Peter Adams

[World Teachers' Day, October 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, to teach is to open doors to a better world; in French, enseigner ouvre les portes vers un monde meilleur. This is the theme chosen for this year's World Teachers' Day on October 5.

Without teachers, education would not be what it is meant to be. Teachers transmit information, but teachers do so much more. Teachers inspire. Teachers guide students in developing values that are essential to peace, tolerance, respect and understanding. Teachers assist in developing essential life and social skills, trust, confidence, critical thinking and self-esteem. Teachers can be catalysts for creative, productive, successful lives.

Let us remember with thanks on October 5 and throughout the year the magnificent contribution of teachers everywhere. Let us celebrate together la Journée mondiale des enseignants, World Teachers' Day.

[Agriculture, September 18th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The minister has worked valiantly to help farmers affected by the BSE crisis, which now affects the entire country.

In my riding the export of live animals is of particular concern. Can the minister bring the House up to date on this? Has there been progress for the beef, sheep, goat and other farmers whose livelihoods have been hit by this crisis?

[Petitions, September 18th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I have a second petition from people who are concerned about those suffering from kidney disease. They point out that kidney disease is a huge problem and, with the demographics of our population, it is a growing problem.

They know real progress is being made with various ways of preventing and treating kidney disease but they call upon Parliament to encourage the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to explicitly include kidney research as one of the institutes in its system today to be named the institute of kidney urinary tract diseases.

[Petitions, September 18th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present another petition from farmers and others in the Peterborough area who are concerned about the BSE crisis.

They point out that the Canadian beef cattle, dairy, goat and sheep industries are in a state of crisis due to BSE. The whole industry, in fact, is in a state of crisis.

The petitioners say that the aid package to the industry is inadequate as it does not deal with disastrously low prices and the imminent collapse of key sectors of the rural economy.

The citizens urge Parliament to open the American border to Canadian cattle now and, as soon as possible, develop fair, long term solutions and economic relief that reflects the importance of these industries to Canada, and in particular, in my case, to eastern Ontario.

[Petitions, September 15th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I have a petition from citizens of the Peterborough area who point out that the universal declaration of human rights has proclaimed that childhood is entitled to special care and assistance. Members of the National Council of the Catholic Women's League of Canada passed a resolution in support of a national strategy on child care. The Government of Canada they know has offered increased finances toward a national day care strategy in the February 2003 budget. They point out though that the implementation of improved child care over the next five years will meet many of the obstacles faced by children today.

The members of the Catholic Women's League of Canada request that Parliament give priority to accessible, quality child care for all children.

[Petitions, September 15th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition from farmers in the Peterborough and that general part of Ontario. The petitioners point out that the Canadian beef cattle, dairy, goat and sheep industries are in a state of crisis due to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE, problem. The whole industry is in a state of crisis.

The aids package to the industry is inadequate as it does not deal with the problems which the industry is facing. In fact there is an imminent collapse of key sectors of the rural economic community.

These citizens urge Parliament to develop a long term solution and economic relief that is fair and reflects the importance of these industries to Canada. They know that the ultimate long term solution is opening the border.

[Electoral Boundaries, September 15th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the government House leader.

The electoral boundary commissions completed their work during the summer and the new riding boundaries will not come into effect until August 2004. When does the government expect to introduce its bill to advance the coming into force of the new electoral boundaries?

[Habitat for Humanity, September 15th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the fine work of Habitat for Humanity is known around the world. This is a group which works to provide affordable houses. It encourages future homeowners to invest sweat as well as financial equity in their new homes.

I am pleased that Habitat for Humanity is now active in Peterborough building homes. The first will be for a low income family of six. I want to thank all those involved in this project, those who initiated it, those organizations and individuals who provided support in kind and in cash, and all those who volunteered their time to build the new house. All of them deserve our thanks and congratulations.

Affordable housing is a serious problem in many of our communities. Habitat is one solution for this.

[Human Resources Development, June 12th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I have attended regional and national skills competitions and they were wonderful, exciting events. I understand a team will be travelling to Switzerland to represent Canada in the world skills competition.

Would the Minister of Human Resources Development explain the Government of Canada's role in this event and the importance of skilled trades?

[Committees of the House, June 12th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, if the House gives its consent, I move that the 39th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs presented to the House earlier this day be concurred in.

My first motion allowed the subcommittee to table reports in place of the main committee. This allows the subcommittee to continue its work, if necessary, should the House close down for the summer.