Stan Dromisky

[Canada Health Act, November 22nd, 2002]

Madam Speaker, I would like to point out, even though the government strongly supports the intent and the spirit of Bill C-202, that we have had the health act of Canada since 1984. The government cannot interfere with provincial jurisdictions. This is a responsibility of the provinces. It is so mandated and we cannot interfere. The government, clearly and without question, cannot support the bill.

[Rural Development, November 22nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the people of northern Ontario face a number of economic challenges brought on by geography, lower population densities and the cyclical nature of resource industries.

Will the Secretary of State for Rural Development and FedNor please tell us what the Government of Canada is doing to ensure that the citizens of northern Ontario enjoy the same economic and social benefits as those shared by Canadians in the rest of the province?

[Research and Development, April 26th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development.

One of the government's innovation strategies is the creation and support of the Canadian academies of science. Could the Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development tell the House how Canadians would benefit from the creation of the new academies of science?

[Petitions, March 15th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition has more signatures to add to the tens of thousands of signatures on petitions by constituents from Winnipeg to Toronto asking the government to work and co-operate with Canadian Pacific Railway and VIA Rail to consider very seriously the reintroduction of the VIA passenger service from Toronto on the CPR tracks to Winnipeg. This was discontinued in 1990.

[Petitions, March 15th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present two petitions today.

The first petition from my constituents asks parliament to amend the Income Tax Act to include disabled people with extremely high medical expenses by a refundable medical expense supplement.

[International Co-operation, March 15th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister for International Cooperation represented Canada at the 43rd annual meeting at the Inter-American Development Bank earlier this week in Fortaleza, Brazil. Could the minister inform the House what was discussed and achieved at the meeting?

[Veterans Affairs, March 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, now more than ever we recognize the contribution of the men and women who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.

Last week the Minister of Veterans Affairs was in Charlottetown to announce the creation of a new commendation award to recognize the extraordinary voluntary work of our veterans. Could the minister tell the House more about this initiative?

[Foreign Affairs, February 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In light of his recent visit to Ukraine, could the secretary of state inform the House of Commons regarding the present status of Canada-Ukraine relations?

[Veterans Affairs, January 29th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, today is the anniversary of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award to honour gallantry in the face of the enemy. I ask the House to join me for a moment to honour all those brave Canadians who have been recipients of this award.

The Victoria Cross was established in 1856. It is awarded by royal assent to British citizens and citizens of the Commonwealth. There have been over 90 Canadians on whom this honour has been bestowed.

At this time, while Canadian troops are being involved in Afghanistan, I take this moment to ask the House to honour the bravery of every one of our wonderful soldiers.

[Charles Melville Price, December 10th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, on January 30, 1944, Sergeant Charles Melville Price was one of seven men on board a Lancaster bomber that was intercepted and shot down in the Netherlands. It was not possible at that time to recover his remains and Sergeant Price was never laid to rest with all the honours he so rightly deserved, until now.

I am pleased to advise the House that last week, at the Zwanenburg General Cemetery in Amsterdam, after almost 58 years Sergeant Price was buried with full military honours.

He will finally rest with his comrades-in-arms. He was a brave Canadian, a young man from Toronto who sacrificed his life for our freedom and values. Sergeant Price, along with his fellow crew members, is also honoured on a memorial that was donated by the Port of Amsterdam Authority. It now stands as a testament to the crew's courage and its commitment to peace.

We must continue to honour those who gave their lives in the service of this great country. We must never forget.