Mr. Speaker, I have with me a certified petition from 40 people of the Bedore area.
The petitioners ask for recognition as first nations people. They also petition to have their ancestors' names restored to the Indian Register under Bill C-31.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 73% of the vote.
Petitions December 10th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have with me a certified petition from 40 people of the Bedore area.
The petitioners ask for recognition as first nations people. They also petition to have their ancestors' names restored to the Indian Register under Bill C-31.
Foreign Affairs December 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, 15 years ago today, world leaders, MPs and NGOs gathered here in Ottawa to sign the Ottawa treaty to ban anti-personnel landmines, which unanimously passed. Since then, Canada has been one of the leading funders for the removal effort. However, under the Conservative government, the funding for the landmine clearance has been cut.
Canada has gone from being in the top five to, now, number ten. Will the government commit to renew funding for the landmines clearance and return Canada to a leadership role?
Intergovernmental Affairs November 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, Atlantic Canadians are well aware of the disdain the Prime Minister has for their region. Not only does the Prime Minister want to cut out all of our services, he has now sent his three amigo senators to corral all the maritime provinces into one. He has gone from putting up a firewall to creating one province. We are not going to let him take away our individual rights or our constitutional rights.
Why are the Atlantic Conservative MPs not standing up for the region?
Oil and Gas Industry November 28th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, last month, Atlantic Liberal members and senators visited Fort McMurray, Alberta. Atlantic Canadians are proud of what workers have done over the years in allowing the oil sands to realize its full potential.
Along with a tour of the Syncrude oil and gas operation, we visited the site where former prime minister Jean Chrétien in 1996 signed an agreement with major oil companies and the province that fostered this great development in Alberta. We met with many from the area, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Airport Authority, Keyano College, MLAs and councillors.
We were very appreciative of the warm reception we received from the Albertans but we were very disappointed that the Conservative government was not supportive of their infrastructure demands.
Fort McMurray and the Alberta oil industry play a crucial role in our national economy, generating thousands of jobs for Canadians. We must ensure that all levels of government work together in helping expand that region. The future wealth and prosperity of our country depends on it.
Veterans Affairs November 21st, 2012
Mr. Speaker, yesterday a protest was held by veterans and their families over their outrage at the government's decision to close the Veterans Affairs office in Sydney. In total, nine offices are to be closed across this country. As I stated in the House during Veterans Week, Cape Breton soldiers have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
The government needs to understand the importance of this in-person service. Veterans were there for us; now we need to be there for them. Will the minister stand up for our veterans and change this short-sighted decision?
Questions on the Order Paper November 19th, 2012
With regard to the Canadian Coast Guard, what are the dates and file numbers of any evaluations, studies or assessments made or conducted and used to inform the decision with respect to the closure of each of the facilities enumerated in Question 764, in addition to the two enumerated in part (e) of the response by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway?
Questions on the Order Paper November 19th, 2012
With respect to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Conference held in July 2012: (a) what are the names, titles and affiliations of those who attended on behalf of Canada; and (b) what are the details of the documents produced for the Canadian delegation in advance of the Conference?
Questions Passed as Orders for Returns November 8th, 2012
With regard to the Canadian Coast Guard, what are the details of the $1.4 billion in spending which has been committed in the past six years, as mentioned in the August 24, 2012, press release by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, under the headline “New Canadian Coast Guard Ship Vladykov in St. John’s”, and, in particular, what is the nature, anticipated timeline and location of each project, investment or purchase which makes up this amount?
Questions on the Order Paper November 8th, 2012
With respect to the Canadian International Development Agency: (a) what was the total cost to produce and print the Agency’s fourth annual report, entitled “Development for Results 2010-11”; (b) what are the details of those costs; and (c) how many copies of the report were produced?
Remembrance Day November 7th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, as an honorary Highlander, it gives me great pride to rise in this House today and recognize all Cape Bretoners who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
As most Canadians are aware, Cape Breton has time and time again stepped up to the plate to defend not only our country but free others around the world. Their contribution is well recognized by Cape Breton's 26 local Legions.
In this upcoming weekend, many schools, communities and Legions will pay tribute to our veterans and their sacrifices.
Whether in the army, navy, air force or merchant marines, approximately 50,000 Cape Bretoners put on the uniform to make peace around the world. Many did not come back and those who did come home were wounded both physically and mentally. Thousands are buried in foreign lands, such as Hong Kong, France, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa and Korea.
I, along with many, have visited these grave sites that make us proud to be Canadians.
I ask all members in the House to join me in applauding not only the Cape Bretoners but all Canadian soldiers who have fallen battle.