Pat O'Brien

[Committees Of The House, February 28th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs.

The report deals with correspondence between me as chair and the auditor general involving questioning at the national defence committee by my colleague, the hon. member for Haliburton—Victoria—Brock. The committee dealt with this issue recently and is expressing some concern about the auditor general's letter and the possibility that there could have been a breach of the rights and privileges of my colleague from Haliburton—Victoria—Brock.

I present the report on behalf of the House and ask that the Chair deal with it accordingly.

[National Defence, February 22nd, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence. Recently there have been concerns about the health of Canadian forces members who may have been exposed to depleted uranium.

Would the minister explain to the House why the government has now made a decision to offer independent tests to current and former CF members who may want to avail themselves of such tests?

[National Defence, December 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence.

The Sharpe board of inquiry is investigating serious health problems with Canadian forces members. Today the board in its provisional findings indicated it believes combat stress is the most likely cause of symptoms in CF members who served in Croatia and are now sick.

Would the minister please tell the House what action the department is taking to help CF members who are suffering from combat stress?

[Committees Of The House, December 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs.

This report asks the government to implement a five year plan in the next budget and to significantly increase the funding for the Canadian forces. I note that all parties, except the Bloc Quebecois, supported this motion.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs proceeded to the consideration of the mandate of the Department of the National Defence. The committee has agreed to report to the House with these recommendations.

Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee does request a government response.

[Homelessness, December 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, this past July it was my pleasure to host a one day forum on the homeless in London, Ontario.

The Minister of Labour, as part of her special assignment on homelessness, spent a very informative day with us in our city.

A wide cross-section of agencies which deal with the homeless described the nature of the problem in London and district. Several homeless people also had an opportunity to speak directly to the minister.

I wish to thank and congratulate my colleague, the Minister of Labour, for her tremendous dedication and hard work in preparing for the government a plan of action to deal with the problem of homelessness. Of course, to effect such a plan significant additional funding will be required in the next budget.

I am confident that our current Minister of Finance will make this serious problem a priority for more funding so that we can eradicate homelessness and provide for every Canadian a proper home in which to live.

[International Fund For Ireland, November 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the International Fund for Ireland strives to promote the cause of peace in Northern Ireland by focusing on the economic and social development of the counties of the north and the border counties.

Emphasis is placed on cross-border projects which build intercommunity links and dialogue, thereby reducing sectarian hatred. By encouraging and helping nationalists and loyalists to work together, the International Fund for Ireland helps them to understand that it is possible for them to live together not only in peace but even in friendship.

Canada is a founding partner of this important fund. Last June the Prime Minister saw the work of the fund personally during his trip to Ireland. He also announced Canada's latest contribution to the International Fund for Ireland of $1 million. Today I am pleased to welcome to Ottawa the chair of the International Fund for Ireland, Mr. Willie McCarter, and the Canadian observer on the fund, Mr. Ted McConnell.

[East Timor, November 18th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific who was in East Timor for the referendum vote.

What specific steps is Canada taking to help ensure a successful transition to independence by the courageous people of East Timor?

[Canadian Forces, November 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, this year for the first time in 12 years there was an increase in the defence budget aimed specifically at improving the remuneration and quality of life of our Canadian forces. This badly needed increase should be only the first in a series of careful reinvestments by our government in Canada's military.

At a time when Canada is more committed than ever to our vital role as a peacekeeper, it is essential that our forces be trained and equipped as well as possible. Make no mistake, our forces do an excellent job with the people and the equipment they currently have. However, they are stretched to the limit and we must address that fact.

The people of Canada understand and agree that it is time to reinvest in our military. It is time to reinvest in our military. It is time to reinvest in our military.

[Remembrance Day, November 4th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, to understand Canada's military history in the 20th century, one need only follow the sad trail of monuments and cemeteries the world over.

At Passchendale in Belgium and Vimy in France, Canadian heroes of World War I are buried. At Beny-Sur-Mer in France, Sai Wau Bay in Hong Kong, Bergen-op-Zoom in the Netherlands and the Moro River in Italy, Canadian heroes of World War II are buried. At Pusan in Korea, Canadian heroes of the Korean War are buried. At these and hundreds of other cemeteries the world over, the headstones of tens of thousands of Canadians speak to us of their sacrifice that we might live in peace and freedom.

May Canadians always remember their stories, honour their sacrifice and cherish their precious gift to us.

[Prebudget Consultations, November 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, as the MP for London—Fanshawe, in September, for the sixth consecutive year, I held a prebudget consultation with my constituents in London—Fanshawe and key organizations in the city of London.

A number of people called on the government to reinvest part of the surplus in priority areas such as health, education, research, the homeless and defence. Other people asked our government to emphasize tax cuts, particularly for low and middle income Canadians.

I was very pleased to hear from a wide cross section of community groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Co-op Housing and the University of Western Ontario to name only three.

Anyone who participated in the consultation will attest that there were two dominant themes presented that evening. First, it is clear that Londoners want both a tax cut and reinvestment in priority services, in other words, a balanced approach dealing with a surplus.

Second, there was consistent and clear approval of the economic performance of the government.

I wish to thank all those who participated in the sixth annual town hall and to assure my constituents I will continue to raise their concerns here in Ottawa.