Jean Augustine

[International Women's Day, March 2nd, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, March 8 is International Women's Day. This day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to advance women's equality and the challenges women face worldwide. The national theme of the day “Canadian Women Taking Action to Make a Difference” builds upon the commitment of women's organizations and the Government of Canada to end poverty and violence against women.

In the spirit of the day, thousands of women in all regions of the globe will participate in the World March of Women beginning an international campaign aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing people to join in the effort to improve the lives of women.

I call upon all my colleagues in the House to participate in the march or other educational activities in their ridings and to support the Beijing platform for action currently under review. Our collective efforts can make a difference.

[Amateur Sports, February 28th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I was asked a very pointed question that I would like to ask the Minister of Canadian Heritage. What is the state of amateur sports in Canada?

[Black History Month, February 24th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, the Mathieu Da Costa Awards Program was launched by the Department of Canadian Heritage in February 1996 to mark the official recognition by the Parliament of Canada of February as Black History Month.

At the Mathieu Da Costa Awards Ceremony this morning, nine students were honoured for their efforts to promote mutual respect and understanding between Canadians.

The award winners for best essay/short story and artwork were: Timothy Fung from Vancouver, B.C.; Lauren Inrig from Delta, B.C.; Karen Lowe from Abbotsford, B.C.; Charles Sargent from Calgary, Alberta; Boeseya Man-VanDyck from Winnipeg, Manitoba; Ellen Friesen from Winnipeg, Manitoba; Karine Houde from Kanata, Ontario; Isabelle Vachon from Welland, Ontario; and Sharon Boersma from Petrolia, Ontario.

I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating these young, talented Canadians.

[Petitions, February 16th, 2000]

Madam Speaker, the fourth petition requests parliament to enact animal protection legislation that will enforce sanctions upon persons convicted of cruelty to animals.

[Petitions, February 16th, 2000]

Madam Speaker, the third petition calls upon parliament to support Bill C-479, the recognition of crimes against humanity act.

[Petitions, February 16th, 2000]

Madam Speaker, the second petition requests that parliament support the immediate initiation and conclusion by the end of 2000 of an international convention which will set out a binding timetable for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.

[Petitions, February 16th, 2000]

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, it is my pleasure to present four petitions on behalf of my constituents of Etobicoke—Lakeshore.

The first petition calls upon parliament to use federal budget 2000 to introduce a multi-year plan to improve the well-being of Canada's children.

[Chechnya, February 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, over the past few months many of my constituents, in particular organizations like the Polish Canadian Women's Federation, the Polish Combatants Association and the Polish Canadian Congress, have been expressing great concern about the human suffering in the Russian Republic of Chechnya.

Can the Minister of Foreign Affairs tell the House what Canada is doing to end this human suffering?

[Black History Month, February 7th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the House that February is Black History Month.

In communities across Canada people of African descent are celebrating their heritage and are paying tribute to the contributions of black people to the social, economic and cultural fabric of this great country.

In 1995 when the House passed a motion declaring February as Black History Month, it gave recognition to the African experience in Canadian society.

From the newcomers of today to the slaves who came to Canada via the Underground Railroad, African people have pioneered in many sectors of our society, including medicine, law, politics, education, science and the arts.

As we move into the 21st century let this be the era in which governments and institutions heighten their efforts to educate young people about the rich and diverse history of Canada's peoples.

[Children, December 15th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the Christmas season is a time of joy and happiness for many Canadian children, yet for one unknown young child this will not be the case. Last Tuesday the people of Etobicoke—Lakeshore were shocked to learn that the body of an unidentified child was found dismembered in Colonel Samuel Smith Park, a local park.

The death of this child is an example of the kind of violence that, when perpetrated, affects us all. Our communities will not be whole or functional until we can identify this child and find the perpetrators. The lives of our children are too precious not to warrant our protection.

As we mourn the tragic death of this child let us take the time to reflect and take action on the things that threaten children's lives. We must work to ensure that children are safe in Etobicoke—Lakeshore and in all communities across our great country.