Gary Schellenberger

[Volunteerism, December 4th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to pay tribute to the countless volunteers and community organizations in Perth—Wellington who are working to make Christmas a little brighter for local families.

In Stratford, the Kiwanis Christmas basket fund will once again provide families in need with all the trimmings for a full Christmas dinner. Organizations like the Stratford House of Blessing are particularly busy at this time of year, as they ensure that families have clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads. In the town of Mitchell, volunteers are busy gathering toys and gifts as part of the Angel Tree program so that young children will have a gift under the tree on Christmas morning.

In the food banks in communities across Wellington and Perth counties, donations are needed now more than ever to keep the cupboards stocked. We are blessed to live in such a wonderful country. I hope that those Canadians who are able to will look for opportunities to give generously to make Christmas special in their communities.

[Canadian Farmers, October 17th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, Canadians gathered to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Today I rise to thank those who put the turkeys on our tables: Canadian farmers.

Farmers not only feed cities, they drive the Canadian economy.

Our government understands the importance of the agriculture sector for the Canadian economy. That is why we will continue to make agriculture a key priority, especially in parts of the country like my riding of Perth—Wellington where so many are employed in the agricultural sector. We are helping farmers by developing markets overseas to promote Canadian food and agricultural exports and to strengthen our agriculture sector.

Growing up in a rural community has given me a strong appreciation for the work farmers do. I know hon. members will join with me in offering Canadian farmers the thanks they well deserve.

[Petitions, September 18th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I have one petition to demonstrate the international responsibility by recommitting Canada to contribute 0.7% of GDP to overseas development assistance.

[Petitions, September 18th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to present three petitions signed by constituents in my riding in support of Motion No. 312.

[D-Day, June 5th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, June 6, will mark the 68th anniversary of D-Day when nearly 25,000 Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen stormed Juno Beach in Normandy and helped to turn the tide of the Second World War.

Our troops would pay a brutal cost to begin the liberation of Europe, with 5,400 Canadian graves in Normandy, the highest in the British army group.

I am very proud to have several D-Day veterans in my riding of Perth—Wellington, men like Chief Warrant Officer Art Boon and Battery Sergeant Major Stuart Jeffra, who landed with the 19th Field Regiment, as well as Chief Warrant Officer Bill Broughton and Corporal Ray Huras, who landed with the Highland Light Infantry.

Canada has always been a peaceful nation, but our warriors have always brought an equal measure of determination and courage to battle when peace or freedom is at stake.

I know hon. members will join with all Canadians in recognizing our D-Day veterans.

[Foreign Affairs, May 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Canada's horror at this weekend's attacks in the Syrian town of Houla in which nearly three dozen children under the age of 10 were viciously killed. Media reports today suggest that these killings were executions.

Despite repeated calls for peace, Assad's reprehensible campaign of savage violence continues unabated.

Would the Minister of Foreign Affairs please tell the House the most recent actions taken by the Canadian government in response to the violence in Syria?

[Petitions, May 18th, 2012]

Madam Speaker, I have two petitions.

Canada is the only nation in the western world and in the company of China and North Korea without any laws restricting abortion. Therefore, the petitioners call upon the House of Commons and Parliament assembled to speedily enact legislation that restricts abortion to the greatest extent possible.

[Petitions, May 18th, 2012]

Madam Speaker, I have two petitions on Bill C-233, an act to eliminate poverty in Canada. The petitioners call on Parliament to ensure swift passage of Bill C-233, an act to eliminate poverty in Canada.

[Petitions, May 18th, 2012]

Madam Speaker, I have four petitions from my constituents.

Canada's 400-year-old definition of human beings says a child does not become a human being until the moment of complete birth, contrary to 21st century medical evidence. Therefore, the petitioners call upon the House of Commons and Parliament assembled to confirm that every human being is recognized by Canadian law as human, by amending section 223 of the Criminal Code in such a way as to reflect 21st century medical evidence.

[National Volunteer Week, April 5th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, from April 15 to 21, Canadians will come together to celebrate National Volunteer Week.

I would like to thank the more than 13.3 million Canadians who contribute to the 2.1 billion hours of volunteer work completed in Canada each year.

Our government recognizes the considerable impact that volunteers alone can make within communities across Canada, each and every day. All Canadians can volunteer, all Canadians can make a difference.

Everyone has a the right and responsibility to be engaged. Our government knows that Canadians do not want to sit on the sidelines and wait for someone else to enact every change they want to see in their community.

I am pleased to have this opportunity today to thank volunteers across Canada for their selfless dedication and to encourage those who have not yet had the enriching experience of volunteer work to engage in this act, which is truly a reflection of our strong Canadian values.