Sophia Leung

[Hate Crimes, April 24th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians were outraged to hear of the recent hate crimes and the tragedy that occurred in B.C.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice inform this House what initiatives government has taken to prevent hate crimes from happening in the future?

[Chinese Benevolent Association, April 22nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, last week the Chinese Benevolent Association which represents over 40 organizations from Vancouver presented me with a petition signed by over 5,000 residents of Vancouver. They oppose the language requirement contained in the report “Not Just Numbers” presently being considered by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. I will be presenting their concerns to the minister in the near future.

The people of Vancouver want their concerns taken into account. They have a right to be heard.

The minister has proven that Canadians have a voice in shaping our government policy. I have every confidence that the government will maintain an immigration policy based on fairness and openness. Why? Because the government cares about the views of Canadians.

[Port Moody—Coquitlam, March 31st, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Liberal B.C. caucus I am delighted to announce very good news to the House. As a result of yesterday's byelection the Liberal caucus has a new member of Parliament for Port Moody—Coquitlam. This is a great victory for the Liberals in B.C.

It marks the decline of the Reform Party. It sends a clear message that Reform's gutter politics are distasteful to Canadians. The leader of the Reform Party has been rejected. It also shows that the Prime Minister and the Liberal government have the confidence and support of the people of B.C.

I say thanks to the voters of Port Moody—Coquitlam for sending this message loud and clear.

[Status Of Women, March 26th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for the Status of Women. I campaigned in Port Moody, B.C., over the past few weekends. I heard from many women who are concerned about poverty, education and their children's futures. What measures does the government have to help women and children?

[British Columbia, March 25th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific.

British Columbia has caught a case of the Asian flu which affected the economy of the Pacific rim in 1997. How is the Liberal government showing leadership in restoring the economy and helping B.C. in business and jobs?

[Western Economic Diversification, March 23rd, 1998]

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

Many rural areas of western Canada are suffering from high unemployment rates and the needs of potential entrepreneurs are not being met. What is the government doing to help business in rural areas out west, particularly for people who want to start new businesses and provide jobs for others?

[Leader Of The Opposition, March 19th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, over the past two weeks the leader of the Reform Party has been abusing the parliamentary traditions of this House.

The leader of the Reform Party has been making false allegations, allegations that he is not strong enough to repeat outside the Chamber. Shame on the leader of the Reform Party.

We hope that the leader of the Reform Party is inspired by the higher goals of honesty and integrity.

[Vancouver Kingsway, March 17th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, over the last few days I have had the honour of announcing over $45,000 in funding from Heritage Canada to two local organizations in my riding of Vancouver Kingsway. The federal government is supporting projects by the Society for Children and Youth of British Columbia and the Helping Spirit Lodge Society. These projects will be promoting child advocacy and human rights and helping aboriginal women overcome family violence.

I thank the minister of heritage for supporting these local initiatives. I commend both organizations for endeavouring to make our community a better one.

[Disaster Assistance, February 24th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the minister of agriculture.

The Reform member for Prince George—Peace River accused the government of having one set of rules for compensating farmers for losses because of the ice storm and different rules for the farmers in Nova Scotia and the Peace River area of B.C. and Alberta. Can the minister tell this House clearly what the rules are for disaster assistance in Canada?

[Citizenship And Immigration, February 10th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Many people in B.C. and across Canada are concerned about the report and recommendations of the Citizenship and Immigration Act and how it will affect the lives of Canadians. How will the minister ensure that the opinions of Canadians are heard and will affect the decisions of this report?