Tony Tirabassi

[National Security, December 11th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to some true heroes. These are the people who since September 11 have worked tirelessly and skillfully for the Canadian public service to co-ordinate Canada's response to the attacks.

Thousands of public servants were honoured yesterday with certificates of recognition for their dedication and exemplary performance in the wake of terrorist attacks. The ceremony was part of the annual head of the public service awards. They were presented by Mel Cappe, the Clerk of the Privy Council.

The recipients came from all parts of the public service: customs guards, RCMP, diplomats, receptionists, policy makers and military personnel who shifted their attention to the priority of national security. Their efforts became part of the largest mobilization of government departments and agencies in the public service since the end of the second world war.

Their commitment and diligence have been essential in ensuring the safety and security of Canadians. We thank them for their exceptional efforts.

[Multiculturalism, November 20th, 2001]

Madam Speaker, in 1996 the UN general assembly declared November 16 the International Day of Tolerance. Tolerance is the foundation of democracy and human rights and the foundation of civil society, but we should never forget that the responsibility for tolerance rests with all of us.

Today more than ever we need to rededicate ourselves to our common values of tolerance, respect and equality, values that have come to define who we are as Canadians.

Unfortunately many people around the world are still victims of intolerance. We must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to educate. We must continue to ensure we work to promote tolerance of diversity around the world.

Cultural diversity has been a fundamental Canadian characteristic since our beginning. Intolerance of others has no place in Canadian society. It undermines our fundamental values of respect, equality and security and causes damage to our multicultural, tolerant and law abiding society.

Let us use the observance of this important day to reaffirm our faith in the tolerance of all peoples and beliefs and to strengthen the mutual respect that is fundamental to our Canadian values.

[Health, November 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health. Yesterday the minister hosted a meeting of his counterparts from the G-7 and the OECD countries on health security and bioterrorism.

The minister has agreed to co-operate and forge a new partnership to address the critical issue of protecting public health and security. Will the minister tell the House what role Canada will play in this new global action?

[Craig Oliver, October 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I take this occasion to congratulate Mr. Craig Oliver for receiving the 2001 CAB gold ribbon award for broadcast excellence. Mr. Oliver was recognized last night in Ottawa at the annual convention of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters.

The gold ribbon award for broadcast excellence is the most prestigious award of the Canadian private broadcasting industry. It honours the service to private broadcasting and recognizes exceptional human qualities and practical, innovative achievements that reflect a genuine concern for the highest broadcast standards.

Mr. Oliver has been and continues to be an important part of the Canadian broadcasting system with more than four decades of broadcasting to his credit. He is a dedicated political journalist and analyst who viewers across the country have come to know and respect.

Mr. Oliver has received a number of industry awards and accolades over the years. He has also held several key roles in the broadcasting industry.

[The Economy, October 25th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, today's businesses, large and small, have become reliant on numerous technologies for their very existence. In keeping up with the ongoing changes and the speed with which changes occur, could the Minister of National Revenue explain what new initiatives the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is undertaking in support of Canadian businesses?

[National Quality Month, October 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, October is National Quality Month. It was established to promote organizational excellence, increased productivity and healthy workplaces in Canadian public and private organizations.

As part of National Quality Month this week has been designated Canada's Healthy Workplace Week. Sponsored by the National Quality Institute, the events of this week will encourage healthy workplace practices. Such practices include not only the physical work environment but also social atmosphere, management practices and an improvement in individual lifestyles of employees.

The health and well-being of employees are vital to productivity and the achievement of excellence. I encourage all Canadians to take a few moments to think about how they can work together toward a healthier work environment.

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans continues to pursue a long term strategy for the Petitcodiac River causeway in New Brunswick.

Could the minister report to the House on the progress of discussions with the province of New Brunswick regarding a proposed environmental assessment of options to resolve the fish passage problem at the Petitcodiac River causeway?

[International Day of Older Persons, October 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that today is the International Day of Older Persons. This day is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the valuable contributions seniors make to our society and the meaning they add to each of our lives.

In Niagara Centre groups such as the Rose City Seniors in Welland and the Thorold Seniors Association are organized, functioning clubs making important contributions to their respective communities.

Seniors volunteer more of their time than any other age group. They are the foundation of many families and they provide wisdom, knowledge and experience when we often need it most.

As the world enters the age of aging it is vital to recognize the diversity and vitality of older persons. I encourage all Canadians to take the opportunity to promote understanding and respect among people of all ages.

[Airline Industry, September 24th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as a result of the tragic events of September 11, Canadians have expressed concerns about air travel.

Could the Minister of Transport please tell the House what steps the government has taken to ensure that aviation services will be maintained uninterrupted.

[Summit Of The Americas, June 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the most significant outcome of the summit of the Americas was the democracy clause and the commitment that foreign ministers would develop an inter-American democratic charter.

Recently foreign ministers from the hemisphere met in Costa Rica to discuss this issue. Could the Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa inform us what action was taken on the democratic charter?