House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2004, with 38% of the vote.
Petitions June 20th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to present a petition from a number of young Canadians, constituents of mine, students at the White Oaks Public School in the riding of London-Middlesex.
These young petitioners call on Parliament to have the image of Terry Fox running his marathon on the new $2 coin. I am very pleased to present this petition to the House on their behalf.
Federal Business Development Bank June 15th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, since its inception 50 years ago, the Federal Business Development Bank has addressed the needs of Canada's small and medium sized businesses. This institution has continually adapted its operations to meet constantly changing political, social and economic climates. However, once again the time for significant change has come.
That is why the business leaders of London-Middlesex are applauding the business development bank of Canada act which was recently tabled. The proposed act would not only allow the present bank to change its name, it would also allow it to evolve and to expand its programs and services to meet today's requirements.
At present, we must adapt to the realities of the new global economy, an economy which in large part sees entrepreneurs along with small and medium sized businesses charged with the responsibility of promoting economic growth and job creation.
I believe that this initiative demonstrates yet again our government's commitment to the people of Canada. I look forward to its implementation.
Child Care June 6th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development.
During the 1993 election campaign our government made a commitment to the people of Canada in particular to Canadians with young families to work with the provinces toward expanding existing child care spaces. Furthermore we committed to working with the provinces and the business community to identify appropriate incentives for the creation and funding of child care spaces in the workplace.
Would the minister please tell the House what steps this government is taking to meet this commitment?
Environment Week June 5th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Environment Week 1995, I extend an invitation to hon. members and to all Canadians to do more and to find more ways to protect and preserve our country's environment.
As a result of numerous activities and exhibitions being held nationwide, Canadians will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with healthy environmental practices. I encourage all Canadians to take part in the activities.
We can do a great deal. We could build a composter, join an environmental organization, install water saving devices at home, car pool or use public transport.
In the spirit of Environment Week, let us keep in mind that preservation of the environment is an ongoing commitment. The initiatives taken are important not only this week but throughout the year.
Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader June 1st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, just a few months ago the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario stood on the steps of the legislature and encouraged a Toronto area woman to quit her well paying job and go on welfare. Talk about the ultimate flip-flop artist who is now proposing workfare for welfare recipients. Is he forgetting that the ones who will suffer the most will be little children?
Perhaps he should look more toward the Liberal plan which outlines welfare reform initiatives designed to encourage and help people obtain permanent employment.
Furthermore, the Conservative leader's plan is based on a fairy tale 30 per cent tax cut which will take $750 million out of
the education budget. As one who realizes the importance of educating all our youth for tomorrow and not just the elite few, I have grave concerns and so should the electorate.
Ontario voters should reflect carefully on this election and not be fooled by the Tory nonsense plan.
Petitions May 31st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I present a sixth petition which calls on Parliament to make it impossible to use extreme drunkenness as a defence in any criminal case. I am very pleased to present this petition.
Petitions May 31st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, in my capacity as a member of Parliament, I am presenting five petitions dealing with objections to changing various pieces of federal legislation involving the extension of criteria in those pieces of legislation.
Climate Change May 17th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, today we have the very special honour of having the presence in Ottawa of Western Samoa's High Commissioner to Canada, the permanent representative of Western Samoa to the United Nations, His Excellency, the distinguished Neroni Slade.
His Excellency has just returned from Haines Junction where he addressed federal, provincial and territorial ministers of the environment on the real threat climate change poses to the very existence of Western Samoa and other small island states.
Later this afternoon he will also speak at a joint meeting of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development about this critical issue.
Hence it is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to welcome to Ottawa our distinguished guest on behalf of all members of this House.
National Unity May 1st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, the people in my riding of London-Middlesex are very concerned about Quebec's possible secession from Canada. Like most Canadians, they understand that Quebec is a very important member of the Canadian family.
They believe, however, that common sense will prevail in Quebec and that, faced with the choice, Quebecers will opt for a united Canada. Despite occasional difficulties, Quebec and Canada have always been good partners.
All concerned citizens should work to preserve national unity.
Foreign Overfishing April 3rd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents have asked me to express their total and enthusiastic support for the efforts of our government to stop overfishing of turbot on the Grand Bank.
Although my riding of London-Middlesex is in southwestern Ontario many miles from the Grand Bank, our hearts are with the valiant people of Newfoundland and all Atlantic Canadians as they struggle to save fishing as a way of life.
Our hats are off to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans as he leads this important crusade. From coast to coast to coast, Canadians applaud his efforts and the leadership of the government. We stand shoulder to shoulder beside our fellow Canadians in Atlantic Canada. Together we must and we will save the fishery.