Sarkis Assadourian

[Tobacco Industry, March 27th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, in light of the damage to the health of Canadians caused by tobacco products, I have introduced in the House a motion calling upon all Canadian parliamentarians and political parties to refrain from accepting political contributions from the tobacco industry. By refraining from accepting tobacco profits as political contributions, we as politicians are setting an example for all Canadians, youth included.

I urge my fellow parliamentarians to join me in saying no to tobacco profits as political contributions.

[Taxation, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance.

In recent days questions have risen about the impact of the Alberta government's flat tax on middle income people. Some have suggested that middle income earners will actually lose part of their tax cuts due to flat tax.

Could the minister explain what exactly is happening with this tax?

[Taxation, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance.

[The Budget, February 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I followed the comments made by my colleague from the NDP very closely.

He forgot to mention that full indexation of personal income taxes will cost the government $6.3 billion, which will go to the taxpayers. He never gave the government credit for that.

Headlines in the Globe and Mail read: “$13.3 billion in additional spending will go mainly toward health care, research and education”. The Winnipeg Free Press read: “It's payback time: Martin slashes $58 billion in taxes and puts an end to bracket creep”. Further, former NDP MP, Doug Fisher, said: “Finance Minister Paul Martin knows the nation's financial situation has been improved under his stewardship”.

The other point I want to bring to his attention is that he mentioned that last week the federal government gave Saskatchewan and Manitoba $240 million. Who is complaining? The premier of Saskatchewan was very happy. I do not know who speaks for Saskatchewan, the premier or the hon. member.

[Coca-Cola Bottling Company, February 24th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, as the member of parliament for Brampton Centre, it is with tremendous pride that I welcome the Coca-Cola Bottling Company to my riding.

Coca-Cola will invest $150 million in the construction of a new market service centre facility that will include manufacturing, sales and distribution functions and will employ approximately 550 people. This is the single largest facility investment ever made by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Canada and will be the company's largest production and warehouse facility in the country.

Welcome, Coca-Cola, to Brampton where economic growth is the real thing.

[Rail Transportation, December 14th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to revert to presenting reports from committees.

[Parliament Hill, December 3rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, in past years the beautiful display of colourful lights that illuminates Parliament Hill were unfortunately turned off on January 3 before many Orthodox Christian communities have a chance to celebrate Christmas.

I am delighted that when the lights on Parliament Hill and across Canada were illuminated last night they will remain on until January 8, 2000 and every year thereafter.

Many thanks to the Speaker for his co-operation in response to my initiative last year to have the lights remain on. The recognition of Canada's multicultural heritage that this extension symbolizes will be greatly appreciated by millions of Canadians who celebrate Christmas after December 25.

Mr. Speaker, merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[Northern Ireland, December 2nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

It appears that after decades of sectarian strife in Northern Ireland, the two sides of this historical conflict are finally moving toward a lasting peace.

What role has the Canadian government played in the peaceful political resolution of this conflict?

[Recognition Of Crimes Against Humanity Act, November 30th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am quite happy to extend it to June 15, 2000. It will be a brand new beginning for the new century.

[Recognition Of Crimes Against Humanity Act, November 30th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I will try a third approach. I ask for unanimous consent of the House to refer the subject matter of Bill C-224, the recognition of crimes against humanity act, to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage for review and report no later than April 14, 2000.