John O'Reilly

[D-Day, June 6th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, today is the 57th anniversary of D-Day. Fifty-seven years ago allied and Canadian troops established a bridgehead in France which would lead to the liberation of northwestern Europe.

It is difficult to imagine the conditions our troops faced as they disembarked on the German occupied beaches of Normandy. Laden with equipment, some were dropped off in water that went over their heads. They were greeted on the shores by enemy artillery, machine guns, barbed wire and mines.

Even though the landings were a success more than 1,000 Canadians were killed or wounded on D-Day. By the end of August when the allies had succeeded in breaking out of Normandy, Canada had suffered more than 18,000 casualties of whom 5,000 lost their lives.

Today we take the opportunity to pay tribute to the great courage and devotion of our troops in that campaign. Let us never forget.

[National Defence, June 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, there is no requirement for the maritime helicopter for a specific distance capability. There is no distance that is affected by climate. It is endurance that the armed forces have asked for.

They must be capable of remaining airborne for 2 hours and 50 minutes under normal conditions with a 30 minute fuel remain reserve, and 2 hours and 20 minutes and a 30 minute reserve under intense heat. That is what the specifications call for and that is exactly what they will be delivered on.

[National Defence, June 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, last Friday the Minister of National Defence announced a five year, $45 million support contract with the Fort Saint-Jean campus for use of the site facilities. Four programs will be located there, bringing in 400 students annually: the military training assistance program for the partnership for peace countries; the Canadian forces management development school; the regular officer training plan year; and summer second language training.

The Fort Saint-Jean campus is a wonderful site and we are pleased to continue our relationship with it.

[National Defence, June 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I draw to the attention of the member the committee meeting of last week in which Vice Admiral Maddison indicated to the member that all written requirements were written were written by him, written by the military to do a job in today's world, not in the cold war era in which the member seems to live.

These submarines, these helicopters, everything that the Canadian forces have re-equipped with, are on military specifications, and they meet the demands of Canada's national defence.

[National Defence, June 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) I have the pleasure to table, in both official languages, two copies of the National Defence and Canadian Forces Ombudsman's 2000-01 annual report.

[Disaster Relief, June 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to the people of Alberta who have suffered great personal losses due to these fires. As a former firefighter, I wish to express my admiration for firefighters across Canada who are battling these blazes.

At this time the federal government has received no request for assistance from the government of Alberta. We are nonetheless ready to help, if asked, much like during the ice storm and the Saguenay and Red River floods.

[National Defence, June 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the requirements for this helicopter were written by Canadian military people, not by politicians.

The military is getting exactly what it wanted. Even in letters to the editor yesterday and today, vice-admirals have said these are the specifications that they want, not the 1960s dinosaur type tactics that the Reform Party is looking for.

[National Defence, June 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to the acquisition of 28 new shipborne maritime helicopters.

Through a competitive process that is fair, open and transparent, we will get the very best product at the very best price for the men and women of the Canadian forces to serve the country in the way we are committed to and the way they are committed to.

[Employer Support Awards, June 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute 14 civilian employers from across Canada who will be honoured this weekend by the Department of National Defence for their support of the reserve force.

The Canadian Forces Liaison Council Employer Support Awards are presented every two years, and this year's awards ceremony is the fourth that the CFLC has sponsored since 1997.

There are about 30,000 primary reservists in Canada; most work full or part time for civilian employers and some are students. In order to train, attend courses or serve on operational missions, these reservists need the support of their employers. In turn, employers benefit from the work values, leadership training and specific job skills that reservist employees bring back to the civilian workplace.

I want to congratulate Cominco Trail Operations of Trail, British Columbia for being the most supportive employer in Canada. I would also like to salute all those employers who won awards for most supportive employer in their respective provinces or for their support in specific operations. All of these employers were nominated by reservists who proudly serve this great country.

[Chief Of Defence Staff, May 30th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) I have the pleasure to table, in both official languages, two copies of “An Honour to Serve”, the 2000-01 annual report of the chief of defence staff.

As members know, the chief of defence staff, General Baril, will soon retire and, as such, this is his fourth and final annual report.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank General Baril for his time as chief of defence staff and commend him on the outstanding job he has done serving his country and leading our armed forces.

I am certain all members of the House join me in thanking him and wishing him well in his retirement.