House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 51% of the vote.
Automobile Industry February 12th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Industry. Recently DaimlerChrysler announced the elimination of the entire production shift at its Brampton plant.
Will the minister please inform the House on the steps the federal government is taking to assist the automobile industry, in particular those affected in my riding of Brampton Centre?
Speech From The Throne February 6th, 2001
Madam Speaker, I too congratulate you on your appointment. I think the Prime Minister made a very good choice. I have worked with you in the past and I know you will do a very good job.
I wholeheartedly support the throne speech given by the Governor General last week. My question to the hon. member deals with rebates that she mentioned she opposed.
I campaigned at the same time as her but in different provinces. My riding of Brampton Centre was happy with the rebates. I do not know what is the complaint. She says that we are giving rebates to those who have low incomes and receive the GST rebate. We did not hear about a government giving rebates to those with high incomes.
Would she support giving rebates to those with high incomes and high taxes? I do not know what her objection is regarding giving rebates to those with low incomes who receive the GST rebate. I am confused. I do not know which way she will go. Maybe it should be changed again and the rebates given to those with high incomes and those who pay high taxes to the federal government.
Petitions February 5th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order No. 36 it is my pleasure to present to the House a petition duly certified by the clerk of petitions and signed by numerous Canadians.
The petitioners condemn the Government of Canada's participation in the Yugoslavian war which they feel is against international law.
Petitions February 5th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order No. 36 it is my pleasure to present to the House a petition duly certified by the clerk of petitions and signed by numerous Canadians.
Whereas Canada has the second highest incident rate of breast cancer in the world, the petitioners pray that parliament enact legislation to establish an independent governing body to develop, implement and enforce uniform mandatory mammography quality assurance and quality control standards in Canada.
International Aid January 31st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of International Co-Operation.
The massive earthquake that rocked the Indian subcontinent last week has affected millions of people. Let us join with those constituents in Brampton Centre who are among the many Canadian relatives of the victims as we mourn the deaths and pray for strength for those facing devastation and misery.
Could the minister tell the House what efforts have been made by the Canadian government to provide assistance to the victims of this devastating earthquake in India?
Crimes Against Humanity September 28th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Following a review of the subject matter of my private member's Bill C-224, the recognition of crimes against humanity act, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage recommended that Heritage Canada consider entrusting one or more academic centres with the task of researching all genocides and crimes against humanity in the 20th century.
Will the minister explain to the House what efforts are being made to ensure that this important issue is addressed by the Government of Canada very soon?
Vietnam September 25th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific.
Recently Brampton resident Tran Thi Cam returned to Canada following her release from prison in Vietnam.
We all agree that this ordeal has been a terrible tragedy for the family and has set back our relations with Vietnam.
Could the Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific tell us how the government intends to move forward from this terrible tragedy?
Commemorative Stamp September 18th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, on May 16, 2000 I wrote to Hon. André Ouellet, P.C., Q.C. to request that Canada Post create a stamp in recognition of the Armenian community's 1,700th anniversary of Christianity as a state religion.
I am proud to inform the House that Canada Post has officially announced that the stamp will be issued in 2001 to mark this important milestone in the history of the Canadian Armenian community.
Canada is the first country to issue such a stamp highlighting our government's commitment to inclusiveness and multiculturalism.
I thank the many ministers, members of parliament and members of the Canadian Armenian community who expressed their support for this stamp initiative by writing to me and to Canada Post. The beautiful stamp illustrating traditional Armenian religious art will be enjoyed by everyone around the world.
Supply June 15th, 2000
Oh, come on.
Syria June 13th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, people of Syria are in mourning following the sudden death of President Hafez al-Assad. The funeral of the late president of Syria was held today at his birthplace, the village of Quardaha in northern Syria. Dignitaries from around the world, including our Minister of Foreign Affairs, are paying their respects to the late leader.
As the first Syrian born Canadian member of parliament, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending condolences to the people of Syria and the al-Assad family. I hope that a peaceful transition of power will contribute to the ongoing peace process in the Middle East.