Did the Conservatives call for a quorum?
Lost his last election, in 2004, with 39% of the vote.
Supply March 17th, 2000
Did the Conservatives call for a quorum?
Petitions February 11th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the third petition comes from the Caledon area and calls upon parliament to use the federal budget in the year 2000 to introduce a multi-year plan to improve the well-being of Canada's children.
Petitions February 11th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the second petition is from the Mount Forest area. It calls upon parliament to take all measures necessary to ensure that the possession of child pornography remains a serious criminal offence, and that federal police forces be directed to give priority to enforcing this law for the protection of children.
Petitions February 11th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I would like to present three petitions on behalf of the constituents of Dufferin—Peel—Wellington—Grey.
The first petition is from the Orangeville area. It calls upon parliament to uphold the present wording of the constitution and preserve the truth that Canada was and is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.
Food Labelling December 17th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, my question may be one of the last of the century and the millennium. It is for the minister of agriculture.
I have had many inquiries in my riding about what the federal government intends to do about the labelling of food derived from biotechnology or genetically modified products. What does the minister intend to do about this issue?
Standing Committee On Finance December 16th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I listened with great interest to the speech of the hon. member opposite. Quite frankly, he has me really confused.
I have read different media releases that the Reform Party has put out and they are all contradictory. Reformers talk about wanting to give a $2,500 tax break across the board to Canadians. They want to put new spending into defence, education, health and social services. Let us take a look at what they are talking about, and then I will pose my question to the member.
In Canada there are 30 million people. Of those, there are 14 million taxpayers. If we gave each taxpayer back $100 in a tax break across the board, it would cost the federal government $1.4 billion.
What is a hundred bucks? It is nothing. The taxpayer will probably want $1,000 or close to the $2,500 the Reform Party is talking about. That $1,000 would cost the Government of Canada $14 billion. The $2,500 that the Reform Party is tossing about would amount to almost $40 billion.
If the hon. member does all this spending and cuts all this money out of revenue, does this mean to say that the Reform Party will take Canada back into deficit spending?
National Horse Of Canada Act December 2nd, 1999
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-390, an act to provide for the recognition of the Canadien horse as the national horse of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to reintroduce the national horse of Canada act to provide for the recognition of the Canadien horse as the national horse of Canada.
The Canadien horse came to Canada in 1665 from the stables of Louis XIV. The use of the French language “Canadien” is in respect of the breed's early ancestors in France and the fact that the horse was indispensable to settlers in New France.
For over 350 years this little iron horse has worked with Canadians, tilling our soil, carrying our soldiers through battle and providing the foundation stock for today's diverse equine industry. These sturdy little horses adapted to Canada's rigorous conditions, evolving into a breed that is noted for its strength, endurance and determination. Clearly the Canadien horse shares the qualities we all value, making it an excellent choice as the national animal.
The Canadien horse, currently classified as an endangered breed, would enjoy a greater profile and enhance marketability as the national horse of Canada. I hope I earn all hon. members' support for this bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Canadian Special Olympics 2000 December 1st, 1999
Mr. Speaker, in two months Ottawa will have the honour of hosting the Canadian Special Olympics 2000 Winter Games.
What a wonderful way to greet the new millennium. These athletes train hard in their chosen sports. Many compete nationally and go on to the world stage.
There is much truth in the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.
On behalf of all members in the House, I welcome the Team Canada Special Olympics athletes in Ottawa today. These are some of the special Olympians who represented Canada this summer in North Carolina.
Taxation November 19th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, after reading Reform's tax relief plan in its brochure, Give Me a Break, I had to ask, what planet is the Reform Party on? To live up to its rhetoric on the tax cuts alone, it would cost $26 billion. To finance their prebudget submission, it would cost $53 billion to cover the next three years.
Where is the Reform Party going to get that money? Is it going to finance it with borrowed money and an even higher debt in the future?
Reform also thinks it would be wise to cancel Canada's UN membership. I agree, give me a break. These guys are not only out to lunch, they are not even on the same planet.
Egyptair Flight 990 November 2nd, 1999
Mr. Speaker, last night more Canadian families were pained with the news that their loved ones were lost on the fatal flight of EgyptAir 990.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the 22 families across Canada who are coping with this tragic event. On behalf of all members I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families and to let them know that our prayers are with them at this time of sorrow.