Gary Pillitteri

[Robert Sherren, June 12th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I recognize and congratulate Robert Sherren of Niagara Falls who on June 8 was awarded the emergency medical services exemplary service medal.

The ceremony was presided by Governor General Romeo LeBlanc at Rideau Hall. The award recognizes employees in emergency services who have been working with Canadian ambulance services and performing their duties in an exemplary manner for at least 20 years. Of these 20 years at least 10 have to be served in the performance of duties involving potential risk.

It is with pride that I extend congratulations to Mr. Sherren for the outstanding service he provided to the community.

[Environment, June 8th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment.

On Tuesday, June 6, I took part in the kick off event of the Niagara River remedial action plan, stage two, the cleanup of the Niagara River.

Can the minister tell us what support the federal government is providing to the remedial action plan?

[Petitions, May 17th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I present the following petition dealing with sexual orientation.

The petitioners from my constituency believe the term sexual orientation in Bill C-41 is ambiguous and therefore would broaden implications indicating societal approval of same sex relationships.

They humbly request that section 718.2 of Bill C-41, the sentencing bill, be rescinded. This petition contains 113 signatures.

[Niagara Falls, May 9th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, this weekend Niagara Falls celebrates the 36th anniversary of the blossom festival parade.

The tender fruit lands of Ontario delight us with the beauty of their blossoms. Its industry, which contributes to our economy, is also the source of 15,000 jobs.

A severe crisis is facing the industry. Its survival may well depend on the implementation of the strategic plan completed by the working group on December 19, 1994. Because of escalating labour costs, tariff cutbacks under the free trade agreement and the deregulation of the industry, growers are experiencing heavy ongoing losses.

Imports control prices so growers cannot recover cost increases from the market and the lands are frozen for agricultural purposes.

The recommendations contained in the revitalization plan may provide workable solutions to the problem.

[Agriculture, February 13th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Prince Edward-Hastings has already referred to the work the government has done with the provinces and industry to develop a whole new farm safety net program.

I would like to elaborate. The problem that had to be resolved in this process was to design a national whole farm safety net program that would still meet the specific needs of each province.

In December 1994 federal and provincial ministers received the final report of the national safety net consulting committee. A consensus was reached consistent with the recommendations of the committee. The farm income protection policy centred on three key elements: crop insurance, a national farm income program, and specific companion programs.

The new whole farm program will be built on the existing net income stabilization account, NISA. A number of changes will be reviewed with the industry to make the program trade neutral and cost effective. Companion programs would derive support tailored at provincial levels to allow for flexibility to meet specific provincial circumstances.

What is most important in this consensus is that the provinces will be able through the companion programs to identify where they want to spend their money in co-operation with the federal government.

Currently provincial and federal officials are completing the necessary details for a multilateral memorandum of understanding. The policy is based on a 60 per cent federal and 40 per cent provincial cost sharing arrangements, monitoring and management process. Once it is completed we will develop federal-provincial bilateral arrangements with each province to allow for specific companion programs.

What I have just outlined is but one example of how federal and provincial governments are continuing to work together to reduce overlap and duplication. In view of the work that is being done, I urge my hon. colleagues to reject Motion No. 314.

[Pesticides, February 9th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, for years Canadian growers have been wanting a level playing field with American growers.

The red book promised to improve the pesticide regulatory system. What is the government plan on regulating pesticides to mean to Canadian farmers especially to horticultural growers?

[Justice, November 21st, 1994]

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

The provincial government announced new measures which would crack down on under age strippers by fining club owners and having their licences suspended if they continue with their hiring practices.

In keeping with the Liberal red book promise of stricter penalties against youth exploitation, can the minister tell us what he plans to do?

[Shirley Carr, October 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, on October 31, the first woman in the world to head a national labour body and a long term resident of Niagara Falls will be honoured at Rideau Hall. Shirley Carr will be presented with the Governor General's award in commemoration of the Person's case.

Shirley Carr has been a leading advocate of women's rights in the workplace and a role model for women in the labour movement. As the first woman president of the Canadian Labour Congress, she championed legislation to address women's equality and concerns about health and safety in the workplace.

The awards commemorate the lengthy legal and political battle for women's constitutional right to be recognized as persons.

On behalf of my constituents of Niagara Falls, I would like to congratulate Ms. Carr on her numerous achievements and for having been chosen as this year's recipient of the Governor General's award.

[Michael Strange, September 21st, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise in the House today to congratulate a constituent of mine, Michael Strange, the gold medalist in boxing, 60 kilograms class, at the 25th Commonwealth Games in Victoria, British Columbia, where Team Canada won 128 medals.

Michael's achievement was remarkable, given the many adversities that he and his team mates encountered outside the ring. His outstanding performance is testimony to his skills, hard work and commitment to excellence. The efforts, teamwork, sportsmanship and dedication of athletes like Mr. Strange constantly make Canada's sporting scene one of the best in the world.

If we are to enjoy a repeated performance by Team Canada at world events we must, as Canadians, continue to recognize the positive influence these young athletes have on Canadian youth and support the valuable contributions they make to the Canadian identity.

[Agriculture, June 6th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my question is addressed to the parliamentary secretary to the minister of agriculture.

The tender fruit industry is presently experiencing trying times and it has asked the minister to recognize its plight and to come to its aid before we lose some of the best agricultural land in Ontario and indeed in Canada.

Is the parliamentary secretary ready to give some assurances to the tender fruit growers in the Niagara Peninsula?