Gary Schellenberger

[Arthur Meighen, February 16th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, today I am honoured to pay tribute to Canada's ninth prime minister, the Right Hon. Arthur Meighen.

Born after Confederation in the village of Anderson, near St. Marys, Ontario, Arthur Meighen would go on to serve our country on two separate occasions as prime minister.

During his political career, Meighen served as solicitor general, minister of the interior and secretary of state of Canada. While he spent 10 years in the Senate, it was in this very chamber that Mr. Meighen, representing a riding in Manitoba, distinguished himself as the greatest orator of his generation.

Today, 51 years after his death, Prime Minister Meighen's portrait will be officially unveiled.

Perth—Wellington is proud to have Arthur Meighen as its son. I know all hon. members will join me in paying tribute to this great Canadian.

[Protection of Insignia of Military Orders, Decorations and Medals Act, November 26th, 2010]

moved that the bill be concurred in.

[Committees of the House, October 25th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs in relation to Bill C-473, An Act to protect insignia of military orders, decorations and medals of cultural significance for future generations.

The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.

[Stratford Shakespeare Festival, October 18th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues of a wonderful event that took place on October 4. “Shakespeare on the Hill” gave the Stratford Shakespeare Festival from my riding of Perth—Wellington the opportunity to share its musical and theatrical gifts with the members of the House.

“Shakespeare on the Hill” included performances of songs from West Side Story by actors Chilina Kennedy and Paul Nolan and a special preview from Chilina of next year's production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival came to Ottawa to thank our government for its investment of $6 million over the past two years through the marquee tourism events program. These funds boosted the theatre's advertising budget and allowed it to increase its promotional activities in the United States. The marketing campaign was successful and resulted in an increase in U.S. ticket sales, which stimulated our economy and helped the festival weather the storm of the recession.

I hope every member of the House will come to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival next summer.

[National Defence, September 22nd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, our government's investment in the F-35 is a win-win for the Canadian Forces and the Canadian economy. In fact, Canadian companies are already benefiting from this vital project, and these early benefits are only the beginning.

Can the Minister of National Defence please tell the House the importance of this investment, not just to the Canadian aerospace industry but to the entire Canadian economy?

[Petitions, June 17th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have before me a petition from many agriculture farmers and agri-business people in my riding. Food production in Ontario is threatened by factors beyond the control of its farmers. Federal and provincial programs designed to manage risk and stabilize income for farmers are no longer working favourably for the majority of producers and need to be repaired.

Therefore, my petitioners respectfully request that the House of Commons immediately move to amend the terms of qualification for the agristability program as proposed by the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition.

[Committees of the House, June 17th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage in relation to the emerging and digital media opportunities and challenges.

[Fairness for Military Families (Employment Insurance) Act, May 6th, 2010]

Madam Speaker, I would like to have one thing explained to me. When a veteran has paid into employment insurance all the time he has been employed, and when retires and receives his pension, should he still get employment insurance?

For many years, I paid into employment insurance. I was very fortunate because I never had to collect it. However, when I went into small business, I did not receive anything.

Why should the military be any different?

[Committees of the House, May 3rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage entitled “Courage and Determination”.

[Volunteerism, April 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, this week is National Volunteer Week, a time to thank volunteers all across Canada for giving their time to make Canada a better place. Over 12 million Canadians give over two billion hours of their time each year for a variety of causes and activities.

Could the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development please inform the House what our Conservative government is doing to recognize and encourage volunteering?