Beth Phinney

[Hamilton, September 25th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, recently our community in Hamilton was faced with the unfortunate reality that we too are not immune to the type of ignorance and hate that acted as an impetus to the recent attacks on the United States.

In the early morning of September 15 a Hindu temple on Hamilton Mountain was burned to the ground and a mosque was vandalized. Hamilton has always been a community of tolerance and acceptance, embracing each other's diversity. These acts do not reflect the true spirit of our city.

Since that day I am proud to say that Hamilton's true colours have shone. Political and religious differences have been set aside. Hamiltonians are sitting together at the same table to discuss the common goals of awareness and tolerance.

Physical and emotional support is being offered to the Hindu community. The citizens of Hamilton are uniting in an effort to not only rebuild the Hindu temple but to re-establish Hamilton's spirit of solidarity and co-operation.

[Health, May 17th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Hepatitis exerts a huge burden on those who suffer from the disease and on their families. Could the minister tell the House what Health Canada is doing to raise awareness of hepatitis?

[Volunteers, April 27th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, since public safety is such an important part of our Canadian identity, could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Solicitor General tell us how our public safety agencies are tapping into the goodwill of Canadian volunteers?

[Multiple Sclerosis, April 27th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, last week walks were held across Canada, including Hamilton and Burlington, as fundraisers for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

MS is a disease that affects approximately 50,000 Canadians or 1 in 750. Since 1991 the 5 kilometre, 10 kilometre and 15 kilometre walks have grown to include more than 65,000 participants in the 120 communities across Canada. More than $25 million for MS research and services has been raised.

I was pleased to participate in the walk and share the enthusiasm of the day. In the spirit of Volunteer Week and the United Nations Year of the Volunteer, we also recognize all those who organized these events and wish to congratulate them on a job well done.

[Herbert Rice, March 26th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the retirement of an extraordinary soldier in my riding. A decorated reservist, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Rice was honoured recently for his lifelong contribution to Canada's military. At an incredible 94 years of age, he has retired as Canada's oldest serving military officer.

Lieutenant Colonel Rice joined the 14 Company, Canadian Corps of Signals, in Hamilton in 1922 at the age of 15, reaching the rank of major by 1936. During the second world war, he served in Great Britain, Washington and Halifax, leaving the regular forces in 1946. In 1980, he was named honorary lieutenant colonel of the 705 Communication Squadron, a reserve unit in Hamilton. He performed these duties with pride for 21 years.

I know all members will join me in recognizing the remarkable contribution this man has made to our country. I congratulate Colonel Rice and hope he enjoys his well earned retirement.

[Member For Mississauga Centre, March 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of one of my colleagues on this side of the House. Yesterday the hon. member for Mississauga Centre was elected chair of the Parliamentary NATO Association, a culmination of five years of involvement. It is with pleasure that I note that she is the first woman to be elected to this important position.

I know how much effort the hon. member for Mississauga Centre has made on a number of issues relevant to NATO. In particular, her diligent efforts on behalf of the Ottawa convention on landmines have garnered an excellent response within NATO and its allies.

I know all hon. members are confident that the hon. member for Mississauga Centre will continue to demonstrate leadership in her new role as chair of this association, both for parliament and for all of Canada. I congratulate the member and wish her good luck.

[Health, March 15th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health. Three years after the compensation package for hepatitis C victims was announced there are still victims who have not received compensation.

My office has received complaints regarding the complicated process for compensation. What is the minister doing to ensure that the victims receive their compensation?

[Juno Awards, March 15th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, last Sunday the 30th anniversary Juno Awards were presented in Hamilton, Ontario. These awards recognize excellence in all aspects of Canadian music.

This year's event gave all Canadians an opportunity to celebrate the successes of our diverse musical community.

I would especially like to draw attention to the organizers and volunteers who made this year's event run so smoothly. The city of Hamilton demonstrated yet again its warm hospitality and continuing interest in promoting our world class music industry.

I know all members will join me in congratulating all the winners on their achievements as well as all those who worked hard to make the event such a success.

[Canada's National Flag Day, February 15th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, on this, Canada's National Flag Day, perhaps you will permit me to cite the benefits of the citizenship we share as Canadians.

This year's festivities focus on our country's diversity. This is a particularly happy choice, in view of the way our country has developed since we adopted our current flag 36 years ago.

We are fortunate that Canada can claim a level of multicultural diversity without parallel in the world. As we continue to work to strengthen the federation, National Flag Day gives us a prime opportunity to reflect on this vital and continuing part of our heritage.

I know all members will join the constituents of Hamilton Mountain and me in reaffirming our commitment to Canada and the values that our country and flag represent.

[The Environment, February 9th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of the Environment. Persistent organic pollutants are of significant concern for all Canadians but especially for Canada's northern aboriginal people as the long range atmospheric transport of these pollutants has led to contamination of traditional foods.

What is Canada doing to protect the environment and the health of Canadians from persistent organic pollutants?