John O'Reilly

[Land Mines, April 21st, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Defence signed an agreement last December on the banning of land mines. Can the Minister of Defence update this House on the progress of Canada's participation in the summer de-mining program?

[Bobcaygeon, April 3rd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Bobcaygeon, Ontario on becoming the first millennium village community in Canada.

Volunteers have been working on millennium projects for over a year. Founders Gail Thomassen, Frank Poole, Michael Murphy and Catherine Brayley deserve a great deal of credit, as do the more than 700 people participating in many different millennium tasks within the village.

Projects include everything from changing the face of the downtown core to organizing a millennium size cake served with millennium flavoured ice cream to 40 knitters working toward a goal of 2,000 mitts for needy children to various other projects. The 2,500 people of this community have taken an active role in reflecting their pride as Canadians.

I encourage all to participate in this one in a thousand year celebration we call the millennium.

[Petitions, March 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, in the second petition the petitioners pray and request that Parliament support the immediate initiation and conclusion by the year 2000 of an international convention which will set out a binding timetable for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.

[Petitions, March 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present today.

The first petition deals with public nudity.

[Poverty, February 18th, 1998]

Madam Speaker, it is the tradition in this House to not call members by name. I would ask, in your vigilance, Madam Speaker, that you not allow people speaking to call members by name but only by riding.

[Petitions, February 16th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to present a petition under Standing Order 36 signed by 392 people from the riding of Victoria—Haliburton.

They call on parliament to amend the Criminal Code to ensure the right of all Canadians to die with dignity by allowing people with terminal, irreversible or debilitating illness the right to the assistance of a physician in ending their lives at a time of their choice, subject to six strict safeguards to prevent abuse and to ensure that the decision is free, informed, competent and voluntary.

[Big Bob, December 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate a House of Commons security guard affectionately know as Big Bob for creating a sense of national unity around Christmastime.

Bob has requested the Christmas cards of members of Parliament of all political parties in order to decorate the Christmas tree located in the Confederation Building. The tree is a true joy and I applaud the efforts of Big Bob and the rest of the security guards for creating something truly unique during this time of year.

I welcome all to come to see the tree. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Joyeux Noël.

[Petitions, December 2nd, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, it is my pleasure to present a petition from the people of Victoria—Haliburton calling on the government and the Parliament of Canada to support the immediate initiation and conclusion by the year 2000 of the international convention which will set out a binding timetable for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.

[Ray Smith, November 25th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the outstanding volunteer efforts of Mr. Ray Smith. Mr. Smith lives in Lindsay, Ontario which is located in my riding of Victoria—Haliburton.

Ray was part of the Canadian Volunteer Advisers to Business organization. This organization is part of Canada's effort to stimulate development in disadvantaged economies. Last year this association provided almost 23,000 days of service valued at $8 million.

Ray spent four weeks in Roseau, Dominica helping the owners of a property containing natural hot and cold sulphur springs develop a business plan for a spa resort. Ray recognized the potential for both health and tourism purposes and helped the owners achieve it.

Thanks to Ray Smith, disadvantaged countries can gain the tools needed to be successful. Great job, Ray.

[National Defence, November 19th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, a recent newspaper article quotes Lieutenant-General Pike of the British army. He believes that the Canadian military is not capable of engaging as a fighting force.

Can the Minister of National Defence confirm that the Canadian military is indeed capable of any mission that it is asked to perform? Will the Minister of National Defence tell General Pike that his attitude is not suitable to lead a high profile campaign in Bosnia and reaffirm that the Canadian military is second to none in the world? Tell General Pike to take a hike.