House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 51% of the vote.
Nuclear Technology June 9th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Natural Resources. Yesterday the Ottawa Citizen reported that Canada had promised to approve a $1.5 billion loan to finance the sale of Candu reactors to Turkey.
What specific assurances can the minister give that the nuclear technology we are offering Turkey will not be used to develop nuclear weapons?
Human Rights June 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to commemorate the innocent lives lost on June 4, 1984 when the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India, was attacked by the Indian government.
Thousands of innocent devotees peacefully worshipping within the temple were massacred by army tanks, mortar and machine gun fire.
This act of cruelty demoralized an entire people. Twenty million Sikhs around the world still feel the deep and scarring pain of this unjustifiable act of violence.
State violence against its citizens, as seen when China attacked students during the Tiananmen Square democracy protests or India's action against the Golden Temple, is a symbol of a government that has forsaken democracy and the rule of law for the power of the gun and the rule of violence.
Canadians must remember these tragic events and promote human rights by condemning state violence whenever and wherever it occurs in the world.
Parks Canada Act June 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I could not follow the hon. member's comment. I want to know what he said.
Armenia May 27th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Armenian independence.
On May 28, 1918 the Armenian nation threw off the shackles of oppression of the Ottoman Empire and re-established itself as an independent nation on the world stage.
Today Armenians throughout the world join together to celebrate the birth of the modern Armenian state. As we gather to celebrate this important milestone we will pray that the growth of democracy and the rule of law will continue to flourish in today's Armenia.
Armenians have fought countless battles and endured immeasurable hardships to sustain our language and culture and, in fact, our very existence as a nation.
Happy Anniversary, Armenia.
Italy May 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to honour the victims of the tragic mudslides that ravaged southern Italy last week.
In an instant the mudslides destroyed homes and buried families, killing hundreds and destroying the lives of thousands. Almost 2,000 people are homeless and the economy of the region will feel the effects of the disaster for years to come.
The Ontario Federation of Clubs and Associations of Campania has established an account with the Toronto-Dominion Bank, branch 1890, account number 642. Donations can be made at any TD bank in Canada.
I encourage Canadians to once more show their generosity and solidarity and to contribute to the relief efforts for the victims of the tragic mudslides.
Tobacco Act May 6th, 1998
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-400, an act to amend the Tobacco Act (substances contained in a tobacco product).
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to present this bill to the House today. The purpose of its enactment is to ensure that consumers are aware of the content of tobacco products.
My bill, an act to amend the Tobacco Act, will prohibit the sale of tobacco products that do not list substances contained in the product on their packages. Basically what I am asking for is to have the names of the chemicals on the package so consumers will know every time they smoke cigarettes what kind of chemicals they inhale.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Trade April 27th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade.
Economic growth is important to the peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Can the minister inform this House of the impact of the free trade agreement between Canada and Israel which was signed almost two years ago on the population of Israel including the Palestinian authority?
Supply April 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, some people have mentioned that the intent of the motion was not to help the victim but to unite the right. Can he confirm if that is the case?
Armenian People April 20th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915 at the hands of the Turkish government, the first genocide of the 20th century but sorrowfully not the last.
Armenians, Jews, Ukrainians, Cambodians and Rawandans, among others, have all been victims of genocide.
In 1996 this House designated April 20 to 27 of each year as the week of remembrance of inhumanity of people toward one another.
This week allows us to consider the horrible loss of life and terrible suffering that the crimes of genocide have inflicted upon its victims.
The premeditated mass murder of 1.5 million Armenians is not a tragedy, it is a genocide. Let us recognize the horrors of genocide and pledge to eliminate this evil from our society.
Child Labour April 3rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the use of child labour is a scourge that steals the innocence of childhood and prevents children in many nations from the possibility of an education and ultimately a better life for the future.
Can the Minister of Foreign Affairs share with the House an explanation of what this government is doing to ensure that Canadian companies do not participate in or benefit from the labour of children forced by circumstances to abandon their childhood?