House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 36% of the vote.
The Rcmp June 5th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State responsible for Western Diversification.
The colourful history of the RCMP dates back to the opening of the west. In that regard, I am sure the minister would be happy to tell the House about Friday's launch of the new RCMP heritage centre in Regina.
Canadian Culture June 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Yesterday a former premier of the province of Quebec said that Canadian culture is “an invention but not a credible invention”.
I am wondering whether the minister would care to comment on a cultural that allegedly does not exist.
Community Futures Development Corporation May 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Western Diversification. He took in last weekend's meetings in Quebec of the Community Futures Development Corporation. Would he care to share with the House some of the results of those meetings?
Gabe Kraljevic And Doug McPherson May 18th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize two constituents whose dedication and commitment have earned them the respect of their colleagues and students and now of the Prime Minister and the country.
I am referring to Gabe Kraljevic and Doug McPherson who received Prime Minister's awards for teaching excellence.
Mr. Kraljevic teaches computer technology at West Kildonan Collegiate. His approach of balancing technology training by integrating language, communication, creativity and teamwork skills has ensured that his students develop the skills necessary for success in the information age.
Mr. McPherson teaches electronic technology at John W. Gunn School. His philosophy of start small, integrate subjects and provide differentiated learning opportunities has led at least one parent to say “My daughter's academic progress in your program has been exceptional—because you have designed a middle years program that is unparalleled”.
On behalf of the House of Commons, I extend congratulations to these two teachers.
Manitoba May 11th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the 130th anniversary of the creation of my province of Manitoba. Thanks to the efforts of Louis Riel and his provisional government, the province was carved out of what was then the North-West Territories.
Since May 12, 1870 Manitoba has grown and prospered. Its ethnically diverse population comes from every corner of the world, a fact celebrated in Winnipeg's annual Folklorama festival.
As the gateway to the west, Manitoba has grown from its early dependence on agriculture to one of the most diversified economies in the country with strong manufacturing, transportation, financial and high tech sectors. Despite the growth, Manitoba remains a land of unspoiled natural beauty. It is a land where the lakes and forests of the Canadian shield meet the tall grass and wheat fields of the prairies. It is a land that truly bridges east and west.
Please join me in congratulating Manitoba on its 130th birthday.
Western Grain Transportation May 10th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the government today announced a package that will greatly improve the western grain transportation system.
Could the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell the House what that means for farmers?
Petitions May 1st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I have a petition that is reflective of the concerns of many Canadians pursuant to nuclear weapons.
The petitioners point out that over 30,000 nuclear weapons exist around the world and that this huge stockpile of nuclear weapons poses a threat to the health and survival of human civilization and the global environment.
Therefore they pray and request that parliament support the immediate initiation and conclusion by the year 2000 of an international convention which will set out a binding timetable for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.
Canadian Executive Service Organization May 1st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to two of my constituents who recently donated their time and talent overseas in the service of the Canadian Volunteer Advisors to Service, also known as CESO.
John Goodes volunteered in Ostra, Romania, where he developed a strategic economic development plan for this economically depressed community.
Bob Harvey went to Jelgava, Latvia, where he used his expertise to advise on the management of health insurance companies as Latvia implements a national health insurance program.
CESO is in its 33rd year of sending Canadian volunteers overseas. Last year the organization provided over 23,000 days of volunteer assistance.
Mr. Goodes and Mr. Harvey typify the many highly skilled Canadian volunteers who donate their time and talent to help around the world. It is because of the efforts of people like them that our country enjoys such a strong international reputation.
Petitions April 14th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I have in my hand a petition signed by dozens of Canadians who are concerned about the high rate of breast cancer in Canada.
The petitioners point out that Canada has the second highest rate of breast cancer in the world, second only to the United States. They also point out that the U.S. has had a mandatory mammography quality assurance standard since 1994 and that Canada has no legislation for mandatory mammography quality assurance standards.
Therefore, the petitioners call upon parliament to enact legislation to establish an independent governing body to develop, implement and enforce uniform and mandatory mammography quality assurance and quality control standards in Canada.
Charlton Heston April 14th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, National Rifle Association president Charlton Heston came to Canada yesterday and demonstrated his ignorance of Canada and Canadian values. Heston told Canadians “We are North Americans by birth on either side of the line. The rest is just survey stakes and politics”. He could not be more wrong.
Canadians are not Americans. Our west was opened with treaties, not wars. Our health care system responds to the depth of an illness, not a wallet. Our gun laws keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people.
Heston says “We share a border that's more a myth than a fact”. Canadians see the effect of American gun violence on television every day.
We joined with the world in sorrow after Columbine, Jonesboro and too many other tragedies to mention.
Charlton Heston may think that our shared border is a myth. Canadians do not. We do not want the American gun culture crossing that line.