House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2019, with 50% of the vote.
Emergency Workers November 3rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Reverend Lisa Vaughn and the Anglican Parish of St. Timothy and St. Paul in my riding to recognize the vital work of emergency workers in our communities.
On October 25 services were held in Terence Bay and Hatchet Lake marking Emergency Workers Appreciation Sunday.
I ask the House to join me in applauding all of Canada's firefighters, paramedics, RCMP officers, police officers generally, and community volunteers for their ongoing dedication.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his remarks. Obviously, I know he is a doctor. So I would like to ask him a question that one of my constituents sent me. Many people have told me they are confused because they have not really received good information from the government. Someone asked me this in English.
If pregnant women are urged to get the non-adjuvanted vaccine, why then should an infant over six months receive the adjuvanted form of vaccine?
Can my hon. colleague comment on that for my fellow Canadians?
Health October 30th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, what Canadians expect are serious and real answers.
The White family in Bedford have four small children under the age of three, including triplets. The mom is an elementary school teacher. They tried to get vaccinated but the lack of government planning made this impossible. After standing in line for three hours, they packed their hungry, tired, cold kids into the van and headed home without getting vaccinated.
Could the health minister tell Mr. and Mrs. White and parents like them how they are supposed to protect their kids from the risk of H1N1, and why the government has failed them?
Health October 30th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, what a disgrace that the Prime Minister did not take the H1N1 flu problem seriously in the spring, that he failed to ensure that the vaccine would be available on time, before the crisis, which was entirely foreseeable, and that he failed to provide a serious vaccination plan to protect Canadian families.
What does he have to say to the thousands of Canadians who could not be vaccinated, despite many hours in long lineups?
Nobel Prize in Physics October 6th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague from Halifax in honouring a Canadian who has done us all proud by winning this year's Nobel prize in physics. Willard S. Boyle, born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, will share the prize with two others for his groundbreaking achievements in developing the sensor that is widely used in digital cameras.
Although Mr. Boyle spent many years working in the U.S., he has deep roots in this country, starting in Nova Scotia and then moving to Quebec and Kingston, before making a name for himself at the Bell Labs in New Jersey. It was there that, among his many accomplishments, he and George E. Smith invented the sensor that is being honoured today.
After retiring in 1979, he returned home to Nova Scotia. Mr. Boyle is a great example of a Canadian contributing his unique talents to the world while remaining a proud and patriotic citizen of this country. Congratulations, Mr. Boyle.
Beechville Baptist Church September 28th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Beechville Baptist Church celebrated its 165th anniversary.
Since 1844 the church has been a vibrant presence in the community and in the lives of the many families it serves.
The anniversary services this weekend were a tremendous success and the feeling in the church yesterday was inspiring and uplifting. It was an honour and a privilege to take part in that celebration.
Pastor Clarence Armstrong Jr., anniversary committee chair Chris Downey, and dozens of other tireless volunteers deserve sincere thanks for organizing both services and for enriching their community through their work for the Beechville Baptist Church year after year.
Industry September 17th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, it was forced to intervene in the MacDonald Dettwiler case, but it is clear the government has absolutely no interest in promoting Canadian knowledge-based industries or protecting Canadian jobs.
The industry minister's decision regarding Nortel is disappointing and disturbing. It is the latest in a series of shortsighted decisions that are putting jobs at risk in the high tech sector, affecting the future of companies like Research in Motion.
Why will the Conservatives not do the right thing and stand up for the 600 proud RIM employees in my riding in Nova Scotia?
Purple Day Act June 19th, 2009
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-430, An Act respecting a day to increase public awareness about epilepsy.
Madam Speaker, allow me to thank my hon. colleague from Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca for seconding this bill. It is very appropriate to have a physician as the seconder as the bill deals with epilepsy.
On March 26, I was very pleased when so many members wore purple. I know the private member's bill I am introducing today will be received in that same spirit. This bill would declare March 26 Purple Day in recognition of epilepsy awareness.
Purple Day was founded in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan, who lives in my riding of Halifax West. Purple Day is a grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide.
As I noted, on March 26 of this year people from around the globe, including members of the House, wore purple to spread the word about epilepsy. Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide. That is more than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease combined. This bill would enshrine March 26 in law as the day each year when we Canadians would wear purple to raise awareness of epilepsy.
This bill would not be possible without the efforts of Cassidy. I know I speak for all members of the House when I thank her for her leadership and courage in the fight to raise epilepsy awareness. I look forward to the passage of this bill and the celebration of Purple Day in Canada.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Forestry Industry June 18th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, after months of ignoring the forestry sector, the government rolled out an inadequate package that has already been labelled a cruel joke on unemployed workers.
Will this package help all paper mills? No. Will it help lumber mills? No. Will it help the 55,000 laid-off forestry workers? No, and it will not help Fraser Papers, which filed for bankruptcy today.
Why is the government so callous when it comes to the thousands of families, hundreds of communities, and even whole provinces left out of this deal?
Youth Criminal Justice Act June 17th, 2009
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-424, An Act to amend the Youth Criminal Justice Act (protection of the public).
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague from Ottawa—Vanier for seconding this bill.
This bill strives to fully implement all the federal recommendations stemming from the Nunn commission in Nova Scotia. It is in response to the tragic death of a Nova Scotia teaching assistant, who was killed in 2004 in a car crash by a repeat young offender. It encompasses all of the Nunn recommendations, including those that were ignored by the Conservative government.
I should emphasize the work of Mr. Justice Nunn. I also want to thank Hugh Wright, the lawyer for the family of Theresa McEvoy, for his invaluable assistance with drafting my bill.
In meeting with Halifax's police chief and other law enforcement officials, and at town hall meetings I have held with residents of my riding, it is clear that the changes I am bringing forward are necessary. I am sure my colleagues from Nova Scotia have heard the same thing from their constituents.
A senseless stabbing in my riding just a few short weeks ago also reminded me that we have to do a better job of dealing with young offenders.
I look forward to the input from all sides of the House on this bill. I hope everyone in this place recognizes that the changes my bill proposes for the Youth Criminal Justice Act would help make our streets and neighbourhoods safe for everyone.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)