House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 40% of the vote.
Foreign Affairs November 19th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, around the world armed conflicts are increasingly taking place inside countries instead of between countries.
What we are seeing more and more is that civilians are being brutally targeted and hit by their brutal governments.
My question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs. What is the Government of Canada doing to put a stop to this nonsense around the world?
Lebanon November 17th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, November 22 marks the independence day of Lebanon.
On behalf of my colleagues, I call on his Excellency Dr. Assem Jaber, the Lebanese Ambassador to Canada and Minister Issam Naaman to communicate to the people of Lebanon our warmest congratulations.
It is our hope that the year 2000 will bring for the people of Lebanon law and order, prosperity, happiness, full independence and territorial integrity and a comprehensive, complete and lasting peace.
Long live the friendship that exists between Canada and Lebanon.
The Late Dan Rowan November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, November 12 a United Nations plane on a humanitarian mission to Kosovo went down killing all 24 people on board.
Among the victims was a Canadian from the national capital region, Dan Rowan, an employee of the Correctional Service of Canada. He was on his way of Kosovo as part of Canada's contribution to help rebuild this wartorn region.
Canadians were shocked and saddened, as were people in countries around, the world to hear of this tragedy.
While no words can lessen the pain and anguish felt by Mr. Rowan's family, friends and colleagues, I am sure I speak for all members of the House in extending our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to those who knew him.
National Archives Of Canada Act November 5th, 1999
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-312, an act to amend the National Archives of Canada Act and the Statistics Act.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this enactment is to mandate the chief statistician of Canada to transfer to the national archivist of Canada all census information that has been collected since the 1906 census and information that will be collected in every future census. Such transfer is currently prohibited. The national archivist of Canada may make such information available to the public for research and statistical purposes, provided that 92 years have elapsed since its collection.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
The Environment November 5th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Natural Resources has said that with the advance in scientific research and with the introduction of new technologies that Canadians can take advantage of those advances as we face the issue of climate change.
What is the minister doing in practical terms to help Canadians take advantage of these technologies while we face the climate change situation?
Civil International Space Station Agreement Implementation Act November 2nd, 1999
Madam Speaker, I do not want to take the 10 minutes. I will only take two or three minutes.
As a member of parliament who studied and practised in the field of engineering, it is absolutely fantastic that Canada is participating in such a venture. It speaks volumes for the kind of leadership the Department of Industry and its minister have provided in the House, across Canada and on the international scene.
This is a historic moment for all Canadians to see the co-operation between two previous arch enemies, the United States and Russia, as well as Japan and other countries, in order to advance the best interests of mankind and womankind. We should be celebrating. We should be talking about all of the positive things that will come out of such a terrific co-operative approach.
After hearing my colleagues from the opposition speak one after the other, they are in support of the bill because none of them spoke against the bill per se. That is very positive.
My colleague has some concerns about consultation. My understanding is this bill, like every other bill, will go to a committee. At that time anybody can make positive or negative suggestions about the bill. In the same kind of spirit, when the government introduces a bill it receives those recommendations and comments at the committee level, where the proper consultation and discussion will take place.
Frankly, to trash a bill that is an implementation of an agreement between different partners who are going to outer space for the benefit of this planet is highly unfair. It is not serving the purpose of the House.
It is my hope that we will let this bill pass as quickly as possible so we can show our partners how serious we are about ensuring that the best interests of not only our planet, but of outer space are protected.
Civil International Space Station Agreement Implementation Act November 2nd, 1999
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I would like to make a few comments if that is possible.
Civil International Space Station Agreement Implementation Act November 2nd, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I have a lot of respect for my colleague but he has been referring to the Nisga'a bill and I thought we were debating Bill C-4. I would suggest that perhaps the member is a bit out of whack in terms of his presentation. He may want to go back to the bill we are discussing at this point in time.
Illiteracy November 1st, 1999
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the minister responsible for literacy. Statistics Canada's most recent numbers indicate that illiteracy continues to be a major problem for many Canadians.
What is the minister doing to support the efforts of the literacy movement in fighting the illiteracy problem across the nation?
Unicef October 29th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, Sunday is Halloween and again this year UNICEF will have over two million tiny volunteers collecting coins in support of less fortunate children around the world.
The money collected empowers our kids by enabling them to take action and help other children. Funds collected in this country will support programs like children's immunization. Since 1980 this program alone has saved the lives of over 20 million children.
Other programs include registering children at birth, providing access to safe drinking water and nutritious food. Children will also be given the opportunity to learn to read.
Canadians are generous and I ask that this tradition continue on Sunday night when people see a volunteer child of UNICEF. Every bit helps to save the life of a child in need. Together we will make a difference.