House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 57% of the vote.
National Defence November 24th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, in a taxpayer funded mailing bearing the Conservative logo, the opposition engages in partisan propaganda which states among other things that our military was once proud. I suppose opposition members have forgotten the role that our men and women have played in Haiti or Afghanistan or elsewhere, in their eagerness to score political points.
Justice November 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, yesterday a coalition of approximately 30 animal use industries wrote the justice minister and asked him to reintroduce former Bill C-22 to improve animal cruelty provisions within the Criminal Code. I understand that animal welfare groups and animal industry groups are now united in wanting to see this bill reintroduced and passed as soon as possible.
Will the Minister of Justice reintroduce the bill in the House without material alterations, other than to address traditional aboriginal hunting and fishing practices, at the earliest possible opportunity?
The Environment November 18th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I was encouraged by the government's continued commitment to wind energy in the Speech from the Throne, and particularly the WPPI program, which has been a tremendous success.
Could the Minister of the Environment comment on the possibility of extending the WPPI program beyond 2007 so that wind turbine manufacturers can make long term decisions about locating in Canada?
Canada Elections Act November 4th, 2004
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-261, an act to amend the Canada Elections Act (voter and candidate age).
Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill which seeks to increase the participation of youth in Canada's electoral system.
The bill would lower the federal voting age to 16 so that young people could learn to be active electors while they are still in school. Unlike previous bills on this subject, it would keep the age to be a candidate at 18.
I urge all members to support the bill. I am happy to work with members of all parties to make the bill a reality.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Green Infrastructure November 1st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the issue of green infrastructure. As a former municipal councillor, I can say that I am very much encouraged both by the rebate that was given last term and now, as a member of Parliament, by the action that is taken with respect to the gas tax.
There is a tremendous opportunity that I want to ensure we do not overlook. That is the difference between grey infrastructure and green infrastructure, in particular taking a look at the difference that a solitary tree makes in the return of investment. In fact there is a 270% return, it has been found, on a single urban tree that is planted. I will read something very quickly.
Each urban tree with a 50-year lifespan provides an estimated $273 a year in reduced costs for air conditioning, erosion control, stormwater control, air pollution, and wildlife shelter.
An average tree absorbs ten pounds of pollutants from the air each year, including four pounds of ozone and three pounds of particulates
As we remember bridges and roads, so too must we remember green infrastructure and the vital role that it plays in our communities.
Perdita Felicien October 27th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, while amateur athletes may fade from limelight, they are certainly not far from the hearts of Canadians.
I rise today to recognize a world class athlete, someone who has accomplished a great deal in the 100 metre hurdles, Perdita Felicien, who is also a constituent. More important, she is a remarkable Canadian.
I watched how she handled herself in Athens after her setback. The way in which she handled herself made us more proud than if she had won a gold medal. I think she truly embodied the spirit of what the Olympics were about and what our Olympians accomplished.
To Perdita, who is a constituent in the riding of Ajax--Pickering, someone who is a great Canadian, who does so much in our community and is such a wonderful role model and incredible spokesperson for the spirit of the Olympics and sport, I thank her for her contribution. I think she deserves to be recognized in the House.
Automotive Industry October 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I had occasion this summer, along with the hon. member for Whitby—Oshawa, to tour General Motors, to take a look at its new facility and to talk about the Beacon project. I want to start my comments by commending the member for Whitby—Oshawa on the leadership role she has played in advocating the Beacon project.
This dynamic and innovative project represents a $2.5 billion investment in Canada's automotive sector. It is of vital importance to our economy. It will bring research and development, and design and engineering capacity to the Durham region. I look forward to our government supporting this project.
I know there have been discussions between our government and General Motors about a potential partnership. I have confidence that will materialize. It is something that will ensure that our automotive sector remains relevant on a go forward basis.
Federalism October 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, on the opposite side of the House we have a separatist party that wants to rip Canada apart and we have an official opposition that wants to turn it into Belgium. The leader of the official opposition wants to convert Ottawa to Brussels, and give all federal powers to unaccountable and unelected institutions that will segregate linguistic communities.
My question is for the hon. Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Can the minister comment on the opposition leader's scheme to undermine our great federation?
Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply October 8th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, while others talk about the need for debt reduction, we have done it. We have not only eliminated our deficit, but we have brought down our debt year after year. Each of those seven years that we paid down debt we have led the G-7 in average standard of living. There is a direction correlation.
While we have listened to the Conservative government that came before us talk and talk about getting rid of the deficit, let alone the debt, every year it went the other way. If we are to be known for something, I would much rather be known for exceeding my commitments and my promises than underdelivering them. I would much rather be known for delivering on my words than merely speaking them. I am tremendously proud of the government's record in this regard.
Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply October 8th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for both his question and his kind words. I have two comments to make.
Canada is now the best country among the G-7. However, this does not mean that we cannot get better because we can. We do live in a different world. Many Americans work in Canada while some Canadians work in the United States. The reality is that 42% of our economy is driven by exports.
Our relations with the rest of the world are critical. We do need Canadians to work abroad for different companies. We need to ensure that we have strong trading relationships because that builds a strong economy. It works both ways.
Not so long ago I myself came out of university. All of my colleagues have been able to find employment in Canada and are doing exceptionally well as a result of their hard work and as a result of this country providing them with the opportunity to do well.
There are problems in health care. Our party recognized those problems in a way that I think was historic. We recognized that the problems were such that we needed to put aside our jurisdictional differences and not talk about under whose jurisdiction health care was but about our common problem. At the first ministers' meeting we sat down as levels of government from different parties and came to an agreement as to what was best for Canadians. That set us on the right course to continue our positive path.
In terms of continuity and that is how I will refer to throne speeches. There is a need in throne speech after throne speech to continue the government's priorities, to continue to state its vision, to continue to embrace it, to continue to envision a nation that has a strong health care system, to continue to envision a nation that is unified, and to continue to say that cities and communities are important. I hope that we say this in every throne speech hence, not just once, but in every one. It is my hope to be here for many to come.