Lou Sekora

[Canadian Skills Competition, May 7th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, next week Vancouver will host the 4th Canadian Skills Competition. This event will showcase skills of young Canadians from all our provinces and territories in 29 different trade and technology occupations.

These students and apprentices will compete in traditional fields such as brick laying and welding, as well as in areas such as desktop publishing, television and video production.

The Government of Canada recognizes that we need to encourage more young people to consider going into skilled trades and technology occupations. It is essential to the economic strength of this country.

That is why this competition is important. It salutes the excellence of young people who are going into these fields. It shows that Canada and its young people are ready to compete with modern skills in our changing economy.

[Port Moody—Coquitlam, April 27th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise from my seat representing the riding of Port Moody—Coquitlam. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of my predecessor who used to sit across the House, Mrs. Sharon Hayes. Mrs. Hayes was a strong candidate and we respect her reasons for leaving. We wish her, her husband and their family the best.

The citizens of my riding spoke loud and clear on March 30. They chose a party whose government speaks for all Canadians, a government that has eliminated the deficit and is practising strong financial management for the future of all Canadians. They elected a member with a long record of service to the community.

I am honoured to sit in a seat that belongs to the people of Port Moody—Coquitlam. I pledge to those who voted for me and the ones who did not that I am here to voice their concerns.