House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2004, with 40% of the vote.
Petitions June 3rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I am pleased to present this petition which was given to me by a seniors group at Royal Leigh in Wyoming. The petition is signed by the citizens of Petrolia, Sarnia, Wyoming, Kitchener and Cambridge. The petitioners call upon parliament to change the seniors benefit so as not to remove incentives such as RRSPs which encourage Canadians to save for their retirement.
Sydenham River Clean-Up June 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Wallaceburg and the dedicated community groups who are working together to clean up the Sydenham River.
On Saturday I was on hand when scuba divers entered the river in the centre of town to remove unwanted items. The clean-up project came about because of a very unfortunate accident. A year ago a young boy tragically drowned in the river as he was caught in some underwater debris.
My constituents and I praise the Wallaceburg Rotary Club, president Jim Tumelty and councillor Chip Gordon as they combined their efforts with the local police, firefighters, power squadron, volunteer divers, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 18 and the Environment Club from Wallaceburg District Secondary School. Together they are improving the safety of the river. Their hard work and enthusiasm are to be commended.
Aboriginal Affairs May 28th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there is definite progress on the Ipperwash army base transfer talks despite Reform Party comments.
Last night in my riding the member for Vancouver Island North offered this advice: “The Canadian military should confront natives living at the former Camp Ipperwash and re-occupy the land”.
These careless comments are unfortunate and distressing. I am proud that the local residents, both non-native and native, have shown remarkable courage and patience as the talks continue, hopefully ending very soon with the official transfer of the land to the natives.
The Reform Party's extreme remarks may serve only to alienate people and raise emotions, hindering all of us from the real task of working together in true partnership.
Leadership is about seeking solutions co-operatively, in a spirit of mutual trust and respect. That is what the Liberal government, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and I strongly support. We are so near. I urge all of us to continue to work together.
Petitions May 25th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I am pleased to present this petition on behalf of my constituents from Wardsville, Newbury and Bothwell area of my riding.
The petitioners call on parliament to support private member's Bill C-225 which would define marriage as a union between a single male and a single female.
Agriculture May 8th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
It appears that some Americans are making threatening statements regarding Canada's export of wheat to the United States, are asking Canada to lower its dairy subsidies and are continuing to challenge the effectiveness of our marketing boards.
Would the minister tell the House what approach he will use to defend Canadian farmers?
Emergency Preparedness May 5th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, as this is emergency preparedness week, it is a perfect opportunity for Canadians nationwide to increase awareness and to learn best how to plan and prepare for the risks they may face in their community.
Recent history has shown us that disasters can happen to anyone, anywhere, any time, the ice storm being the latest example.
I am pleased to note the presence in the gallery today of the provincial and territorial winners of the 1997 emergency preparedness week drawing contest.
Over 1,000 students across Canada between the ages of 9 and 13 entered the drawing contest. The students were asked to illustrate what they perceived as the dangers in their community.
I know my colleagues join me in congratulating and commending these young Canadians for their excellent work. They set an example for us all.
Petitions April 29th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I am pleased to present this petition which is signed by constituents living in Wallaceburg, Dresden and Tupperville. They 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.
Ethos Radio April 20th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, an official launch will occur this Friday in my riding of one of Canada's first volunteer based community Internet radio stations.
The Strathroy Community Resource Centre, with funding from human resources development, is co-operating with Fanshawe College and the United Way to set up Ethos Radio.
A new website and broadcast facility have been established with a mentoring program for 15 local youth participants. This is a unique achievement.
As the statement of principles developed for Ethos Radio says, community is not a place but an attitude of mind. It is a process, a flowing river and not a frozen structure. The important features of the community are its inclusiveness, commitment and consensus.
I congratulate the Strathroy Resource Centre for taking this initiative and enabling the youth of rural Ontario to access the world.
Petitions April 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I am pleased to present a petition on behalf of my constituents in Wallaceburg, Paincourt, Dresden and Bothwell. They urge Parliament to impose a moratorium on ratification of the MAI until full public hearings are held across the country.
Camp Ipperwash April 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, a small piece of history was made in my riding yesterday concerning Camp Ipperwash issues.
A milestone meeting of the round table was held at Stony Point hosted by Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Chief Irvin George.
For the first time in decades the chief, the mayor of the town of Bosanquet and myself sat down at the same table to discuss mutual concerns with a spirit of trust, tolerance and understanding.
With the support and strong leadership of our minister of Indian affairs progress is being made at Ipperwash; progress through partnership and discussion, not blockades and cynicism.
By working co-operatively, Chief George, Mayor Bill Graham, myself and the federal government can achieve the future economic prosperity and social well-being of the community as a whole.
My thanks to all participants for setting a new and positive course.