Sophia Leung

[Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, January 31st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, recently I was proud to take part in the official unveiling of the VACIS machine in Vancouver. This state of the art technology will allow customs officers in British Columbia to more effectively prevent illegal drugs from entering Canada.

In fact, last year the customs marine team made a seizure of marijuana which was the largest ever in British Columbia. That seizure resulted in 1,700 kilos being kept off our streets and away from our children.

The VACIS machine was funded by the Vancouver Port Authority as part of its joint partnership with CCRA. The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is very proud of the tremendous professionalism and dedication the customs officers show as they work to improve the safety and security of all Canadians.

[Sir John A. Macdonald Day and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day Act, January 30th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, last month I attended a bi-national border seminar in Seattle where we met with our U.S. counterpart Senator Cantwell. I was one of the key speakers with her.

After the discussions I am pleased to announce that Canadian border management is way ahead of that of the U.S. We have legislation and funding and are setting up new programs. The U.S. is still working on legislation and its funding and programs are not there.

I am pleased to inform my colleagues that we are doing our best and are doing very well.

[Sir John A. Macdonald Day and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day Act, January 30th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the government understands the importance of trade and travel flowing freely across the Canada-U.S. border. We must ensure key industries in the Canadian economy continue to flourish in these difficult times.

As my hon. colleague knows, we have a dual mandate to ensure the safety and security of Canadians while keeping trade and travel moving across the border. She has indicated this repeatedly. There are some like her who have expressed concern about the volume of traffic at our major border crossings. That is why we have made a significant investment in border security and operations.

Last June we spent $11.5 million on additional contraband detection technology.

In October 2001 the Minister of National Revenue announced an investment of $11.9 million for new equipment and another $9 million for hiring additional customs inspectors.

In the December 2001 budget announcement $433 million was approved to enable the CCRA to ensure travel and trade are not impeded by the security Canadians expect.

In April 2000 we launched our customs action plan which outlined initiatives dedicated to improve border management.

In Bill S-23 we introduced amendments to the Customs Act that would give customs officers the authority to better carry out their duties.

The CCRA is dedicated to strengthening the programs we have and developing new ones so low risk businesses and travellers experience minimal delays at the border. We already have programs in place which streamline the movement of low risk highway travellers. Programs such as Nexus and Canpass allow pre-screened individuals to cross the border without speaking to a customs officer every time. Programs like these allow us to focus our energies on those who may pose a higher risk when crossing the border.

The key to our future programs is the pre-approval of low risk people and goods. Programs like customs self-assessment for businesses and the expedited passenger processing system for low risk air travellers will allow customs officers to make informed decisions prior to the arrival of goods and people. This will make it easier to facilitate the movement of legitimate travellers and goods and will allow customs officers to focus on areas that present a higher security risk. We are also exploring options for further joint initiatives like Nexus with U.S. border agencies.

The CCRA knows there is work to be done to improve border management. We are striving to provide Canadians with the best service possible. That is why we have made these investments in security and it is why we are working toward improvements.

[Winter Olympics, December 11th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Olympic bid has received the financial support in the government's budget and a further pledge of support when the bid is successful.

For many months the members of the B.C. federal Liberal caucus have supported the work of the Olympic bid committee to secure the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia. I congratulate the members of the bid committee and the volunteers who have worked so hard to highlight the tremendous benefits of Vancouver and Whistler to host the 2010 Winter Olympics.

I hope all members of the House will join British Columbians in supporting the Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Olympic bid.

[Canada-United States Border, December 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday at the Windsor border crossing the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Revenue announced a new program called customs self-assessment. It is a pre-approved program for carriers and importers for the smooth flow of goods across the border.

American carriers told me that they not only think it is a wonderful program but they also praised Canada for being a leader--

[Canada Loves New York, December 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, on December 1, thousands of Canadians, including me, travelled to New York City as part of the Canada Loves New York campaign.

From coast to coast 20,000 Canadians joined with the Prime Minister and Mayor Giuliani in a spirited rally supporting New Yorkers and indeed all Americans during these difficult times. In fact so many Canadians participated in this event that Mayor Giuliani proclaimed the entire weekend as Canada Loves New York.

I encourage all Canadians to travel to New York and see a city that has dealt with a terrible tragedy and has emerged stronger and more united than ever. Canada loves New York.

[Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Association, November 29th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, last Friday in Vancouver I had the pleasure to join 400 people for the sixth annual banquet of the Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Association.

The association was established by a group of motivated and community minded women of Chinese descent with successful businesses and professions. This outstanding group of 180 young women generously provide support to their community by sharing their valuable business experience and insights with new Canadians.

I salute them for their dedication and contribution. Indeed they are fine examples of our celebration of diversity in Canada.

[Revenue Canada, November 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the government has always had the best of intentions for the disabled. We will certainly review the situation. In the meantime, we have a special sympathy and empathy for disabled groups.

[International Year of the Volunteer, November 21st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have recently presented 10 citizens of Vancouver Kingsway with International Year of the Volunteer Medals. They are: Bernard Bellinger, Bill Chan, Fran Grant, Edmond Lee, Kerr Lin, Harvey and Theresa McAuley, Man Che Tam, Mary Thompson and Roberta Yee.

Those outstanding individuals have contributed their time and energy to make Vancouver Kingsway a better place to live. They are an example of the best of Canadian society, and I congratulate them on their well deserved honour. I am very proud to have those outstanding Canadians in my riding.

[National Security, November 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the member is not well informed. We have just passed Bill S-23. We already are implementing modernizations to our customs system. In the meantime, the member should know that we are implementing some of the new technologies that will tighten up the borders without any problems.