House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2019, with 50% of the vote.
Question No. 43 January 27th, 2003
I am informed that no ministers of the Crown, secretaries of state, officials and departments have made any representations regarding the vacant property called Moffat Farms owned by the National Capital Commission and the land commonly called Montfort Woods owned by DRC Phoenix Corporation.
Question No. 41 January 27th, 2003
I am informed as follows:
FINANCE CANADA
The Department of Finance is not aware of any study related to the sale of tobacco products conducted by the federal government and the Nova Scotia government in 2000. We are therefore unable to provide a response.
HEALTH CANADA
The Government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia did not undertake any study; however, available data from other sources indicates that total sale of tobacco in Nova Scotia for 2000 were 1,445,817,550 cigarettes. Health Canada does not have sales data in terms of dollars for 2000.
STATISTICS CANADA
Statistics Canada is not aware of a specific study conducted by the federal government and Nova Scotia government in 2000 with regard to the total sales of cigarettes and tobacco in Nova Scotia. However, Statistics Canada does publish estimates of personal expenditure on tobacco products for Nova Scotia as part of its provincial economic accounts program. The estimates (including all taxes) from 1998 forward are as follows:
1998: $346.8 million
1999: $344.5 million
2000: $348.6 million
2001: $375.1 million
Questions on the Order Paper January 27th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the following questions will be answered today: Nos. 41 to 44 inclusive, Nos. 49 to 57 inclusive, Nos. 73, 75, 76, 78 to 80 inclusive, Nos. 84, 87 to 89 inclusive, Nos. 92, 95 and 99.
Questions on the Order Paper December 13th, 2002
Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a merry Christmas and happy new year, and I request that all questions be allowed to stand.
Petitions December 13th, 2002
Madam Speaker, the second petition is on behalf of the member for Oak Ridges with signatures from people in his riding. The petitioners call upon Parliament to focus its legislative support on adult stem cell research to find the cures and therapies necessary to treat the illnesses and diseases of suffering Canadians.
Petitions December 13th, 2002
Madam Speaker, I have the pleasure to present two petitions on behalf of colleagues. The first one is on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. The petition is signed by residents of the riding of West Nova, in the Weymouth and Weaver Settlement areas. They call upon Parliament to protect our children by taking all necessary steps to ensure that all materials which promote or glorify pedophilia or sado-masochistic activities involving children are outlawed.
Government Response to Petitions December 13th, 2002
Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the government's responses to three petitions.
Employment Insurance Act December 12th, 2002
Madam Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that the government has a grave interest in justice and in seeing justice done in all matters.
As I indicated, the Solicitor General has reviewed the concerns in this case and he has provided his own sincere regrets to the victim's family and friends.
The RCMP is proceeding with a criminal investigation. Under these conditions, it would be inappropriate to comment on the case any further. The intergovernmental nature of the case underscores the need for open communication and dialogue between partner organizations in international law enforcement.
To this end, the RCMP has been in communication with the Chinese consulate in Vancouver using appropriate channels to inform the victim's family in Canada.
The RCMP believes in open communication and cooperation between partners at all levels, both nationally and internationally.
The RCMP continues to investigate and gather evidence regarding any additional or subsequent charges in this matter. The RCMP will also liaise with and request assistance as deemed appropriate from Canadian justice officials as well as Chinese officials.
Employment Insurance Act December 12th, 2002
Madam Speaker, first, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the victim in this case for their loss under such very tragic circumstances. My hon. colleague referred to the tragedy that this is and I agree with him wholeheartedly.
I believe the RCMP is in contact with the Chinese consulate regarding its investigation. The RCMP is pursuing this investigation and gathering evidence related to any further charges in this case.
In addition, the RCMP will remain in contact with representatives from the departments of justice in Canada and China, and will call on them for assistance if it deems it appropriate.
As the House knows, the RCMP has arrested one individual in this matter and as this is before the courts it would be inappropriate for me to comment further. In addition, of course, the RCMP is continuing to conduct a criminal investigation into this matter and, as such, again it would be inappropriate for me to comment.
In response to public concerns regarding the handling of phone calls related to the victim's disappearance, this matter has been the subject of an internal review by the RCMP. The results of that review were made public and the RCMP has undertaken action to address the issues of timeliness.
The RCMP in E Division are continuing to keep the public informed of developments where appropriate and have asked the public's help in providing any information via the tip line. Since this matter falls under the responsibility of the solicitor general of British Columbia, any further questions should be directed to his office.
Canadian Forces December 12th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the sacrifices members of our Canadian Forces and their families make for us, especially at this time of year.
While most of us are gathering with our families for Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan or other celebrations, our military personnel serving overseas will be far away from their families back home.
The special challenges to family life for our service people should not be overlooked. As much as we appreciate our troops, we also are thankful for the support of those they leave at home.
On behalf of my constituents and, I am sure, on behalf of all members of the House and all Canadians, I want to wish our Canadian Forces members and their families all the best of the holiday season and a Happy New Year.