House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 39% of the vote.
Petitions April 2nd, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour today to present a petition from constituents in my riding of Cambridge.
The petitioners call upon Parliament to enact legislation that would recognize unborn children as separate victims when they are injured or killed during the commission of an offence against a pregnant woman.
Space Industry April 1st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, Canadian astronauts inspire Canadian youth to reach for their dreams and become our next generation of space explorers. Canadians are proud and inspired when they see our astronauts in space participating in the creation of the world's most unique science laboratory, the international space station.
With each flight of the space shuttle and launch of the Soyuz spacecraft, the world comes even closer to completing this spectacular project.
Can the Minister of Industry tell us what the government is doing to ensure Canada remains a leader in the space industry?
Petitions March 31st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I have yet another petition calling on Parliament to pay attention to Canadian Pacific Railway's intent to put in a bargain basement rail yard.
The petitioners are concerned about protecting the Nith River from spills and leaks and other contaminants known to be related to the railroad industry. As well, they are concerned about the lengthy idling of engines that pollute our atmosphere.
There now amounts to about 3,000 petitioner signatures asking that the government pay attention to this despicable situation.
Afghanistan March 11th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I think we are going to continue doing exactly what we are doing: providing hope to the Afghan people and rebuilding roads so they can get proper crops to proper markets.
I thank the hon. member for his support of our budget the other night and his support and confidence in this government, but I will say that one thing we are not going to do is take the member's advice and go and negotiate with the Taliban, which actually can never be trusted.
Afghanistan March 11th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has asked a very intelligent and in depth question. The fact remains that we are very fortunate in Canada. We sometimes take for granted the freedoms that we have, but freedom is not free. Freedom does not come by way of a gift.
In many countries around the world, there are evil folks who want to take away these kinds of rights. They are obsessed with oppressing people. The best way to oppress a nation is to withhold some of the basic services, including food, to destroy the roads and telephone system so that there is no communication, and to make sure that people are not educated, for heaven's sake, so that they do not get to the point where they understand that life could be better.
We have a nation that was built on the backs of brave men and women. We are so fortunate in Canada to be able to go to school, to watch television when we want to, to make phone calls to whomever we want, and to come and go as we please. This is not the case in Afghanistan.
Young women in Afghanistan can have their fingers cut off for wearing nail polish. I heard a story about a young man who chose to go to university here in Canada and was killed by the Taliban because of his desire for education. That oppression against human rights is what that we are fighting to eliminate. We want to provide the Afghan people with some semblance of freedom so they can enjoy what we enjoy and move forward in making the entire world a more peaceful place.
Afghanistan March 11th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on this very important motion on behalf of the great people of Cambridge and North Dumfries. It is a motion that represents an effort to achieve a bipartisan consensus in this House on the future of the mission in Afghanistan.
There is no doubt that our presence in Afghanistan is not only an obligation but it is our duty as part of an international effort requested by the democratically elected government of Afghanistan.
Alongside our international partners and as part of a UN mandated and NATO-led mission, we are doing our part to create a safer environment, an environment where development and reconstruction can take place. Through our efforts, we can help Afghans build the foundations for stability and lasting peace.
This motion supports a military presence in Kandahar beyond February 2009 into July 2011. This motion has been created in an effort to bridge the gap between the Conservative and the Liberal parties, the two key parties in this House. It represents leadership by the government in finding common ground that both sides can support.
By carefully examining the Liberal Party's position, our current government has been able to meet almost 95% of the opposition's concerns. In this willingness to negotiate and to work together, this motion has become a paramount achievement. It is not a Liberal or a Conservative motion. It is not a Liberal or a Conservative decision. It is a decision made by the vast majority of representatives elected by the Canadian people. It is a tough decision by courageous people.
This motion stipulates an end date and is conditional that NATO provide 1,000 extra troops and some additional equipment to support our troops in Afghanistan.
By extending the mission we are able to enhance our focus and build on our reconstruction efforts and training, both of which are completely necessary for the rebuilding of this war-torn nation.
In order to fully understand our presence in Afghanistan and appreciate the incredible work our troops are doing in this nation, it is important to understand the reasons why we are there in the first place.
I am not simply referring to our international obligations that I previously spoke of, but I am referring to the countless benefits that the Afghan society will inherit due to our participation.
By continuing our mission we assist in helping Afghanistan with its infrastructure, community development, economy, and the health and educational sectors so needed by these citizens yet denied by the Taliban.
Furthermore, we will and have already assisted in the establishment of elections, its democratic legislature, the justice system, the Afghan national police, the country's freedom of expression, gender equality, human rights, the right to simply be educated, and to dream and feel safe at night.
Lastly, we must assist in the most important factor of all, one that is necessary for any nation's development, and that is security.
By continuing our efforts in Afghanistan, we are able to help train the Afghan national army and assist in landmine clearance and disarmament programs.
