Mr. Speaker, could the minister tell us if he agrees with the definition as found in the Canadian Dictionary of Law?
House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 1997, with 44% of the vote.
The Family June 13th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, could the minister tell us if he agrees with the definition as found in the Canadian Dictionary of Law?
The Family June 13th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the Dictionary of Canadian Law gives this definition: "Family includes a man and a woman living together as husband and wife, whether or not married, in a permanent relationship, or the survivor of either, and includes the children of both or either, natural or adopted-and any person lawfully related to any of the aforementioned-".
The Family June 13th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice.
World-wide and throughout history jurisprudence has confirmed the common understanding of the family. Canadian law also reflects a common understanding. To change the definition of family would be to shift some of the most deeply felt foundational values of our culture.
Could the minister on behalf of the government define family for this House?
Immigration June 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his response.
A refugee program includes both the inland refugee system and our UNHCR commitment to offshore refugees. If this current inland rate persists is the minister determined to increase our total refugee numbers, or will he renege on Canada's international obligation to needy refugees around the world?
Immigration June 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
According to a confidential report leaked from the minister's office, the overall acceptance rate for the first quarter of 1994 for inland refugee applicants rose from 49 to 67 per cent, an increase of 18 per cent. The report contains the first statistics available since new board appointments were made by the minister.
On the basis of this increase in the acceptance rate for inland refugee applications, Canada will surpass its stated annual intake for 1994 in less than nine months. Does this increase concern the minister or, if not, is he prepared to revise his refugee estimates for 1994 to reflect this new information?
Immigration June 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, at the Montebello meeting the president of Ekos Research, Frank Graves, reported that a majority of Canadians believed that immigration levels were already too high.
The minister's plan to increase immigration levels to 1 per cent is clearly not in line with the views of Canadians. I say this is not a consultation plan. It is a public relations plan.
Will the minister admit that the real reason he is spending $1 million Canadian is to change people's opinions rather than listen to them?
Immigration June 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
The minister has said on numerous occasions that he intends to consult the public before devising a 10-year immigration plan. However the minister has also repeatedly pledged to carry out the red book promise to increase immigration to an annual rate of 1 per cent of the population.
What is the minister's plan: to let the public direct the formulation of an immigration plan or to stick to the immigration targets already set out in the red book?
The Family June 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, Canadians have made it clear that one of their greatest concerns is the family and the need to strengthen and encourage this important cornerstone of our society. What Canadians need is someone to champion their cause.
The Reform Party caucus has taken on that mandate. The Reform's task force on the family will seek to strengthen the status and the well-being of the family by providing leadership on important issues and by challenging policy trends and legislation that harm and interfere with the role of the family.
The purpose of the task force will be to protect Canadian families from inappropriate government control and interference. The task force reaffirms the family is the fundamental unit of our society. The family is the foundation of our social and
economic structure. It provides a place to nurture our children. It provides for the communication of beliefs, convictions and values.
Reform will ensure that even under the present Liberal agenda this does not change.
Royal Canadian Legion June 1st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, this morning's news carried reports of the Royal Canadian Legion rejecting the proposal to allow turbans. Of the several commentaries I have heard, most condemn this action and once again we hear divisive accusations being hurled by each side.
As a member of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration I have spent many days now listening to the varying opinions of experts and non-experts alike. What is our mandate as we review the Citizenship Act? Indeed, what is the mandate of every Canadian citizen as they identify with Canada?
The strength of our country lies in the agreement of all citizens to come together. That is, we ask no citizen to forsake their cultural inheritance but that each accept and give equal value to the cultural freedom of others.
The legion controversy is two sided. No matter what their cultural or religious background, all Canadians should be confident that their values are respected by others.
In this month of the 50th anniversary of the supremely noble sacrifice by many Canadians, let us recognize the freedom to identify and maintain our respective traditions.
Missing Children's Day May 25th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, for the past several years the Solicitor General of Canada has recognized May 25 as Missing Children's Day in Canada.
There were approximately 56,000 children reported missing in Canada last year. While most of these children returned home safely within 48 hours, many did not.
The Missing Children's Society of Canada is a registered non-profit organization whose purpose is to search for runaway and abducted children.
Working on the front lines in the search of missing children, May 25 truly has a special significance for the Missing Children's Society of Canada. It is a day of renewed hope, a day to remember. It also presents the greatest opportunity to provide awareness of this issue to Canadians in an effort to prevent another child from going missing.
From Halifax to Victoria, mayors of Canadian cities are proclaiming the week as Missing Children's Week in their cities. I invite all members to join with me on behalf of the Missing Children's Society of Canada and the Reform Party of Canada to recognize May 25 as Missing Children's Day in Canada.