Rose-Marie Ur

[Hemp, December 8th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, new regulations allowing hemp cultivation would create a potential multimillion dollar industry and add export muscle to our economy.

Over $3 million is waiting to be spent on seed, equipment and market development by new companies in Paincourt, Exeter and Port Severn, to name a few.

Commercial hemp was once a thriving industry in Lambton county in the 1940s. Hemp fibre can be used to make carpeting, clothing, bags and cardboard.

Hemp is an alternative crop to tobacco and uses no pesticides. The health minister is working on regulations to govern this new business so the 1998 hemp growing season can begin a successful new chapter in Canada's export capabilities.

[Petitions, December 3rd, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I am pleased to present a petition signed by nearly 500 constituents from Appin, Melbourne, Mount Brydges, Glencoe, Parkhill and Strathroy after a series of break-ins and auto thefts in their communities.

The petitioners urge the government to lower the age limit for young offenders, to strengthen the penalties and to publish the names of convicted young offenders in their local newspapers.

[Petitions, November 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36 I am pleased to present a petition on behalf of the residents of Strathroy and Grand Bend.

My constituents call upon Parliament to amend section 7 of the charter of rights and freedoms to recognize the rights of individuals to pursue family life free from state interference and recognize the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.

[Peacekeeping, November 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is enormously proud of its international contribution to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Today 15 police officers from several forces are leaving on a peacekeeping mission to Bosnia. The officers are from the RCMP, Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police, Waterloo Regional Police, Durham Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police.

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to wish these officers well on their journey. The officers leaving today will replace a contingent of 15 other officers who will be returning to Canada from Bosnia in a few days. We are grateful that the officers returning have safely accomplished their mission. They can be proud of their work with the United Nations.

I would like to officially recognize the humanitarian efforts of these officers who have worked hard to restore peace and order in Bosnia, with a respect for internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms.

We know we can count on the professionalism of these Canadian police officers to continue to serve the UN well and support responsible police forces in Bosnia.

[Literacy, November 20th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, some of us take reading and writing for granted, but for many it is a daily challenge.

Bob Croxford, who resides in Forest, Ontario, had trouble reading a newspaper or directions on a paint can. But those days are now behind him. Turning to a literacy class at Lambton College in Sarnia, he worked tenaciously on improving his skills. Two years ago he started writing a book.

Today in a special ceremony to kick off the Ninth Annual Read Up On It program, Senator Joyce Fairbairn and Mr. Croxford presented his book “The Unknown” to the National Library.

Literacy problems affect nearly 40% of Canadian adults with many living in fear of admitting it. Bob Croxford has advice for others. Do not hesitate. People are here who will help you. You have to help yourself too.

On behalf of the constituents in Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, we extend congratulations to Bob for providing inspiration to all Canadians.

[Points Of Order, November 18th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I too would like to comment on the matter of confidentiality. It is absolutely disturbing to think, with no disrespect to the university or to the students, that bills are being proposed and prepared for Private Members' Business through a student body at the university.

Again with no disrespect intended toward the students, my concerns are to ensure privacy and the legal framework under which our business is being conducted. I always believed that drafting for private members' hour was carried out by individuals under the direct control of the House.

I would first like to know if the Board of Internal Economy was aware of this and, more important, I would like to add my observation that in my opinion this is a case of privilege.

[Veterans, November 3rd, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, veterans week is a time of national celebration and commemoration of those who served and continue to serve in our military services.

Many who will attend next Tuesday's Remembrance Day services will be the widows, the children and grandchildren of veterans who never came home from the battlefield.

As we pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much on the front lines, we must also remember that war does not affect only those who fought but also those who were left behind. On the home front it was often the women who took up the slack, who worked on the farms and in the factories, raised families and kept the home fires burning. It was the children who never saw their fathers and grandfathers who also paid dearly for the sacrifice.

So we learn the lesson that no one can escape the tragic consequences of war. The sacrifices of those who went before either on the front lines or back at home must never be forgotten. May those who have gone before us rest in peace. Lest we forget.

[Canada Post, October 27th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberal government believes that a strong Canada depends on a strong and economically vibrant rural community. Rural post offices contribute to the fabric of our nation. I am proud to state that the government has kept its promise to stop the closure of rural post offices.

According to figures reported in the Western Producer there are 19 more rural post offices operating in Canada today than in 1993. Before that time the Conservatives abandoned over 30% of our rural post offices.

The Liberal government is standing up for rural Canadians and we will continue to do so. Canada has the best postal system in the world because it serves the needs of Canadians wherever they live.

[Fire Prevention, October 7th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I remind all hon. members that October 5 to 11 is fire prevention week. This special week reminds us all of the dangers of fire and promotes messages of safety and prevention.

As the Minister of Labour stated at the official launch last Friday, we should never take for granted that we and our families will not be affected by fire. People need to know how to respond in an emergency. That involves education, planning and practice. Every family should have a smoke detector, a home fire escape plan, conduct fire drills and learn to react quickly and decisively. It could make the difference between life and death.

I thank all firefighters in Lambton—Kent—Middlesex and across Canada and recognize the vital service they provide in our communities.

[Young Offenders Act, October 2nd, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased the government will further strengthen and improve the Young Offenders Act.

Several incidents of vandalism and theft in one night in the small rural town of Melbourne in my riding have given law-abiding citizens cause for concern. In frustration and fear my constituents are pressing politicians for change and I hear them.

The crimes show a need for greater responsibility on the parts of both parents and young people. Judgments must be severe enough to deter youth from following a life of crime while making personal responsibility a priority.

To my constituents in Melbourne and Mount Brydges and all other areas who are dealing with the reality of crime at home and in their businesses, I pledge to work on their behalf for an improved and strengthened Young Offenders Act.