Our efforts in these three key areas of development, governance and security are guided by the Afghanistan Compact, which is a five year blueprint for coordinating the work of the Afghan government and employs 60 international partners in doing so.
We are making important investments in the future of that country. Our commitments are already delivering remarkable results. We support projects that strengthen democratic development and assist in building public institutions. Reliable community-based policing systems, building the capacity of the judicial system, and a corrections system that meets international standards are key components to rebuilding the legitimacy of the Afghan government.
Our troops are relying on us to continue making this effort a reality, but what is more, the Afghan people are relying on the international community to help rebuild both their lives and their country. Because of our efforts, more than six million children are now in school, one-third of them girls. That compares to only 700,000 and only male children in 2001.
As we know, education is the essential component of a successful future for any nation. Canada directly supports 4,000 community based schools and the training of 9,000 teachers. This progress is invaluable, it is undeniable, and it is historically Canadian.
Because of our assistance, the country's per capita income doubled between 2004 and 2007.
Canada remains the top microfinance program donor, allowing over 418,000 people to access small loans and savings in 23 provinces, including Kandahar. Microfinancing is essential for people to access funds to create new businesses, from grocery stores to hairdressing salons and so on.
We are not just saving lives in Afghanistan. We are literally creating livelihoods for those people every day.
Through our national solidarity program, more than 19,000 community development councils have been established. More than 33,000 local infrastructure projects have been approved nationwide. Almost 6,000 kilometres of roads are being built or rebuilt. Our financial and physical assistance is tying the provinces of Afghanistan together, which will create a stronger society and economy going forward.
In harmony with rebuilding education and infrastructure, Canada is rebuilding the health of this new nation.
In 2004, 91% of Afghans did not have any medical care. Today, through our support, 83% have access to medical facilities and personal care. Infant mortality is down by 22% and 4,000 new medical facilities have opened. This is remarkable. As well, tuberculosis is on a rapid decline. We are winning on all fronts.
However, the improvements do not stop there. Along with developing stronger, healthier environments for civilians, Canada has assisted and continues to assist in the rebuilding of governing bodies.
Because of funding from countries such as Canada, more than 10 million Afghans are now registered to vote in free and fair elections. Thirty parliamentary commissions have been established. Three hundred members of parliament have been trained. Prosecutors, public defenders and over 200 judges have been trained to increase their knowledge of law, order and procedure.
Along with stabilizing the courts, Canada has assisted in the training of civilian police, military police and national police.
We are currently directly supporting the coordination and mentoring of training of soldiers in the Afghan national training centre in Kabul. Over 35,000 graduates have come out of that centre and have assisted in the disarming of former combatants to the tune of 85,000 light weapons and 16,000 heavy weapons. These weapons can no longer be used to create harm.
Judging from our recent work, Canada has been a paramount and positive force within the country of Afghanistan, and we must continue.
In my final seconds, I want to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who have served our country in the armed forces, many from my own riding, and to their families. I want to thank all the soldiers who have ensured that the people of Afghanistan will enjoy the same freedoms that we enjoy as Canadians.
Afghanistan March 11th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I disagree with the NDP's position and that of the Bloc, which is that we should just pull out of Afghanistan.
Given that the NDP speaks in this House about women's rights and human rights, would the member comment on what a number of experts are saying would happen if we were to pull out of Afghanistan now? They are saying that the women who are now educated, many of whom are actually in the legislature helping to develop a future for their nation, would likely be beheaded and slaughtered. I wonder how he deals with that fact, given the NDP's claim, at least, to want to protect human rights.
Business of Supply March 5th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I am quite thrilled by the arts. My riding of Cambridge has a new theatre that will bring $80 million in spinoffs to the riding, create jobs and bring in great Canadian productions. We are waiting for the province of Ontario to kick in its share.
Even though the federal government contributed some money to that project, none of these productions will contain offensive material. They will not be like some of the things we have seen in the past, which were sponsored by the Liberal Party, movies like Bubbles Galore and Penis Dementia: the Perfect Penis. These kinds of movies are offensive to some people in my riding and they do not want their tax dollars to be spent in that fashion.
This initiative was started by the Liberal Party many years ago and was supported by all parties, including that member's party. What is the flip-flop here?
The Budget March 3rd, 2008
Also, I hear the Liberals say that these were their ideas. I totally disagree with that. Could the member tell me, if these were the Liberals' ideas--we know they were not, but if they were--why did they not get it done?
The Budget March 3rd, 2008
Very briefly, Mr. Speaker, I have to tell the hon. member that I completely agree with him in his assessment of Ontario. Ontario is my province and I am quite scared by what is going on in the provincial government of Ontario, which is destined to force this once great province into becoming a have not province.
I do remember that in the last budget the federal government gave the premier of Ontario some $95 million for child care spaces. The premier of Ontario chose to pass on only $25 million of that money. I would appreciate a comment on that lack of accountability on the part of the premier of Ontario.