, 2003 | $200,000 | Non-repayable Contribution |
| Oct, 2004 | $117,000 | Non-repayable Contribution |
| Apr, 2005 | $195,000 | Non-repayable Contribution |
| Current Assistance | ||
| Sept, 2005 | $375,000 | Non-repayable Contribution (Loan) |
| TOTAL ASSISTANCE | $1,352,000 |
b) Third parties working for FRCC were not paid any funds directly by the government. The expenditures made by FRCC, which qualified for government assistance, did include payments to third party consultants. While FRCC did pay lobbyists as well, these payments were not included in the expenditures reimbursed by WD. The lobbyists were paid by funds received from other sources.
c) The first and last contracts, conditionally repayable contributions, consisted of loans: $365,000 and $375,000. Repayment is conditional upon 3302881 Canada Ltd., or subsequent company formed for this purpose, being successful in purchasing, leasing or otherwise acquiring possession, use or control of all or any portion of the federal fleet, for subsequent leasing to the railroads.
FRCC, 3302881 Canada Ltd., has a fiscal year ending July 31. Repayment is to begin after they have operated for one complete fiscal year after receiving the railcars from the federal government, either through ownership or lease-to-purchase, with the first annual payment due on August 1, 2007. Repayments will be made in five equal annual installments of $148,000.
d) As mentioned, FRCC did hire lobbyists. However, these expenses were not included in the expenditures reimbursed by WD. The funds for the lobbyists came from other sources.
e) No.
f) All funds that were provided are listed above.
g) The terms of payment of the funds to FRCC are that the funds be used to assist FRCC to negotiate transfer of the grain cars from the federal government to FRCC. Terms of repayment are as noted above.
The Budget May 9th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed listening to my colleague. I have a son who lives in Fort McMurray, Alberta. He is working there and has many colleagues from Newfoundland and Labrador. It is interesting that on Sunday mornings there they have two hours of programming from the Maritimes.
I want to know what the member thinks about the apprenticeship programs and the things we have in our budget to enable students to take up their apprenticeships, as well as the tax breaks on tools and all those kinds of initiatives.
Public Health Agency of Canada Act May 5th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, my colleague talked about the whole issue of the new public health act and what she feels is the most important part of the act for her riding. Is there anything else she could add to this important new bill?
Petitions November 25th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the second petition calls on the House of Commons and the present Liberal government to remove the GST on gasoline prices. It greatly affects all of our communities and affects the people in the riding very much.
I am very grateful and privileged to present these petitions on behalf of my constituents.
Petitions November 25th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great honour today to present two petitions on behalf of the people of Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar.
The first one deals with Canadian National Railway's decision to remove the terminal from the town of Biggar. It greatly affects the community and its citizens and there is a lot of worry about the environment and the employees of CN.
Member for Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar November 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, today I speak from a personal perspective. I would like, first of all, to thank Noel and the rest of my family, as well as my dedicated staff in Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar and Ottawa. They have allowed me to fairly and fully represent my constituents.
A minority Parliament has required me to be in Ottawa more than in the past. Being in attendance for every vote meant that I had to miss events I have attended in the past, but the understanding of my constituents has made this possible.
I also wish to thank the thousands who took the time to return my surveys. I enjoyed reading every one of them. It has truly been an honour to serve the thousands of Canadians that call our special part of Saskatchewan home. This overwhelming support and encouragement from my constituents makes me look forward to another term as their member of Parliament.
I look forward to seeing as many people as possible during the election and I encourage all Canadians to get out and vote. They can make a difference.
Child Care November 21st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, family rallies took place this past weekend from coast to coast. Parents gathered to demand that the Liberals respect the need for choices in child care.
Today some of those same parents who came here on their own money attempted to meet with the Minister of Social Development but he refused.
While the Liberals continue to impose their one size fits all institutional day care scheme, Canadians demand better. Not all families are the same and not all communities are the same. Parents are the child care experts in this country and they are demanding choice. This choice is best achieved through direct universal assistance to all parents, not through a restrictive program that benefits a lucky few.
This next election will offer Canadians clear choice: Conservatives who respect parents and their families and Liberals who do not.
Petitions November 2nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I want to present this petition on behalf of 261 citizens of Biggar and surrounding communities. These Canadians ask the House of Commons to fully investigate the proposed closure of the Biggar terminal by Canadian National Railway. They want to ensure that CN employees, local communities and the environment are not unnecessarily put at increased risk by CN's disregard of their concerns.