Rex Barnes

[Employment Insurance, April 30th, 2004]

That is good, Mr. Speaker. I am glad the minister can be as clear as the other minister from Newfoundland and Labrador.

As early as March 31, 2004, members of the House of Commons stood in the House to vote for changes to the EI program to benefit seasonal workers. The majority of Liberals in the House rejected that proposal.

On Wednesday of this week, the hon. Minister of Natural Resources stated publicly that he is pleased changes are coming to the EI program to benefit seasonal workers.

Over the last three years the government has failed to implement changes for seasonal workers, and we now see, prior to an election, that the government is talking about it again. Why is the government playing games with the lives of seasonal workers?

[Search and Rescue, April 30th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the Gander Beacon , a local newspaper in my riding, states that the Minister of Natural Resources has told the town of Gander officials that 103 Search and Rescue Squadron is not going anywhere. The article continued on to say, “Staff at his St. John's regional minister's office said he was able to make that confirmation through discussion in Ottawa”.

However, the town of Gander has no written guarantee or commitment from the Minister of National Defence. I ask the Minister of National Defence today, will he confirm to the House that 103 Search and Rescue Squadron will remain in Gander?

[Canada-U.S. Relations, April 29th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, Notre Dame Council No. 2053 in Grand Falls-Windsor, to thank Ambassador Paul Cellucci for providing the Knights of Columbus with an American flag to be flown alongside the Canadian flag in remembrance of the events of September 11.

It was also a great pleasure for me to meet Ambassador Cellucci and present a photograph of this flag presentation, and a personal letter to him and President George Bush on behalf of the Knights of Columbus.

Because of the events of September 11, many stranded passengers had developed special relationships with people in Newfoundland and Labrador. Two such individuals were Nick Dobi of Lakeworth, Florida and Walt Loflin of Fort Collins, Colorado. These retired Continental Airline pilots presented the American flag to the Knights of Columbus on behalf of all Americans.

We would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts for once again returning to show their appreciation. These individuals are true ambassadors for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

[Question No. 47, April 29th, 2004]

Since 1993, what grants, contributions, contracts and/or loan guarantees made through a crown corporation, department, and/or agency of the government were received by Pilothouse Public Affairs Group, specifying, in each case, the source and dollar amount, the date made, the reason(s) for providing funding and the present status of the grant, contribution and/or loan guarantee (whether repaid, partially repaid, or unpaid, including the value(s) of any repayment(s)) and, in the case of contracts, specifying whether the contract has been fulfilled, whether it was tendered and any reason for limiting the tender?

[Question No. 46, April 29th, 2004]

Since 1993, what grants, contributions, contracts and/or loan guarantees made through a crown corporation, department, and/or agency of the government were received by Burrard Communications Inc., specifying, in each case, the source and dollar amount, the date made, the reason(s) for providing funding and the present status of the grant, contribution and/or loan guarantee (whether repaid, partially repaid, or unpaid, including the value(s) of any repayment(s)) and, in the case of contracts, specifying whether the contract has been fulfilled, whether it was tendered and any reason for limiting the tender?

[Equalization Payments, April 23rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the government's vague and empty answer is typical of a government that refuses to act. The government is all lip and no action.

Many provinces are being hurt by the present equalization formula. The government has turned its back on the needs of the provinces. It has refused to negotiate with the provinces for a better equalization system.

When will the government take the request of the provinces seriously and alleviate their financial problems by doing something better for the equalization formula?

[Equalization Payments, April 23rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, in February I raised the issue of the government's failure to address changing the equalization and transfer payments to the province.

The unrest in Newfoundland and Labrador is evidence of the federal government's failure to act. Newfoundland and Labrador is cash strapped. The federal government's failure to revamp the equalization formula is responsible.

When will the government stop funding its friends and provide the provinces with a better equalization deal so that Canadian taxpayers' money can be better spent?

[National Volunteer Week, April 23rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, as National Volunteer Week comes to a close I would like to take this time to recognize and celebrate the contributions made by all volunteers in our country.

National Volunteer Week is a time to say thanks to the 6.5 million volunteers in Canada who prove again that Canadians have the ability to give generously and selfishly of their own time and expertise in order to make the lives of others better.

Volunteers strengthen communities. Volunteering is an investment in our communities and volunteers are our most valuable resource.

Where would our communities be if we did not have the commitment of our volunteers?

Winston Churchill once said “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”.

Mother Theresa once said “Small things done with great love bring joy and peace”.

And a wise unknown author said “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart”.

On behalf of my constituents and myself, I want to thank all volunteers for their efforts to make our community better and to make Canada strong.

[Question No. 47, April 19th, 2004]

Since 1993, what grants, contributions, contracts and/or loan guarantees made through a crown corporation, department, and/or agency of the government were received by Pilothouse Public Affairs Group, specifying, in each case, the source and dollar amount, the date made, the reason(s) for providing funding and the present status of the grant, contribution and/or loan guarantee (whether repaid, partially repaid, or unpaid, including the value(s) of any repayment(s)) and, in the case of contracts, specifying whether the contract has been fulfilled, whether it was tendered and any reason for limiting the tender?

Return tabled.

[Question No. 46, April 19th, 2004]

Since 1993, what grants, contributions, contracts and/or loan guarantees made through a crown corporation, department, and/or agency of the government were received by Burrard Communications Inc., specifying, in each case, the source and dollar amount, the date made, the reason(s) for providing funding and the present status of the grant, contribution and/or loan guarantee (whether repaid, partially repaid, or unpaid, including the value(s) of any repayment(s)) and, in the case of contracts, specifying whether the contract has been fulfilled, whether it was tendered and any reason for limiting the tender?

Return tabled.