House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 36% of the vote.
Agriculture February 24th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister and the premiers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan today announced additional help for farmers who have been struggling with low returns from their crops. Would the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell the House the amount of assistance involved and some of the details?
Committees Of The House February 22nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure and the honour to table today, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on a farm income safety net.
Your committee reviewed the issue of a farm income safety net, as it pertains to the agriculture and agri-food sector, as part of its order of reference dated October 28, 1999. The committee travelled across the four western provinces to meet with and listen to farmers and some groups and organizations representing or working with farmers. It came up with a number of recommendations which are contained in the report.
The committee is also requesting a comprehensive answer to the report from the government pursuant to Standing Order 109.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all committee members from all sides for their work, the committee staff and all the farmers who appeared before us to share their views and concerns.
Petitions February 11th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of presenting two petitions pertaining to child poverty.
The petitioners point out that one in five Canadian children lives in poverty. They also point out that on November 24, 1989 the House of Commons unanimously resolved to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. Since that time the number of poor children in Canada has increased by 60%.
Therefore the petitioners call upon parliament to use the federal budget of 2000 to introduce a multi-year plan to improve the well-being of Canada's children.
Immigration February 11th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec claim that our refugee determination system is costing money.
Quebec and Ontario want the federal government to give more money to cover costs related to refugees.
What does the government have to say about this?
Heart Awareness Month February 7th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House and all Canadians that February is Heart Awareness Month.
We are proud of the internationally known Canadian Heart Health Initiative, a partnership in which Health Canada is collaborating with provincial departments of health and with the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation to encourage Canadians to adopt healthy lifestyles and to create working and living conditions conducive to healthy choices.
Major challenges remain to ensure that progress continues in the reduction of the major risk factors: smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol and diabetes.
By investing in heart health we can reduce significantly this disease. By mobilizing society as a whole to invest in heart health we can enhance the quality of life of countless Canadians.
Western Diversification December 17th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Secretary of State for Western Diversification which relates to WD's activities in Saskatchewan.
I know that his department is very active there, but could the secretary of state tell us about some of the things his office is doing in the great province of Saskatchewan?
Petitions December 16th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I have the pleasure of presenting a petition from constituents who want to bring to the attention of the House that one in five Canadian children live in poverty. They would also like to remind parliamentarians that on November 24, 1989, the House of Commons unanimously resolved to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. Since 1989, the number of poor children in Canada has increased by 60%.
Therefore, the petitioners call on parliament to use federal budget 2000 to introduce a multi-year plan to improve the well-being of Canada's children.
Canadian Rhythmic Gymnastics Team November 24th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, imagine five young athletes spending many hours in training sessions and competitions, working to represent our country at the Olympics, only to have their dreams dashed by what one commentator described as dirty politics.
I am referring to the five young women from the Winnipeg based Canadian Rhythmic Gymnastics Team.
The team was recently denied a well earned Olympic berth by the International Gymnastics Federation. The position was awarded to Brazil, despite the fact that the Canadian team finished fourth at the Four Continents Competition in June. Brazil finished sixth. Canada won the bronze at this summer's Pan Am Games in Winnipeg and placed 13th at last month's World Championships, while Brazil finished a distant 20th.
The Canadian Rhythmic Gymnastics Association has launched an appeal of this unfair decision. I urge the federal government to throw its full weight behind that appeal.
United Nations Children's Election November 19th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the thousands of Canadian school children who voted this week in an election to highlight the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
These students learned about the value of basic rights, they learned about the importance of democracy and they developed an interest in current affairs.
Unfortunately, what should be a celebration of education and democracy, is mired in controversy because of the extreme right wing views of those in the Reform Party.
I was moved by the comment of a Calgary student on CBC radio this morning. She said she was “slighted” by Reform allegations that the vote somehow impinges on parental rights and the results will be used by the Liberal government for some hidden agenda.
I fully agree with the student. One would think that the party that prides itself in supporting so-called family values, would recognize the importance of teaching our children about democracy and basic human rights.
Then again, that would take common sense, something the Reform Party does not have.
Speech From The Throne November 17th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member from Halifax wants to gain insight into this issue, I invite him to read the report by the Liberal caucus representing Atlantic Canada. He will find that reading very interesting. The report contains a lot of information on the issue of a shipbuilding policy.
If the hon. member from Halifax wants to be updated on what government members are doing and saying with respect to shipbuilding in Atlantic Canada, I want him to read that caucus report. It is good reading.