Cathy McLeod

[Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, May 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the health committee, I would like to reassure the hon. member opposite that we have had great, lengthy conversations regarding the privacy assessment and privacy issues. At the end of the day, we also know that the regulations will address some of the issues about which we need talk. There was consent, both by his party and ours, to move the bill forward.

This is very important legislation. Yes, the privacy issues need to be dealt with and I feel very sure that we will move forward in a proper and proactive way.

[Points of Order, April 30th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, after the very important words we just heard from the retiring member for Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley, it reminds us how important respect is in this House and how important it is to be vigilant about respect in this House.

Yesterday, the member for Newton—North Delta stood after question period and said, in response to comments I made,

The member should not tell lies. She should tell the truth.

There are countless rulings on the use of the word “lie” and accusing a member of lying, as well as rulings addressing the suggestion of a member telling the truth.

Mr. Speaker, while you stood and pointed out that the member's words were unparliamentary, the usual practices were not followed. On page 527 of the House of Commons Procedure and Practice it states:

...the Member will be requested to withdraw the unparliamentary word or phrase. The Member must rise in his or her place to retract the words unequivocally.

The member was not asked to do that. I would request that the member for Newton—North Delta withdraw the unparliamentary remarks he made about me yesterday and apologize to the House.

[Western Economic Diversification, April 28th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, while western Canadians are concerned that the Liberal leader said that he will raise taxes, the member for Newton—North Delta went one further and criticized our government for investing too much in the west.

This Conservative government will continue our investments in the west. In fact, British Columbia will take centre stage this summer from July 31 to August 9, attracting visitors from around the world and showcasing the talents of our first responders.

Could the minister of state tell this House how our Conservative government is investing in the west while supporting everyday heroes around the world?

[Business of Supply, April 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for so clearly sharing the importance of our trade relationships back and forth.

I would like to ask her this as someone who is responsible for a city on the border. We had heard earlier in the House that perhaps there are issues with how fast the passports are being processed, and so on.

Could the member share some knowledge she might have on whether this is actually a real issue?

[Business of Supply, April 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for clarifying some of the inaccuracies that were actually within the motion and within the opening speech, and for talking about a lot of the good co-operative work in relationship building that we were doing.

I would appreciate hearing a little more about the IBET and how it is a very good example of protecting national security and working co-operatively.

[Thompson Rivers University Scholarships, March 26th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an extraordinary gentleman from my riding, Mr. Alvin Grunert.

Mr. Grunert has generously donated $1.5 million to Thompson Rivers University, allowing for the creation of an endowed scholarship for the top students in each of the faculties.

It was Mr. Grunert's desire to carry out his wife's wishes, making post-secondary education a reality for those students who might not otherwise afford it. Lydia Grunert's legacy will add to the spectrum of opportunities provided by TRU. This unique university offers not only post-graduate degrees but also professional diplomas and apprenticeship training.

This remarkable donation is made even more special because it did not come from family wealth. Instead, Mr. and Mrs. Grunert worked tirelessly throughout their lives saving where they could and investing wisely. They believed that this act of altruism would be the best investment they ever made.

I ask all members of the House to pay tribute to these fine Canadians. They are a shining example of what our nation has to offer.

[Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, March 23rd, 2009]

Madam Speaker, when members work with a bill intimately, they certainly know all the different clauses. As someone who is responsible for a riding with many transnational highways running through it, I am wondering if the hon. member could clarify how this will impact the safety of the constituents in my riding.

[Business of Supply, March 10th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge that the forestry industry is struggling throughout Canada. Of course in British Columbia not only do we have issues with the downturn in the market, but we have incredible issues with the pine beetle problem.

Having said that, I note it has been with great appreciation that our community has received a lot of support from the federal government in terms of dealing with the pine beetle issue. We look forward to the opportunities in the budget and to making sure we leverage them to support our industry, such as extending markets in China. We have companies that have lots of ideas around innovation and the community adaptation fund.

Has the member opposite looked at what opportunities are available for him and his community within the budget, and would they not be helpful for him and this industry?

[Health, March 6th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this March is nutrition month. Nutrition in a balanced diet is a critical component to a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition aids in health promotion and illness prevention.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health share with the House what our Conservative government is doing to promote nutrition and healthy eating in Canada?

[Status of Women, March 3rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this week is International Women's Week, culminating in International Women's Day on March 8.

This government has a strong record on supporting women. The Prime Minister recently appointed the highest percentage of women to cabinet, as well as the first Minister of State solely dedicated to the Status of Women.

Could the Minister of State for the Status of Women please tell the House what she is doing this week to mark International Women's Week?