Larry Miller

[Wiarton Willy Festival, February 3rd, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, grab your swimsuit, grab your suntan lotion and get ready to go to the beach. Spring is coming early.

Yesterday I joined hundreds of people in the town of Wiarton, gathering around to see if Wiarton Willy would see his shadow. On Groundhog Day, the crowd waited with bated breath as Wiarton Willy, braving a fierce winter storm, came out of his den. Ultimately, he did not see his shadow, meaning spring is just around the corner.

Even Wiarton Willy's wannabe come lately cousins, Shubenacadie Sam and Punxsutawney Phil, waited for Willy's prediction before copycatting with their own predictions.

Now in its 55th year, the Wiarton Willy Festival attracts visitors from every corner of the globe, making it Bruce county's largest winter festival.

This tells us only one thing. Wiarton Willy, the only albino weather predictor in the world, is clearly the undisputed champion of weather forecasting. Not only is he Canada's most famous groundhog, but the most famous in the world.

Long hail Wiarton Willy. Spring is on its way.

[Business of Supply, December 9th, 2010]

The only good thing he ever did.

[Committees of the House, November 24th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the ninth report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food and the supplementary estimates (B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.

[Committees of the House, November 19th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, entitled “Young Farmers: The Future of Agriculture”.

I also have the honour to present, in both official languages, the eighth report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, in relation to producer cars.

[Multiple Sclerosis, November 19th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to talk about a number of brave women who have all taken a big step to try to improve their quality of life. These women all suffer from MS, and they have all either had or are scheduled to have the controversial CCSVI treatment.

Dianne Hepburn was wheelchair-bound for 18 months. Remarkably, she is slowly walking again.

Joyce Ziegler and Deb Knapp, very good friends who due to MS thought they would never again take a walk together, are now planning that walk.

Mandy Maisonneuve has enjoyed many improvements since she had the procedure.

Tammy Graver, Kathy Broeckel and Paula Harron all have dates set to have the procedure done. We wish them great success.

This procedure cannot presently be done in Canada. I know it will be someday, once clinical trials are complete. We must all work together to see that this happens as quickly as possible.

We all know that this procedure is not a cure for MS but it has certainly improved the quality of life for these women from my riding. We wish them continued improvement.

[Committees of the House, November 18th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 113(1), I have the honour to present in both official languages the 21st report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of the legislative committee on Bill C-32, An Act to amend the Copyright Act.

[Veterans Affairs, October 29th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, on October 13, I had the privilege of attending the 10th annual Honouring Our Local Veterans celebration in my riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound.

The Billy Bishop museum and Branch 6 of the Royal Canadian Legion host this great event every year. It is a chance to recognize the veterans from Bruce and Grey counties who have served Canada in times of both war and peace.

Since 2001, the Billy Bishop museum has honoured more than 70 local veterans. This year we added 10 more veterans to that remarkable list of men and women.

Attending an event like this is very humbling. It reminds me of what our veterans have sacrificed for Canada. It reminds me of their bravery and love for our great country. It also reminds me that Remembrance Day is not the only day Canadians can show their appreciation for veterans.

When it comes to our veterans, we should always remember, reflect and respect.

On November 11, I encourage all Canadians to take some time out of their day, attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in their community and pay tribute to our great men and women in uniform.

[Municipal Elections, October 28th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, this week, we saw democracy in action. People of all ages, backgrounds and political stripes stepped up and did something honourable. They put their names forward to represent the citizens of their towns, cities, and municipalities.

In this House, we have all done this. We know first-hand the challenge of throwing our hats into the ring and trying to do something good for the regions we love.

Today, I would like to congratulate all who ran in these municipal elections.

To the people who were acclaimed, elected, or re-elected: great job and good luck. The road they have chosen can be difficult at times, but it is also very rewarding.

To the people who were not successful: my hat is off to them as well. We need more people to do what they have done. That is what makes democracy work.

I ask all members in this House to join me in congratulating all the candidates who participated in these municipal elections.

I would also like to wish our newest politicians the very best as they embark in public life.

[Committees of the House, October 20th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present today, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, in relation to an extension of 30 sitting days to consider Bill C-474, An Act respecting the Seeds Regulations (analysis of potential harm), referred to the committee on Wednesday, April 14.

[Petitions, October 6th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition from 26 members of my constituency of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound.

The petition calls on the Government of Canada to appoint a mediator to facilitate the settlement between the Government of Canada and the cattle farmers in Canada in relation to the BSE crisis of 2003.