Ovid Jackson

[International Plowing Match, February 26th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Al Bye, past warden of Grey county, for his fantastic presentation this weekend in Ottawa which won us the International Plowing Match in the year 2004.

The International Plowing Match brings together rural and urban people and farmers, who show our country that they are the custodians of the land and that they provide great food at a fantastic price.

In my riding there are: in Owen Sound, the Summer Folk Music Festival; in Durham, the Wood Show; in Flesherton, the Split Rail Festival; and in Meaford, the Apple Harvest Festival.

I invite all my colleagues to come to my riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound in 2004. Members have ample time to save up and to bring their money and their families and have a great time.

[Marine Liability Act, February 23rd, 2001]

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise and speak to Bill S-2, the marine liability act. It is the reincarnation of Bill S-17 which died on the order paper during the last session of parliament.

The bill introduces for the first time Canadian legislation regarding shipowners' liability for the carriage of passengers and new rules for the apportionment of liability in maritime law. At the same time, it will consolidate existing marine liability regimes, which are currently scattered throughout various statutes, into a single statute.

This important Canadian legislation will modernize the Canada Shipping Act to make sure it concur with the legislation. Some 40 million Canadians travel by sea. There are various oil spillages. Liabilities have resulted all around the world, in Europe, in Canada and in Greece. The act will consolidate and make shipowners responsible. It will take away the fact that in the fine print on tickets and so on they can exempt themselves from looking after their liabilities to Canadians.

[Right Hon. Tony Blair, February 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, today all of Canada's parliamentary representatives had the distinct pleasure and privilege of hearing the Right Hon. Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, deliver his address to the Canadian people.

Prime Minister Blair paid tribute to and talked about the deep links between our two countries, which he said went beyond economics and were deeper than commerce. We were very pleased with Prime Minister Blair's words about Canada's honourable reputation and how prominent Canadians are around the world.

Prime Minister Blair noted the development between Britain and Canada in the use of the human rights act. Prime Minister Blair astutely pointed out that our two countries continue to have a special relationship, with Canada being the country in North America closest to Europe and Britain being the country in Europe closest to North America.

[Agriculture, February 20th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, this is the first time I have risen in the House since the last election. I thank the people of my riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound for electing me for a third time. I also take the opportunity to congratulate you, Mr. Speaker, on your election to the chair.

Part of my job is to walk around in my community and listen to the concerns of my community. What I am hearing from my farmers, who by the way have provided cheap, affordable and healthy foodstuff for us over the years, is that there are some hardships in one commodity group in particular, that of grains and oilseeds.

This group says that it requires some help right now. My job in the House is to say to the government and all my colleagues that we should make sure that this commodity group gets some help immediately for the short term and that in the longer term it is protected from some of the tariff protections of other countries.

[Agriculture, October 20th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, since the inception of this great country, farmers and farm families have provided good quality, safe food at a fair price to Canadians. Over the last five years, through no fault of their own, due to poor commodity prices and bad weather conditions, they have looked to governments for help.

Can the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell the House exactly what he intends to do in terms of the income disaster program to help in additional funds for our farmers?

[Laryssa Bissenthal, September 26th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate a great Canadian. Laryssa Bissenthal of Walkerton, Ontario again captured bronze at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Laryssa is the daughter of Dave and Carolyn Bissenthal of Walkerton, Ontario.

We in Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound and Walkerton are proud of Laryssa. She has made us proud for the second time in a row. I say to Laryssa: “You are a great Canadian. We are proud of you and you are great for all the young people of Canada”.

[Health, September 18th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Last week the Government of Canada reached a remarkable agreement with governments of all political stripes across Canada.

That initiative will infuse $21 billion into the Canada health and social transfer to the provinces. Could the minister tell us about this initiative and explain to all Canadians, including my constituents of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, how this initiative will help the health care of all Canadians?

[Canada World Youth Exchange Program, June 13th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the town of Durham on its participation in the Canada World Youth Exchange Program with Thailand.

This is a seven month program in which young people from each community spend some time learning the culture and the language before going back to their respective communities.

Durham is a great little town in Ontario that will show great hospitality to the students from Thailand. I know that the experiences shared by the families, the people who participate, and the students will enrich their lives and make our world a better place.

[Labour, June 9th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour. When will Canada ratify the International Labour Organization convention on youth and child labour?

[Walkerton Water Supply, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I know I am not alone today in expressing my heartfelt condolences to the people of Walkerton. In the past few days this small town suffered tremendous hardship due to the E.coli bacteria in its water supply system.

As a news story it has captured headlines across the country. As a tragedy it has brought out the best in people throughout the region. During this time of adversity the community has risen to meet the crisis head on, showing both strength and courage. Neighbouring towns, health professionals and area residents are making invaluable contributions of water, resources, time and support. They deserve our tremendous thanks.

I spoke to the mayor of the community. He asked me to express his appreciation for the support of all my colleagues, of all the towns across Canada, and of the Prime Minister. My prayers are with those who have lost relatives to E.coli. I hope that the people of Walkerton will rebound from this tragedy. I wish them strength and a speedy recovery.