House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 32% of the vote.
Old Port of Montréal Corporation November 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were alarmed by reports of inappropriate spending by the Old Port of Montréal Corporation independent crown corporation. An arm's length third party is currently examining and authorizing all spending.
Could the Minister of Public Works and Government Services update the House on any developments regarding the management of the Old Port and some of the government's other strategic properties?
Justice November 28th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are worried about crime. That is why the government has kept its promise to pass comprehensive law-and-order legislation in the first 100 sitting days of Parliament. The Safe Streets and Communities Act sets out stiffer sentences for child predators and eliminates house arrest for serious crimes such as sexual assault. This legislation is now in effect across Canada.
Can the Minister of Justice inform the House about the constitutional status of our government's crime legislation?
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal November 20th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to celebrate the contributions of four individuals from Etobicoke—Lakeshore in making our community, our country and the world a better place.
First, I wish to recognize Leah Houston. Leah is the artistic director of MABELLEarts in Etobicoke. She has been cultivating a community-based arts practice for over eight years, incorporating visual arts, theatre and performance. She brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to creatively transform the Mabelle community.
Second, I wish to recognize Toronto police inspector Tim Crone. In 2011, Tim signed up to serve with the RCMP mission to train and mentor Afghan National Police officers. He left family and home for one year to help build a secure future for the people of Afghanistan. We salute his courage and dedication.
Last, I wish to recognize Liz and Carl Porritt. Liz and Carl are the owner-operators of Porritt Real Estate in Long Branch. Their volunteer activities include serving on the board of the Long Branch Business Improvement Area and organizing the Etobicoke Lakeshore Christmas Parade, recognized as one of the best parades in Ontario.
For their contributions, these individuals have been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Treasury Board October 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, today, the government tabled the 2011-12 public accounts, the most comprehensive report that the government produces. Could the President of the Treasury Board explain the importance of this year's report to our ongoing efforts to eliminate the deficit in the medium term?
Etobicoke Centre October 25th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, today the Supreme Court of Canada held that former Liberal MP, Borys Wrzesnewskyj, asked the court to “disqualify the votes of several Canadian citizens”. The Supreme Court went on to rule that it rejected the Liberal's attempt to “disenfranchise entitled voters and so undermine public confidence in the electoral process”.
I agree with the Supreme Court's decision to reject the Liberal's attempts to disenfranchise 52,000 voters in Etobicoke.
The Conservative member for Etobicoke Centre will continue to work hard to represent his constituents and to implement our government's economic action plan to create jobs, growth and long term prosperity.
Today, inspired by the Supreme Court of Canada upholding the results of a free, fair and democratic election, the member for Etobicoke Centre will depart for Ukraine to better ensure that the people's right to cast a democratic ballot is also protected from those who would seek to disenfranchise them.
The Economy October 18th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, entrepreneurs are the engine of Canada's economy. The main elements of Canada's economic action plan 2012 are job creation, growth and long-term prosperity.
Could the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism tell the House about a measure introduced today to support the prosperity of Canadian entrepreneurs?
Seniors October 1st, 2012
Mr. Speaker, today, we are celebrating the second annual National Seniors Day. The government created this special day to officially recognize and celebrate our seniors and all that they have done to make Canada a great country.
Could the Minister of State for seniors please tell the House what other action our government has taken to support seniors, who so richly deserve it.
The Economy September 20th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, the leader of the NDP has a dangerous economic plan for Canadians. He wants to impose a carbon tax on Canadians, which will increase the price of gas, electricity and groceries. It will also kill jobs.
The NDP platform clearly states on page 13 that the NDP “will put a price on carbon through a cap-and-trade system”, which is the same as a carbon tax.
Canadians were clear in the last election: they want a government that focuses on the economy, job creation and prosperity. That is why they elected our Conservative government.
We will continue to focus on what is important to Canadians: keeping taxes low for families and job creators.
Stonegate Community Health Centre September 17th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Stonegate Community Health Centre on celebrating 20 years of service in Etobicoke—Lakeshore. Founded in 1992 by a group of Stonegate neighbourhood residents, Stonegate CHC is a service hub for the whole community.
Stonegate provides primary health care, including free blood pressure screening, flu vaccines and hypertension clinics; family programs, including prenatal programs, early years and nutrition counselling; and importantly, health promotion and community building, with programs like smoking cessation, staying fit for seniors, settlement services for newcomers and the wonderful Stonegate farmers market.
There are too many excellent staff and volunteers to recognize them all right now, but I wish to highlight two fine members of the Stonegate community: executive director Beverly Leaver, whose tireless leadership in the centre is appreciated by clients, staff and all community stakeholders; and Joan McKenzie, who has been with Stonegate CHC since its inception, managing human resources and finances. Joan's dedication of her time and talent is an inspiration to all of us.
Human Rights June 18th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, with Iran beating its political prisoners and innocent Syrians enduring the Assad regime, Canadians expect the United Nations to devote its time and resources to serious violations of human rights.
And yet, in a speech this morning, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights felt the need to criticize Quebec's Bill 78, which was democratically adopted by an elected assembly.
Can the minister tell the House how Canada is reacting to these disturbing comments?