John Richardson

[Bst, November 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, recently I held my third town hall meeting in my riding. One of the concerns that was discussed at each meeting was the introduction of BST, bovine somatotropin.

I wonder if all members of the House are aware of what BST is and the effect it has on dairy cows. BST is a hormone that is injected into cows at regular intervals to increase their milk production. Normal dairy cows remain in full production for seven to nine years. However, BST injected cows have to be taken out of production after only two years. In addition, these animals are covered with red sores and in the end there is nothing left but skin and bones.

I share the concerns of dairy farmers in my riding who oppose artificial stimulation of cows and the resulting emaciation of these animals that is caused by the repeated injection of BST.

I call on all members of this House to encourage discussion on this issue. Milk is a natural, pure food and I believe that this image should be maintained in Canada.

[The Late Carl McNeill, October 31st, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, today I was fortunate to take part in a presentation ceremony during which a cheque for $37,634.61 from the estate of Carl McNeill was presented to the Government of Canada.

Mr. McNeill was a 100-year old resident of my riding who was worried about the legacy of debt that had been left to the younger generation. Mr. McNeill left specific instructions in his will that the money be given to the federal government in order to pay off his share of the national debt to ensure a better future for others.

Walter and Marian MacDougald, long time friends and neighbours of Mr. NcNeill, presented the cheque to the Minister of Finance this morning. In addition to Mr. McNeill's donation to the government he also left a substantial amount of money to the University Hospital in London and the Salvation Army.

Carl McNeill set a tremendous example of the kind of patriotism and national loyalty for which all Canadians can strive. I thank him on behalf of all Canadians for his generosity and concern for our great country.

[Petitions, October 26th, 1994]

Finally, the last petition I present today concerns the topic of compensation to homemakers, the parents who stay at home to raise their children.

[Petitions, October 26th, 1994]

The fifth petition, Mr. Speaker, deals with abortion and I place it on the table.

[Petitions, October 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the fourth petition is on euthanasia.

[Petitions, October 26th, 1994]

The third petition, Mr. Speaker, deals with sexual orientation and the human rights act, and I place it on the table.

[Petitions, October 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition concerns BST, bovine somatotropin, a chemically produced drug that is injected in cows to make them produce milk.

[Petitions, October 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to present six different petitions from the constituents of Perth-Wellington-Waterloo. One containing over 3,000 signatures deals with the continuation of VIA Rail service in my riding. Their wishes were recognized this week by the Minister of Transport.

[Women's Institutes Of Canada, October 21st, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to pay tribute to the Women's Institutes of Canada, particularly the members of the women's institutes in Perth county and the Avonton branch which is celebrating its 70th anniversary in community service.

The Women's Institutes of Canada was founded as an educational organization based on principles of sound nutrition, safe food, health and fitness and the right of women to have access of up to date information on issues that affect themselves and their families.

There are over 16,000 members in Ontario alone. The organization has been instrumental in accomplishing a number of improvements in our way of life.

Mr. Speaker, did you know that it was women's institutes that fought for the pasteurization of milk, signs at railroad crossings, buses stopping at railroad crossings, clear marking of poison on containers and the painting of white lines on our highways for safety? These are just some of the things that we take for granted today that were once the rallying cries of women's institutes.

I congratulate all members of the organization.

[National Homemaker/Home Support Worker Week, October 20th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the tireless efforts of support workers across Canada on the occasion of the National Homemaker/Home Support Worker Week. This week was established to recognize the outstanding work of over 60,000 homemakers and home support workers across Canada.

These support workers provide more than five million hours of home based care each year to the elderly, the disabled, AIDS victims and others requiring palliative and long term care at home.

I am confident that all my constituents in the riding of Perth-Wellington-Waterloo and the members of the House share my appreciation for the job these workers perform and encourage all Canadians to take the time this week to recognize the valuable contribution that home support workers provide to our communities.