House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 51% of the vote.
The Economy April 9th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. Statistics Canada has released its latest analysis of employment and productivity.
Could the Minister of Finance explain to the House the importance of the most recent reports on the performance of the Canadian economy with the creation of almost 88,000 new jobs in March?
Supply March 14th, 2002
Madam Speaker, I followed the hon. member's comments about softwood lumber. On February 26 the premier of B.C. organized a conference attended by at least 20 members of parliament and senators, almost all the MLAs in B.C., and representatives of 50 municipalities and first nations. One of the subjects they discussed was softwood lumber. The hon. member was not at the meeting. Could he comment on why he was not at the meeting to defend the citizens of B.C. and softwood lumber?
Foreign Affairs February 26th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
The Israeli and Palestinian peoples are locked in an escalating series of violent confrontations marked by increased loss of life and property.
Will the secretary of state tell the House what initiatives the federal government is undertaking to promote an end to the violence and the renewal of the peace process in the Middle East?
Poverty February 6th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. I am particularly interested in the issue of poverty.
Could the minister tell the House what was achieved at the recent world economic forum in New York and what obstacles remain in the fight against poverty in the third world?
Natural Disasters December 12th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, on December 7 each year Armenians around the world take time to recognize the anniversary of the tragic earthquake of December 7, 1988. Over 25,000 lives were lost and hundreds of thousands of Armenians were left homeless and injured on that sorrowful day.
Each year Armenians reflect on the crippling effect of nature's fury and share with the victims of natural disasters everywhere the common bonds of human suffering, human courage and human resolve to overcome and persevere.
I urge my fellow members of parliament to join me and the Canadian Armenian community in mourning the victims of the 1988 earthquake and to contribute to the efforts to provide relief to the victims of natural disasters wherever they occur.
Committees of the House December 11th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee completed a study on marine infrastructure, small craft harbours.
Afghanistan December 10th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The basic framework for an interim government for the war ravaged Afghanistan has been established by delegates in Bonn, Germany. Could the minister tell the House the views of the Canadian government in regard to this very historic agreement?
International Aid November 20th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, every day we hear about the plight of poor people in poor countries dying from preventable illnesses, lack of care and shortages of skilled workers. Mothers, children and families are suffering. Just today the Montreal Gazette reported that AIDS, TB and malaria kill a mind numbing 15,000 people a day. That means since September 11 an estimated 1.05 million people have died from these diseases.
Donations to the global health fund have dropped substantially during this time frame. Could the Minister for International Cooperation explain what Canada has been doing on this very important issue?
World Trade Organization November 5th, 2001
Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank my colleague, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for his comments.
It came to my attention he mentioned free trade between Canada and Israel. He forgot to mention free trade between Canada and the Palestinian authority. Could he clarify that because I think we signed that treaty with the authority, keeping in mind to help that economy survive and revive?
Terrorism October 26th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions. Fintrac is taking an expanded mandate with increased funding to combat terrorist activities in Canada.
Could the secretary of state inform the House how this will work and benefit Canadians in general?