House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 37% of the vote.
Committees Of The House June 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration entitled “Immigration, Detention and Removal”, which concerns the important functions of citizenship and immigration.
Officially for the record I acknowledge the dedication, co-operation and harmonious manner in which all members of the committee worked on this awesome task. They were totally dedicated and I appreciated it.
Youth June 8th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development.
Can the secretary of state tell us what the federal government is doing to help young Canadians become active participants in the knowledge based economy?
Forestry June 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, northwestern Ontario has been chosen by the Canadian Forestry Association as the forest capital of Canada for the year 2000.
The northwest's bid, led by Development Thunder Bay and Dryden Economic Development won out over rivals Calgary, Alberta and Haliburton, Ontario.
The Forest Capital Award is especially significant for the year 2000. Not only is it the millennium year but it is also marks the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Forestry Association.
This designation means that the region can go ahead with a series of legacy projects and a calendar year of events celebrating the economic, social and spiritual values of the forest.
Canada has much to celebrate.
Criminal Code May 25th, 1998
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-408, an act to amend the Criminal Code (wearing of war decorations).
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my private member's bill, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding the wearing of military decorations of order for military services. The bill provides that relatives of deceased veterans may wear, without facing criminal sanctions on Remembrance Day, at a public function or ceremony commemorating veterans, or in a circumstance prescribed by cabinet, any order, decoration or medal listed in the Canadian orders, decorations and medals directive of October 25, 1990.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Aboriginal Affairs May 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
There have been concerns expressed in my riding regarding the financial accountability of native reserves.
Can the minister tell Canadians what First Nations are doing to improve their governance structure in order to address these concerns?
Catholic Women's League May 6th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, recently the Catholic Women's League in my riding of Thunder Bay—Atikokan kicked-off a campaign entitled “Raise Values Above Violence”.
After much study of the issue of violence and its impact on society, the Catholic Women's League decided that positive and energetic actions were necessary in order to raise awareness regarding the importance of dealing with violence.
The ultimate goal of the Catholic Women's League is to achieve through kindness and caring for others, values that are shared by Canadians and are also reflected in this government's foreign policy.
I call upon all members to join in the efforts of the Catholic Women's League to spread love, tolerance, kindness, compassion and patience—all virtues leading to understanding.
Multilateral Agreement On Investment April 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade.
Under the MAI foreign investors will have to obey Canadian laws even if it affects their bottom line. Can the minister inform Canadians whether Canada will be obliged to compensate a foreign investor for any perceived loss or actual loss to their profits as a result of complying with Canadian law?
Petitions April 20th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege and honour of presenting a significant petition signed by over 1,600 citizens from my riding of Thunder Bay—Atikokan.
My constituents endorse and support Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and the trustees of the hospital board in their vision of a new centrally located hospital to serve not only the citizens of Thunder Bay but all Canadians of the northwestern Ontario region, including thousands of citizens from the first nation communities.
The petitioners call upon parliament to ensure that the federal government, through Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and such other ministries and agencies as parliament shall direct, provide appropriate funding and support of the capital cost for this new hospital.
The Environment April 3rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of the Environment announced an action plan to manage toxic substances released from the electric power generation sector. This plan is the result of consultations with key stakeholders, including the industry, the provinces and environmental groups.
The action plan includes the development of environmental standards and performance agreements with the provinces and the utilities in order to reduce the release of toxic substances from the sector.
The action plan will reduce emissions of harmful particulate matter and toxic metals from oil and coal fired power plants by more than 100,000 tonnes annually by the year 2003. This represents a reduction of up to 85% of total emissions from the electrical power generating sector.
Canadian National Institute For The Blind March 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, today Canada celebrates the 80th anniversary of the birth of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. The CNIB aims to better the condition of the blind of Canada, to prevent blindness and to promote sight enhancement services.
The number of Canadians with seeing disabilities is projected to reach almost one million by the year 2015. The role of the CNIB is growing ever more crucial.
Prominent among the many services the CNIB provides is a national library service for print handicapped persons. This library is a major source of books and information in alternate format for print handicapped Canadians in both official languages.
I call upon all Canadians to congratulate the CNIB for its valuable service to Canada.