Hec Clouthier

[Windsor—St. Clair, April 12th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, one year ago today the voters of Windsor—St. Clair faced a dilemma: go to the opening game of the Detroit Tigers or stay at home and vote for a new member of parliament. Wisely, they stayed at home and hit a home run when they elected a personable rookie to the House of Commons.

There was some concern that the fourth party might squeak through because the late, great Shaughnessy Cohen was a tough act to follow. But our candidate did not strike out, and he powered past the token NDP opposition. I am positive that our colleague from Windsor—St. Clair has inherited some of the true grit from Shaughnessy whose spirit and tenacity is very evident in her successor.

The constituents of Windsor—St. Clair can rest assured that their member of parliament has more than lived up to their expectations by going to bat on their behalf time and time again. He is upholding the Liberal values of a caring, compassionate commitment to all Canadians.

Congratulations to our colleague on his first anniversary.

[Cfb Petawawa, April 6th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, in the great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke we are very fortunate to have one of Canada's super bases, CFB Petawawa. There is an absolutely scandalous rumour going around that CFB Petawawa could close. I would like to ask the Minister of National Defence to please comment on the future of CFB Petawawa.

[David Willmot, March 31st, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, David Willmot, president and chief executive officer of the Ontario Jockey Club has been recognized for his exemplary managerial skills. He has been elected President of Harness Tracks of America; the first Canadian to hold this prestigious position.

To say that Mr. Willmot has been a quick study of harness racing would be an understatement. He and his family have been at the apogee of thoroughbred racing for many years. His rapier mind and work ethic have quickly vaulted Mr. Willmot to a position of prominence in the horse racing industry.

David Willmot proved himself to be a man of vision by almost single-handedly lifting the Ontario Jockey Club to a new plateau by forging ahead with bold new initiatives.

In Mr. Willmot, harness racing has a friend, a supporter and a respected administrator. There is no doubt in my mind that with David Willmot's superb leadership qualities, harness racing will sprint to victory in the competitive field of professional sport.

[Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, March 28th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour and a pleasure to welcome today the warden of Renfrew County, Barry Moran. I know that Warden Moran would want me to tell you that Renfrew county is the most scenic and largest geographic county in Ontario.

Bordered by the indomitable Ottawa River on the north, by the picturesque Algonquin Park on the south, by the lovely Laurentian lowlands and Arnprior to the east, and the mighty Mattawa plains to the west.

In the great county of Renfrew, we have traditional lumbering and farming industries which have been the mainstay for over 150 years. Our economy has been diversified for the 21st century, from high tech to manufacturing, to tourism. We capitalize on the talent of our people and the natural beauty of our land.

We also have two major federal institutions, CFB Petawawa and Atomic Energy of Canada at Chalk River.

Renfrew County and the riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke is a microcosm of our great country Canada. We embrace and explore our cultural and ethnic differences. We cherish and celebrate our heritage, as should all Canadians.

[Maple Syrup Season, March 23rd, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, what is this liquid gold, this amber nectar, this food of the gods that mesmerizes, tantalizes and inspires the tongue?

In my great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke this sweet sensation, this heavenly harvest, is flowing from the hills of Wilno to the valleys of Bagot, Blythfield and Brougham.

I am talking about the opening of maple syrup season.

It was my great honour to hammer the first spigot at Sexton Farms at the opening of Renfrew County's maple syrup season.

Maple syrup season is a sure sign that spring has arrived and that the slumber of winter has departed. Now we are all being rewarded with this glorious golden treat.

I firmly believe it is only fitting that Canada's greatest symbol, all that we hold dear, the maple leaf, comes from a tree whose lifeblood brings such sweet passion to all Canadians.

[1St Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, March 21st, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, the greatest atrocity of war is the suffering of innocent children. Last Tuesday, a little girl's life was saved thanks to the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment stationed in Kosovo.

I rise today to single out these brave men and women of the Canadian forces who have repeatedly demonstrated their humanity and touched the lives of many innocent victims in this terrible conflict. The eight year old girl was suffering from severe pneumonia and infection but was refused admission to the hospital in Pristina. With her condition rapidly deteriorating, members of the 1RCR took her to the medical centre at their headquarters. She had to be resuscitated twice, but her condition eventually stabilized.

Thanks in large part to the courageous members of the Canadian Forces, this little girl is currently in stable condition.

Once again our Canadian heroes have gone above and beyond their duty. Their efforts to mend these shattered lives bring great pride to our country, Canada.

[Division No. 1124, March 13th, 2000]

I will withdraw the words, Mr. Speaker.

[Division No. 1124, March 13th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I was referring to a four legged animal called a donkey. If the hon. member took it the wrong way I apologize.

[National Defence, February 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, in my great riding of Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke we have one of Canada's super bases, CFB Petawawa.

I would like to ask the obviously ebullient Minister of National Defence to expand upon the government's renewed commitment to the brave Canadian men and women in our military as expressed in yesterday's scintillating budget.

[Royal Canadian Regiment, February 22nd, 2000]

That day of battle in the dusty heat We lay and heard the bullets swish and sing Like scythes amid the over-ripened wheat, And we the harvest of their garnering.

Mr. Speaker, John McRae wrote those words 100 years ago to commemorate the brave Canadian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Paardeberg on February 27, 1900. The Boer War was Canada's first overseas mission and the Royal Canadian Regiment became our first war heroes. At 2.15 a.m., under clear starlight and dead silence, six RCR companies crept toward the Boer trenches. Suddenly a shot was fired and the Canadians were swept by murderous fire. But we did not retreat and by dawn we had captured over 4,000 Boers.

This Saturday evening at 7 p.m., Hamilton's ONTV will broadcast We Stand on Guard , celebrating the 100th anniversary of the heroic Royal Canadian Regiment. Let us watch and learn more about our proud military history.