House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 47% of the vote.
Sealing Industry March 4th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, the seal hunt has helped to support rural coastal communities in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and the north for centuries.
Sealers put their lives on their line each time they step on the ice. I presented Bill C-555 in order to put in place better protections for all those involved in the seal hunt.
Would the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans please tell the House our government's position on this bill?
Marine Mammal Regulations November 27th, 2013
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-555, An Act respecting the Marine Mammal Regulations (seal fishery observation licence).
Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a private member's bill, an act respecting the Marine Mammal Regulations on seal fishery observation licences.
I want to thank the member for Yukon for seconding the bill. He has a real interest in this topic and definitely supports the seal hunt. The bill requires the Governor in Council to amend the Marine Mammal Regulations to increase the distance that a person must maintain from another person who is fishing for seals, except those with a legitimate observation licence.
The bill is important because it concerns the safety of everyone involved in the seal hunt, including licensed observers.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
World Junior A Hockey Challenge November 5th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the World Junior A Hockey Challenge is under way in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, which is in the great riding of West Nova. The event takes place from November 4 to November 10.
Yarmouth has the unique distinction of being the first town to host this tournament more than once. It is a great honour for everyone involved.
The tournament attracts thousands of visitors and will showcase some of the world's top young players from the United States, Russia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and, of course, Canada.
Though the finals will be in Yarmouth, games will take place in communities throughout southwestern Nova Scotia. It is a great opportunity for the area.
I congratulate the volunteers, surrounding communities, and the town of Yarmouth, which has won the right to host this event once again.
I wish the best of luck to our athletes, and again, congratulations to everyone involved.
Committees of the House June 4th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, entitled "Depleted Uranium and Canadian Veterans".
Committees of the House December 11th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs in relation to its review of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board, VRAB, activities.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109 of the House of Commons the committee requests the government table a comprehensive response to this report.
Halifax Harbour December 6th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, today marks 95 years since the Halifax explosion. On this day in 1917, two ships, the Imo and the Mont Blanc, loaded with explosives for the war effort, collided in Halifax Harbour causing the largest man-made explosion until the atomic bomb.
The explosion levelled the surrounding area. Shock waves were felt on Prince Edward Island. The blast was so powerful that it created a tsunami and sent the anchor of the Mont Blanc 3.2 kilometres inland. The devastation left nearly 2,000 people dead and 9,000 injured.
Despite the tragic destruction and during a major blizzard, a rescue effort resulted that was nothing short of heroic. For example, Boston sent a rescue train immediately with supplies and medical aid. To this day, Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to the city of Boston to commemorate the help it provided.
Let us never forget the impact of this disaster and the compassion of our fellow man.
Committees of the House November 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs in relation to Supplementary Estimates (B), 2012-13.
Committees of the House May 17th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs in relation to its review of the delivery of front line health and well-being services for Canadian veterans.
Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity Act May 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, we are just wrapping up a committee review of the dozens of changes that have taken place in the delivery of service and our response to the needs of veterans. As our former minister, Greg Thompson, used to say, we can never do enough.
I think all members of the House understand that the initiatives are incredibly important for our veterans down the road, and I feel the same about the initiatives in the budget right across the country. As a rural member, I am in tune with the impacts of a budget and the overall impact is one of positive long-term growth, which we should be proud of.
Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity Act May 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I would not have gone back into history but since the member mentioned it I remember our days together in Nova Scotia. What I do know is that the member was quite prepared to take on companies and government and yet it was okay for neighbours to use that same spray on their lawns. Their neighbours and kids and so on did not matter because taking on government was far more fun.
The fact is that we are moving toward efficiency. We are absolutely committed to environmental control, environmental regulatory protection and the right penalty process. Those people who cause problems should be held accountable.
However, to delay a process is not progress, does not help Canadians and certainly does not help the environment.