Brian Storseth

[D-Day, June 6th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, on this day 62 years ago Canadian troops landed in Normandy, France on Juno Beach.

Today in our nation and in nations across the western world, veterans, families and everyone who enjoy the freedoms we have today, remember and honour the anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Fourteen thousand Canadians landed on that day. Through the early morning shrouds of darkness, they stormed the beach under heavy fire. Three hundred and forty Canadian servicemen died, 574 were wounded and 47 were taken prisoner, all on that single day.

We remember their sacrifice and we remember their accomplishment. They were the centrepiece of an allied attack that was the turning point in the war. These servicemen, who came from across the country, faced a formidable and determined enemy, but they did not back down from the challenge. They met the test of their times with courage and bravery.

We all owe them a great debt.

[Business of Supply, June 1st, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I want to comment on this issue and how there is no way that I could possibly support a motion that increases taxes rather than actually decreasing taxes as the government is trying to do. We have talked about a reduction in the GST and that party laughs at us. It is $5.2 billion in the pockets of everyday Canadians. That is the way that the government makes the standard of living for Canadians better.

My question for the hon. member is with regard to some of the biodiesel and ethanol strategies that the government is actually putting forward. We listened for years on how the former government would do things, the approaches it would take, and the promises that were made. The previous government never came through on any of its promises.

In the first 100 days of government the Conservative government has already moved forward on a national strategy to lower taxes. This is what I think the member should be supporting. This is what I think his party should be addressing.

[Agriculture, May 9th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, farmers are hard-working people who, by the very nature of their profession, need to plan ahead.

As farmers plan for the future today, they have more reason for optimism than they have had for a very long time.

The security of our farm families is a concern of the government. We are acting to respond to the challenges of today while we work to ensure long term stability.

We are moving forward to replace CAIS with a program that separates disaster relief from income stabilization, but in the meantime we are making the program simpler and more responsive to the needs of our farmers.

In the budget we tripled our original commitment and are investing an additional $1.5 billion in our agriculture producers this year.

The government is working with our producers to build a road map of our agricultural future to help provide the security that our farm families deserve.

The planning and hard work of the government gives our farmers plenty of reasons to be encouraged.

[Norad, May 3rd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, as the member for Westlock—St. Paul I am honoured to represent the men and women of 4 Wing Cold Lake, as well as part of the base at 1st Battalion PPCLI. Anyone who takes the time to sit down with these men and women will understand the importance this agreement has not only on them but on all Canadians.

I have a comment on the hon. member's tirade and I take exception to many of the things he said, but one in particular. He talked about the Prime Minister appointing as cabinet minister our Minister of National Defence. This is a man who has worked tirelessly for the people of Canada for over 20 years, dedicating his life to them. Finally we have someone in that position who has real experience in the military.

I would like to ask the hon. member a question. I sat here tonight and listened to many of his colleagues, including the defence critic give his position on the agreement. I also heard some of his other colleagues give opposing opinions. Does this member support the agreement?

[Liberal Party of Canada, April 27th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, as this is my first opportunity to rise in the House, I want to thank my constituents of Westlock--St. Paul for the mandate they have given me to represent them. They sent me here to work for them and to make Parliament work but the Liberals just do not get it. Instead of respecting the will of Canadians, they continue to threaten to bring down the government. Their threats and irresponsible sabre-rattling show they still put their own party interests above the interests of everyday Canadians.

The message from Canadians in the last election was very clear. They voted for change. They are tired of Liberal broken promises. The people of Canada want to see action on issues that are important to them. They want government cleaned up. They want the GST reduced. They want accessible health care and safer streets. They want choice in child care.

They do not want Liberal games jeopardizing their priorities.