Murray Calder

[Agriculture, May 10th, 1994]

Madam Speaker, I enjoyed very much the hon. member's speech. In fact I would like to say to the hon. member that if he does have a deal on potatoes, I do not have my garden in yet. I would be more than happy to take him up on that.

One of the things I noticed as a new MP and a person who has lobbied for the farm perspective all the way through is that previous to the GATT negotiation and the signing of the agreement we have now, there was an us and them situation in agriculture, us being supply management and them being grains and red meat. The GATT agreement laid down a foundation for farm policy where it got rid of that situation within agriculture. We are now all beneath one umbrella working together.

I would like to know what the member's opinion is on the direction we are heading right now under the new GATT agreement, looking too at the situation that all our policies if we are going to deal internationally have to be green.

[Agriculture, May 10th, 1994]

Madam Speaker, I listened with interest to the hon. member's speech in which she alluded to the fact that rural Ontario has a lot of challenges in front of it.

As a farmer I agree with her. In fact, one of the major problems, and I would like the opinion of the member on this, is a lack of education as to what happens in rural Ontario compared with what is happening in urban Ontario or Canada for that matter.

I am wondering if the member would tell me what kind of an education process she envisions to better inform urban Canada of what happens in rural Canada.

[Petitions, May 4th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the third petition deals with the issue of serial killer cards.

[Petitions, May 4th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition calls for improved witness and informant protection through the formation of a separate government agency.

[Petitions, May 4th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I have three petitions which I wish to present today from the residents of the hamlet of Kenilworth and area.

The first petition calls upon Parliament to change the Young Offenders Act to ensure that transfers for violent offenders to adult court be improved and to increase the penalties for those convicted.

[Carman Lemcke, May 4th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, millions of Canadians during the 1950s and 1960s watched the television series "The Andy Griffith Show".

Just recently I had the pleasure to honour the retirement of Carman Lemcke, police chief of Shelburne, a town in my riding. During Mr. Lemcke's 37-year career he never wore a gun. Carman is the longest serving police chief in the province of Ontario and possibly Canada.

One humorous story is the tale of hands-up-Harry. Two bank robbers tried to make a withdrawal while Carm was working in his front yard. Mr. Lemcke went to the local hardware store, borrowed a rifle and set out on foot to capture the two robbers. The getaway car left early leaving hands-up-Harry to become a story regularly told in Shelburne.

On behalf of myself and the people of Wellington-Grey-Dufferin-Simcoe I would like to wish Carman and Rose a happy, healthy and long retirement.

[Rail Service, April 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's economic and social development as a nation was and is based on the strong west-east link created by our national rail lines. New Canadians and goods travelled on these rails to bring prosperity to our young nation. Now this vital part of our heritage is being ripped from the ground forever.

In my riding of Wellington-Grey-Dufferin-Simcoe the NTA is to rule on CN's application for abandonment of the Collingwood to Barrie line. This subdivision could be saved if the premier of Ontario would grant an exemption to Bill 40 so that short line operators would purchase the line.

I implore the premier of Ontario to act now and grant an exemption to Bill 40 to save this important business and historic link.

[Co-Operative Housing, April 14th, 1994]

Madam Speaker, on March 18 I asked a question of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food regarding comments made by the American Secretary of Agriculture. Secretary Espy wanted a cap on wheat exports to the U.S. and zero tariffs on poultry, dairy and eggs. I asked the minister for his assurance that Canadian farmers would be protected.

Reports in the media are stating that Canada has softened its position in the farm trade battle with the U.S. because of strong American pressure. The fact is Canada is not the only country that is suspect of its relationship with the United States. There is a growing resentment about American bullying tactics from several other nations at the same time.

What work is the government undertaking to establish stronger world trading rules to ensure that we are not subject to the continuing American harassment?

[Agriculture, March 18th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the minister of agriculture.

U.S. agriculture secretary Espy is quoted as saying he will take unilateral action if an agreement cannot be reached the next time he meets with his Canadian counterpart. Secretary Espy wants a cap on wheat exports to the U.S. and zero tariffs on poultry, dairy products and eggs.

What assurances do we have that the minister of agriculture will stand up for the rights of Canadian farmers in dealing with the United States?

[Rail Line Abandonment, March 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to direct my question to the Minister of Transport.

There are currently a number of rail lines or subdivisions in the province of Ontario undergoing an abandonment procedure through the National Transportation Agency. In my riding, Wellington-Grey-Dufferin-Simcoe, the NTA is to rule on the abandonment of the Meaford subdivision which runs from Barry to Collingwood. There are prospective buyers interested in purchasing the line but they are hesitant as a result of the Ontario labour legislation known as Bill 40.

What proactive steps has the Minister of Transport taken with the Ontario government to ensure that rail lines are not torn out of the ground before this critical issue is resolved in order to ensure a solid and diversified transportation infrastructure?