Mr. Speaker, it is because of this incompetence that we are $550 billion in debt. I would like to ask the minister: Could you please send me a pen so I can hold it up to Canadians-
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1997, with 53% of the vote.
National Defence November 1st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, it is because of this incompetence that we are $550 billion in debt. I would like to ask the minister: Could you please send me a pen so I can hold it up to Canadians-
National Defence November 1st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence. We are over $550 billion in debt and every day I ask questions pertaining to the minister's serious mismanagement of his portfolio.
Information I have received today indicates that the minister is purchasing 150 quill pens in black velvet cases. They are engraved in gold with the words Minister of National Defence, for the price of approximately $2,000. This is pure balderdash. Could the minister explain the expenditure to Canadians?
Somalia Inquiry October 25th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, minutes ago Justice Létourneau called this a matter of real concern.
The minister in March said in the House: "There would be no impediment to anyone coming forward with evidence". Monday's intimidating justice letter is a serious impediment.
What will the minister do to salvage the inquiry?
Somalia Inquiry October 25th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence.
Counsel from the justice department on Monday circulated a letter which sends a message of intimidation to all witnesses and potential witnesses of the Somalia inquiry. Justice department rules and Treasury Board regulations circumvent the openness of the Somalia inquiry and the protection of those giving evidence. Serving officers fear for their careers if they have to come forward.
Will the minister take some action to put a halt to this form of intimidation?
National Defence October 23rd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, Canadians would hope that this is an isolated incident. Unfortunately, it is not.
Access to information documents show that Rear Admiral Keller, who is currently the chief of financial services at NDHQ, was in receipt of separation expenses for over four years, totalling $86,000. At the same time, able seamen in Esquimalt are in welfare line-ups trying to feed their families.
This is an example of the minister's mismanagement. How can the minister allow this to go on under his nose?
National Defence October 23rd, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence.
Armed forces personnel can collect a non-taxable separation expense for a period of up to one year when posted. Documents obtained show that for a three-year period then Major-General Armand Roy collected over $50,000 in non-taxable separation expenses. This is scandalous.
Almost every day I rise in this House and question the minister about the mismanagement of his department. What does the minister have to say about this one today?
Bosnia October 19th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, evidence is increasing that our troops in Somalia were let down by their leadership.
Canadians have confidence in our troops in the field but they have serious reservations about the senior chain of command. It is the privates and the corporals who must bear the burden of this lack of leadership.
Canadians are asking is it wise for the government to volunteer our troops before the Somalia commission has reached its final conclusion?
Bosnia October 19th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Defence. I hope he knows his cabinet colleague announced the government's intention to send our troops back to Bosnia without consultation despite a number of serious shortcomings in the Canadian Armed Forces, including inadequate equipment, low morale and the current troop rotation. Some of our troops have been there for the third time.
How can the minister even consider sending our troops back to Bosnia without addressing these concerns?
The Late Eric Reilly October 18th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, this past Monday I was saddened to learn of the death of a great Canadian and a constituent of Okanagan-Similkameen-Merritt.
Eric Reilly knew this country well. He was politically wise and his efforts are well known in my riding as a Reform pioneer, an organizer, a man who introduced scores of new members to the Reform Party of Canada. He did this for the love of his country and for the future of his children, his grandchildren and their children.
Eric was a fourth generation Canadian born in Dauphin, Manitoba, 82 years ago. He passed away peacefully on October 16, 1995. Eric Reilly is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Nora, four children and eight grandchildren.
During the last months of Eric's life he wrote his autobiography The Life of Reilly , tracing his early years. But his greatest memories were of his family. He wrote:
The only thing you have left, regardless of how much money you have accumulated, is your family. I will be leaving a fortune.
To Nora Reilly and the family the House offers our sincerest condolences.
Somalia Inquiry October 17th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, the minister knows full well that I am afraid of nothing, but the minister should be very afraid of his mismanagement of this entire affair.
I will read from the National Defence Act. It sets out a three-year limitation period for everything except mutiny, desertion, absence without leave, and death penalty offences. That is it.
Canadians know there is a separate code of law which applies to our military to enforce discipline and leadership which expires in March 1996. Canadians want to know why the minister has so mismanaged the affair that now discipline and leadership cannot be enforced in our Canadian Armed Forces.