Mark Eyking

[Agricultural Growth Act, November 17th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important bill for agriculture across Canada, but there many problems with it. The member from Quebec was not at committee, but I am sure he was briefed. Mr. Van Tassel was very right in saying that the bill was good for Quebec in many ways, especially when he talked about seeds and certified seeds. However, other farmers, small farmers, organic farmers, farmers who have certain niche products from Quebec, were very concerned about the bill. There is not enough in the bill to help small farmers.

What does the member see in the bill that will help small farmers in Quebec and others across the country? I would like the member to state what is in the bill for small start-up farmers. Conservatives made this a large bill, but they could have had a lot more in it to help farmers.

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, November 7th, 2014]

With regard to government funding, for each fiscal year since 2007-2008 inclusive: (a) what are the details of all grants, contributions, and loans to any organization, body, or group in the electoral district of Sydney—Victoria, providing for each (i) the name of the recipient, (ii) the location of the recipient, indicating the municipality, (iii) the date, (iv) the amount, (v) the department or agency providing it, (vi) the program under which the grant, contribution, or loan was made, (vii) the nature or purpose; and (b) for each grant, contribution and loan identified in (a), was a press release issued to announce it and, if so, what is the (i) date, (ii) headline, (iii) file number of the press release?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, November 3rd, 2014]

With regard to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Victoria County: (a) what were the numbers of employees, broken down by all departments, working in that region in 2005; (b) what are the numbers of employees, broken down by all departments, working in that region currently (in 2013, if current data is not available); (c) how much will be spent, broken down by all departments, on infrastructure in that region in 2014 (in 2013, if current data is not available); and (d) how much was spent, broken down by all departments, on infrastructure in that region in 2005?

[Taxation, October 31st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's announcement on income splitting did nothing for single seniors or many families, whether they are in Cape Breton or across the country.

For instance, for a couple with two children where one spouse works at Canadian Tire and the other spouse works at Tim Hortons making similar incomes for a combined income of $65,000, there is nothing in this announcement that would help to pay for their mortgage, car payments, or even daycare.

Why do the Conservatives leave these Canadians out?

[Ronald “Rannie” MacDonald, October 31st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ronald MacDonald, also known as Rannie, who recently passed away on October 13.

Rannie was a World War II veteran with the West Nova Scotia infantry division. Upon his return from Europe he continued onward and volunteered in the battle of Japan. He retired with full honours and achieved the rank of captain. He was also a stationary engineer and was always helping others.

Rannie became a proud member of Legion Branch 126 in Westmount. He also became an active member of the Coxheath Volunteer Fire Department in 1967, dutifully contributing up until his illness in 2012.

Rannie will be humbly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Norma, and their remaining seven children, along with 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He lived a full life in Cape Breton surrounded by his loving family and friends and was often regarded as a gentleman's gentleman.

As we approach Remembrance Day, Mr. MacDonald will remain close to our hearts as we commemorate all veterans, including Rannie, for their great service to our country.

[James McConnell Memorial Library, October 3rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to tour the largest library in my riding, which was built back in 1960.

The James McConnell Memorial Library is the feeder library to 11 other outlets and 2 book mobiles. Over 500 people visit the Sydney library every day. My first visit to a library was when the bookmobile came to our community of Millville.

It is a great service for all ages in rural areas. Some people say that libraries are passé, but the need for these facilities has only grown over the years. The service we receive from our libraries is invaluable. Many people use the library as a place to study, research assignments and meet for group projects. Whether it is preschool children or those needing public access to computers, libraries are important.

Our library in Sydney is indeed ready for a new chapter; the other libraries in Cape Breton cannot survive without it. The community and other levels of government are stepping up to the plate and I encourage the federal government to also come forward.

I would like to remind all members of the House to visit their local libraries and see the great things that happen there.

[Agriculture and Agri-Food, October 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our trade of fresh produce with the United States is worth $1.6 billion. It is critical for our farmers and our consumers alike. The Conservatives have already failed with the country of origin labelling with the United States, and it is costing our livestock industry billions.

The U.S. has been warning Canada that it will lose special privileges in trading our fresh produce if Canada does not treat it equally. Today it has been revealed that we are no longer protected under the perishable commodities act.

Why did the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food let this happen, and what is he going to do to fix it?

[Rail Transportation, September 22nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I attended a rally in support of the Cape Breton rail line. The rally demonstrated the importance of keeping our rail open. Many companies with over 500 employees, generating millions of dollars in our economy, depend on it. It is essential for the future of Sydney Harbour.

The Minister of Transport stated in the House that her government will assist in keeping the rail open. Next month, the company that currently operates the rail will give notice and cease operations. Time is running out. Where is the government's promised help?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, September 15th, 2014]

With regard to government communications since March 24, 2014: (a) for each press release containing the phrase “Harper government” issued by any department, agency, office, Crown corporation, or other government body, what is the (i) headline or subject line, (ii) date, (iii) file or code-number, (iv) subject-matter; (b) for each such press release, was it distributed (i) on the web site of the issuing department, agency, office, Crown corporation, or other government body, (ii) on Marketwire, (iii) on Canada Newswire, (iv) on any other commercial wire or distribution service, specifying which service; and (c) for each press release distributed by a commercial wire or distribution service mentioned in (b)(ii) through (iv), what was the cost of using the service?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, September 15th, 2014]

With regard to government expenditures on media monitoring: what are the details of all spending, by each department and agency, including (i) the nature, (ii) the scope, (iii) the duration, (iv) the contract for media monitoring, (v) the names of the contracted services provided, (vi) the file numbers of all such contracts which have been in force on or since December 12, 2012?