Sophia Leung

[Croatia, June 3rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of attending the annual celebration of the independence day of the Republic of Croatia in my riding this weekend. I was honoured to join the Croatian ambassador to Canada and a member of the Croatian parliament.

The event was organized by the Canadian Croatian Congress and its president, Ivan Curman. This group does excellent work providing educational and cultural programs to youth, adults and seniors.

[Poverty, June 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Labour.

There is much concern across Canada about the needs of low income families and children, and the problems of poverty and homelessness in particular. What has the minister done to address these issues?

[Chinatrust, May 26th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that Chinatrust Commercial Bank has opened its first Canadian branch in Vancouver.

Chinatrust is one of Taiwan's biggest financial institutions with assets of over $26 billion. We can see from Chinatrust that foreign banks can play an important role in creating jobs and strengthening the Canadian economy.

I would like to wish Chinatrust luck in its Canadian venture.

[Persons With Disabilities, May 14th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification.

The government is committed to economic opportunities in western Canada. Can the secretary of state tell the House what the government is doing in western Canada to provide business and entrepreneurial opportunities for disabled Canadians?

[Canada Post, May 11th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, it was my pleasure to represent Canada Post recently at the World Orchid Conference in Vancouver. The conference, which was attended by over 1,000 delegates, was held in Canada for the very first time.

It was an honour to unveil the new series of orchid stamps which were specially designed in two Chinese painting styles.

[Revenue Canada, May 7th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, every summer Revenue Canada uses university and college students to deliver customs services at airports and border crossings.

My question is for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue. Is Revenue Canada putting Canadians at risk by using students to do those important jobs?

[Aboriginal Affairs, May 5th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all parties of the Nisga'a final agreement signed yesterday by the Government of Canada.

After decades of negotiation, the Nisga'a will finally be able to participate in society, to speak their language, to teach their traditions and to govern themselves.

Non-aboriginal British Columbians will also benefit from this settlement. The infusion of new funds will provide a boost to the economy surrounding Nisga'a lands and business will be able to invest in the region with confidence.

This is a fair and honourable agreement which balances the interests of all Canadians.

[Health, May 4th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health.

I am very concerned about the so-called brain drain and the effect it is having on medical research, particularly cancer research.

Can the minister tell the House what the government will be doing to keep Canadian researchers in Canada?

[Petitions, April 30th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition to the House on behalf of citizens from my province of B.C.

These individuals have asked that parliament affirm the duty of parents to raise their children according to their conscience and beliefs. They request that parliament retain section 43 of the Criminal Code in its present form, as they believe that it recognizes the primary role of parents in the raising and disciplining of their children.

I respectfully submit this petition to the House of Commons on behalf of my constituents in the riding of Vancouver Kingsway.

The petition affirms that implementation of the United Nations convention on the rights of the child will not undermine the rights, responsibilities and autonomy of parents. The government has no intention of repealing or amending section 43 of the Criminal Code or funding any research of court challenges respecting it.

[Taxation, April 30th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, today is April 30, the day that Canadians have to file their income tax returns.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue tell the House and Canadians what relief will be provided to Canadians serving in the Balkans if they are unable to file their income tax returns on time?