Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 34th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs in relation to supplementary estimates (B) 2012-13 under Parliament.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 58% of the vote.
Committees of the House December 6th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 34th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs in relation to supplementary estimates (B) 2012-13 under Parliament.
HMCS Ojibwa December 4th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, the HMCS Ojibwa has landed on Canada's south shore. The Cold War era submarine made the trip from Halifax to the Hamilton Harbour and was readied for the final leg of its journey through the Welland Canal to Port Burwell, Ontario.
Ian Raven and the late Alan Montgomery, from the Elgin Military Museum, shared with all who would listen the benefits of undertaking this Canadian naval history project. Retired Rear Admiral Dan McNeil helped manage the overall vision of the project, and they, along with thousands of others, have made this dream a reality. The municipality of Bayham, led by Mayor Ens, put the support in place to make this possible. Thank you to the Minister of National Defence for the donation of the Ojibwa to the museum.
Port Burwell is proud of its marine and maritime history and is looking forward to having people visit. A tour of the HMCS Ojibwa will become a southwestern Ontario tradition for decades to come. Thanks to all who have made Project Ojibwa and this Canadian naval museum a reality.
Committees of the House November 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 23rd report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.
The committee advises that pursuant to Standing Order 91.1(2), the subcommittee on private members' business met to consider the items added to the order of precedence as a result of a replenishment of Wednesday, November 7, 2012, and recommended that the items listed herein, which have been determined, should not be designated non-votable be considered by the House.
Algoma University November 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, this September Algoma University in St. Thomas, Ontario, welcomed its inaugural class. As the city's first university, Algoma offers a wealth of opportunity for residents of St. Thomas and the surrounding area.
Fittingly, the university has taken up residence in the old Wellington Street Public School, a heritage building where students have studied for over a century. Currently students have the opportunity to complete up to two years of an undergraduate degree. Courses are offered one at a time in three-week blocks allowing students to fully immerse themselves in course material.
Six years of planning went into this project and would not have been possible without the president of Algoma University, Dr. Richard Myers, the City of St. Thomas and Andrew Gunn, the executor of the Dorothy Palmer estate.
I would like to offer Algoma University a very warm welcome to St. Thomas. I look forward to watching it grow with our community.
Committees of the House November 28th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Orders 104 and 114, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 32nd report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of committees of the House and I would like to move concurrence at this time.
First Nations Financial Transparency Act November 23rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you see the clock at 1:30 p.m.
Ethics November 22nd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, yesterday Londoners and Canadians learned that the RCMP has charged Liberal insider, Joe Fontana with breach of trust by a public officer, fraud and uttering forged documents. He was charged after it was revealed he allegedly stole taxpayers' money from the House to pay for his son's wedding.
For several weeks, government members have called for Liberal members to condemn this theft, but Liberals have refused to do so and continue to protect their friend.
Can the parliamentary secretary update the House on our government's commitment to respect taxpayers' dollars?
Committees of the House November 6th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 31st report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.
The committee advises that, pursuant to Standing Order 91.1(2), the Subcommittee on Private Members' Business met to consider the order for the second reading of a private member's bill originating in the Senate and recommends that the item listed herein, which has been determined should not be designated non-votable, be considered by the House.
Restaurant Industry October 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, there is an industry in Canada that boasts over $65 billion in sales and that employs more than one million employees. Yes, Mr. Speaker, that is one million employees.
As the fourth-largest employer in Canada, with more than 80,000 locations, the restaurant industry is one of the three top job creators in our country. The over 18 million restaurant visits happening each day in Canada amount to more than $6.5 billion a year.
The restaurant industry is a contributor to the social and economic fabric of Canadian communities, and it donates over $277 million in charitable contributions each year. As a 40-year-plus restaurateur myself, I am proud to share the success story of this industry.
It is the first employer of many of our youth, the trendsetter for customer services and the sponsor of many youth sports teams. It is all this and great food and fun too.
Aquaculture Industry October 17th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, something fishy is happening in Middlesex County. Last week I was delighted to attend the grand opening of Sand Plains Aquaculture in Mossley, Ontario.
In the middle of southern Ontario farmland, miles from any body of water, this former mushroom compost facility has been converted into a state-of-the-art fish farm.
Owned and operated by the McLaughlin brothers, Sand Plains Aquaculture uses innovative technology to raise and market fresh fish. The plant will supply tilapia for the Toronto market, which currently imports exclusively from the United States, and is a great example of a locally owned business serving local markets. At its peak operating capacity, the project will create up to 30 new jobs for our community, with an opportunity for expansion.
Development like this is key to regional diversification and economic prosperity. I look forward to watching Sand Plains Aquaculture grow and thrive in our community. I wish them all the best in this exciting endeavour.