House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
Criminal Code April 10th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. I had my discussions with the critic for justice for the Reform Party, the member for Crowfoot, and also with the member for Lethbridge whom I believe is the House leader. Both of them concurred with this. I assure my hon. friend of those discussions and that they did agree.
Criminal Code April 10th, 1997
moved that the bill be read the third time and passed.
Criminal Code April 10th, 1997
moved that the bill be concurred in.
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Relating To Financial Institutions April 10th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I want to apologize to my friend from Scarborough-Agincourt for taking just a few minutes of private members' time on this point of order.
After discussions with my friends on all sides of the House, I believe that if you seek it you will find the unanimous consent of the House for the following motion. I move:
That the House proceed immediately to Bill C-205, an act to amend the Criminal Code and the Copyright Act (profit from authorship respecting a crime), at report stage and third reading without further debate.
Petitions March 12th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the second petition has approximately 75 signatures from the Mississauga area primarily.
It calls on Parliament to amend the Divorce Act to include a provision which is similar to article 611 of the Quebec civil code to prevent a father or mother without legal cause to place obstacles between a child and its grandparents. It asks for greater accountability and rights for grandparents to allow access to their grandchildren.
Petitions March 12th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions. The first contains approximately 325 signatures.
The petitioners call on the House of Commons to enact Bill C-205, introduced by myself, at the earliest opportunity, to provide in Canadian law that no criminal profits from committing a crime by telling the story of their crime.
Judges Act November 27th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I was not here for the previous vote. I would like to be recorded as voting nay with my party.
(The House divided on the amendment to the amendment which was negatived on the following division:)
Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act October 23rd, 1996
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-340, an act to amend the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act and the Interpretation Act.
Madam Speaker, the purpose of my bill can be succinctly stated. It is to ensure that the only valid marriage in Canada is one between one man and one woman. There are a few cultures and religions in the world which allow multiple wives or husbands but that is not part of Canada's history, tradition or values. There are one or two countries or states which either permit or are thinking of permitting persons of the same sex to marry but that is not part of Canada's history, tradition or values.
Canada's history, tradition and values are being challenged right now in our courts. The United States has already passed similar legislation to defend the institution of marriage. It is time for Canada to do the same. This bill will ensure that marriage remains what Canadians have always known it to be: a legal union between a single female and a single male.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)
Criminal Code September 23rd, 1996
Yes, I do believe in elections. As a matter of fact that is why I am sitting in this seat. When I first ran in 1988 I told the people of Scarborough West that I did not believe in capital punishment. I have never believed in capital punishment, ever since I found out what the heck it was. I stood up and I said that and I am here for my second term. If they want to get rid of me on that issue, I am not going to change my mind. I do not believe in capital punishment. I do believe in life incarceration unless it is demonstrated that society should grant clemency. That is where I draw the line.
Concerning accepting second best, I do not think that section 745 should be abolished because I do think there is the occasional person who would benefit from this. Everybody, depending on the facts, will show mercy in a certain set of facts. That is the point of this clause: to show some compassion in certain circumstances. If we shut the door completely to compassion and hope, what is left in life?
Criminal Code September 23rd, 1996
Madam Speaker, I know the gentleman from my days on the justice committee and I know him as a fighter as well.
Faint hope. One reason there is an 80 per cent success rate is that it is 8 out of 12. I think when there is unanimity it will get back to where it should be, the exceptional case and not the rule.
On a binding referendum. I do not agree with referendums, generally speaking.