House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 48% of the vote.
National Defence May 3rd, 2017
Mr. Speaker, there was no answer as usual.
The minister falsely and deliberately took credit for a major military offensive when the credit belonged to others. His apologies ring hollow, especially when he keeps insisting that the whole tawdry affair was just a mistake. This was no mistake. The minister made the choice to be dishonest with Canadians and he made a choice to repeat his false claim.
Will he now make the choice to do the honourable thing and resign?
National Defence May 3rd, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of National Defence says his claim to be the architect of Operation Medusa was a “mistake“. Nothing could be further from the truth. The minister was deliberately untruthful and repeated his claims on more than one occasion. His falsehood was designed to promote his political fortunes. His actions have brought disgrace upon himself and angered the very people he serves. Will he now do the right thing and resign?
Questions Passed as Orders for Returns May 1st, 2017
With regard to federal spending within the electoral district of Mission Matsqui Fraser Canyon during the fiscal year 2016-2017: what is the list of grants, loans, contributions and contracts awarded by the government, broken down by (i) department and agency, (ii) municipality, (iii) name of recipient, (iv) amount received, (v) program under which the spending was made, (vi) date?
Questions Passed as Orders for Returns May 1st, 2017
With regard to federal spending within the electoral district of Abbotsford during the fiscal year 2016-2017: what is the list of grants, loans, contributions and contracts awarded by the government, broken down by (i) department and agency, (ii) municipality, (iii) name of recipient, (iv) amount received, (v) program under which the spending was made , (vi) date?
George Ferguson April 5th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, On March 7, Abbotsford lost a servant leader. Legendary former mayor George Ferguson died at the full age of 91.
George grew up in Abbotsford and began his political career in 1969 as alderman. He was soon elected mayor of the district of Abbotsford, where he served for over 33 years. Over that time, George presided over the merger of the districts of Abbotsford and Matsqui and served as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Union of BC Municipalities.
For many of us, George was a mentor and an inspiration to make public life our calling. He never failed to remind us that we are each called to be a servant of the people. Predeceased by his first wife Betty, George leaves behind 11 children, a host of grand- and great-grandchildren, his beloved wife Ria, and many friends.
He leaves a big hole in our community, but his legacy of servant leadership will never be forgotten. George, well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Taxation March 7th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal environment record is a train wreck. We only have to look at Ontario, where Kathleen Wynne's skyrocketing electricity rates are bankrupting hard-working Canadians. The Prime Minister's reckless carbon tax plan follows the same blueprint. In the words of the irrepressible Rex Murphy, the green dream has been a disaster for Ontario. The last thing Canadians need is even higher energy costs. When will the Liberals finally come clean, release their carbon tax report, and let Canadians judge for themselves?
Taxation March 7th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, it really is good to be back. I had assumed that during my absence, the Liberals would finally come clean on the actual cost of their massive new carbon tax. Day after day, I watched the minister give evasive and non-transparent answers to simple questions. Clearly, the minister has something to hide and is afraid to tell us how badly the carbon tax will hurt.
To the Prime Minister, why the cover-up, and when will he finally release the unredacted report outlining the harm this tax will inflict on Canadians?
Liberal Party of Canada March 7th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, it is so good to be back in the House with my parliamentary family. I thank my colleagues for their kind words and prayers. They were very much appreciated.
Alas, upon my return, I find that the ship of state has run aground on a massive iceberg of deficits and broken promises. Listing to the left, the good ship Sunny Ways is awash in a sea of red ink and carbon taxes. Casting about for someone to blame, the captain has thrown his hapless first mate for democratic reform overboard. Two other shipmates have been dispatched on the diplomatic lifeboats, the McCallum and Dion. Diving for the last lifeboat, the captain realizes he does not have the cash for access and was last seen elbowing his way to the front of the line. This is a disaster of Titanic proportions. As the panicked caucus orchestra plays, and the good ship Sunny Ways slowly sinks under the sea, I can hear the captain singing, My Heart Will Go On.
It is so good to be back in the House.
National Defence December 7th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are bungling the replacement of Canada's search and rescue aircraft.
Cascade Aerospace, one of Abbotsford's largest employers, has proposed saving the taxpayers $1.5 billion by completely modernizing the current fleet of Hercules aircraft. It now appears the Liberals have refused to consider that proposal. This decision will kill hundreds of jobs in Abbotsford and will cost Canadian taxpayers dearly.
Why will the defence minister not stand up for B.C. jobs and protect Canadian taxpayers?
Letisha Reimer November 24th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, on November 1, Abbotsford lost a precious teenage life to a senseless act of violence.
Our entire community is grieving the loss of Letisha Reimer. “Letisha was a phenomenal person, and we just love her,” said Mike Olynyk, student ministries pastor at South Abbotsford Church. Mike went on to say, “We miss her, and she will forever be in our hearts, because of how she connected each of us to her and to each other.” The outpouring of love and compassion has been overwhelming.
A community campaign called “Abby Strong” is now raising funds for the families of Letisha and her 14-year-old best friend, who was badly injured. The words “Abby Strong” have been emblazoned on shirts bearing the colours of Abbotsford Senior Secondary School.
I encourage Canadians to visit the Abby Strong Facebook page to see how they too can support these two broken-hearted families.
On behalf of all of us in the House, we send our love and prayers to the families and friends of these two girls. We are, and forever will be, Abby Strong.