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Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was particular.

Last in Parliament November 2005, as Conservative MP for Kelowna (B.C.)

Won his last election, in 2004, with 48% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Sports October 27th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, once again, Kelowna, British Columbia has produced a world champion. Sarah Charles, a grade 12 student at Okanagan Mission Secondary School, won her title on the trampoline at the world championships in Germany.

Like hockey, baseball and football in Canada, trampoline events have a dedicated following, in European countries especially. Winning such an event is a big achievement.

Regardless of the sport, the same ingredients are required to succeed. Sarah is a role model for young people everywhere in this country. Her win is proof that hard work and determination build confidence and make our goals achievable.

I wish to extend congratulations to Sarah on her gold medal win. She has brought attention to a worthy sport and has made Kelowna and Canada proud of her.

Petitions September 29th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to present a petition on behalf of a number of constituents from Kelowna.

They pray that the Parliament of Canada does everything it can to pass legislation to recognize the institution of marriage in federal law as being the voluntary lifelong union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others.

I heartily endorse the petition.

Petitions September 18th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, I want to present a petition on behalf of a number of my constituents who call upon Parliament to protect the rights of Canadians to be free to share their religious beliefs without fear of prosecution.

Government Assistance September 16th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, with that kind of answer one wonders how sincere their promises really are.

I will turn to the Minister of Human Resources Development and ask her how serious it is. These families are in dire circumstances. They have lost their homes and their businesses. Why does she refuse to waive the two week waiting period before these people get unemployment insurance benefits?

Government Assistance September 16th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, the firestorms devastated homes and businesses in Kelowna during the firestorm that happened recently.

Could the Prime Minister tell us today how he will assure that the people who need the money to get the financial assistance will in fact go to the people who need it? When will that money come and where will the money come from in order to give the financial assistance that he promised when he was there?

Kelowna September 15th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, my constituency of Kelowna has been tested severely this summer. The driest weather on record resulted in devastating fires which have scarred our community. The financial and emotional toll has been heavy. But times of such crises expose the best of a community and today I wish to pay tribute to the people of Kelowna.

For their community leadership, I pay tribute to Kelowna Fire Chief Gerry Zimmermann; Ron Mattiussi, Director of Kelowna's Emergency Operations Centre; and Mayor Walter Gray. For their bravery and heroic efforts, I wish to thank the firefighters and the Canadian armed forces. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel toward those who helped save our houses and property.

For their courage and humanity, I pay tribute to the people of Kelowna. In the midst of uncertainty, people went out of their way to help each other. The fires have been destructive, but we have learned that we can count on each other to get through the most challenging crises. In this way we have gained more than we have lost.

Millennium Excellence Award June 12th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following young people from our Kelowna constituency who are the recipients of this year's millennium excellence awards.

Based on a national competition, each has been recognized for excellence in academic performance, leadership, community involvement, and interest in innovation.

They are: Andrea Pisesky, Teryn R. Buna, Glen Y. Chua, Ryan T. Dyk, Lindsay N. Maier, and Jenna O'Donnell. I congratulate them on their achievement. May these scholarships take them a step further to the realization of their dreams.

Queen Elizabeth II June 2nd, 2003

Mr. Speaker, on June 2, 1953, the young Princess Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth II.

At her coronation, she said the event was “not a symbol of a power and a splendour that are gone, but a declaration of our hopes for the future”.

Indeed, since her Majesty's accession to the Throne, Canada's accomplishments have been as varied and numerous as they are historic: the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the patriation of the Canadian Constitution and the creation of Nunavut.

As our Head of State throughout these years, and on these occasions, she has unfailingly typified continuity, stability and integrity.

Today, at the unveiling of her official portrait commemorating the 50th year of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II remains a symbol of continuity, stability and tradition in a world that is under a barrage of constant change.

Aviation Industry May 16th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Industry knows that there have been discussions with representatives of the aviation industry and others regarding the development of the aviation sector in British Columbia.

Could the Minister of Industry tell the House today how the federal government will participate in the training, research and development of the aviation sector in British Columbia and in Kelowna in particular?

Hockey May 16th, 2003

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate the Kelowna Rockets hockey team, their coach Marc Habscheid and their general manager Bruce Hamilton.

The Kelowna Rockets were pegged in a pre-season poll to finish last in the western conference. Due to the excellent skating, speed and defence, this team won the Western Hockey League championship and is competing for the Memorial Cup next week.

“Defence wins championships” is what the Rockets live by. It paid off for them in the west and will figure strongly in their battle for the Memorial Cup. In addition to strong defence, fast transition became the trademark of the team. Bruce Hamilton said, “Our transition is based on stick-to-stick passing because good passing gets the puck out quicker when the opposition dumps the puck in”.

Special recognition is also warranted for Marc Habscheid. He was named coach of the year. We all need to recognize the important role people like Mr. Habscheid play in the development of championship hockey players and citizens among our youth. We wish them well for the Memorial Cup. Yay Rockets.