Mark Warawa

[The Budget, March 7th, 2005]

Madam Speaker, I listened closely to the presentation by my hon. colleague across the floor. I do agree with one point and that is the responsibility of members of Parliament and all politicians to keep their promises.

I want to ask a question regarding our seniors and the increase in the guaranteed income supplement. The member made a passing comment indicating that seniors deserve our respect, that they have earned it, and we all acknowledge that.

I was excited to see that increase until I did the math. I want to ask the member about it. If we do the math, we see that $18 is going to end up in our seniors' pockets. Can the member in all good conscience say that will meet their needs? These people have given their lives to our country. We need to honour them.

I think most of us here have parents in that age group. We need to honour and respect them. As for making an announcement that an increase will be provided and then making it an increase of just $18, is this the way to respect our seniors? We need to provide an increase. This $18 increase will not cover their increased costs for rent, hydro, gasoline or their medical costs. Can the member in all good conscience say that giving them this $18 will solve their problems? Can he say that this is the way to respect our seniors?

[Petitions, March 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I also have two petitions dealing with autism, asking Parliament to amend the Canada Health Act to recognize autism for a required treatment and also for the creation of academic chairs at a university in each province to teach autism treatment.

[Petitions, March 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to present two petitions in the House. The first petition asks Parliament to pass legislation to recognize the institution of marriage in federal law as the lifelong union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

[Petitions, February 25th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the second bundle contains two petitions that deal with autism. The petitioners ask Parliament to deem treatment for autism to be a medically necessary treatment in the Canada Health Act and also to create academic chairs at universities in each province to teach autism treatment.

[Petitions, February 25th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present two bundles of petitions. The first bundle includes two petitions from Langley residents and also from greater Vancouver residents. These petitions deal with the definition of marriage. The petitioners strongly urge Parliament to oppose any legislation that would in any way change the traditional definition of marriage being between a man and a woman in order to accommodate any other lifestyle choices.

[City of Langley, February 25th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, on March 15, 1955 the City of Langley was born. This year it celebrates its 50th year, its golden anniversary.

At the inaugural council meeting first magistrate of the city, Archie Payne, officiated the oaths of the new council by stating, “The pioneers have handed you the torch and it is yours to hold high”.

Langley city has grown from a country town of 2,100 residents to a bustling urban centre of 24,000 residents with hotels, a convention centre and the largest shopping district in the Fraser Valley. Langley city has kept the friendly small town community spirit and a vibrant urban core.

Congratulations to Mayor Marlene Grinnell and the city council, and to the citizens of Langley city as they celebrate 50 years of success. Their legacy of pride in the past and confidence in the future makes the City of Langley “The Place To Be”. I invite everyone to join the City of Langley celebrations on March 15.

[Petitions, February 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the second set of petitions I wish to present to the House are with respect to autism.

The petitioners request that autism treatment be considered an essential treatment under the Canada Health Act and that each province have a university with an appointed chair to deal with autism training.

[Petitions, February 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to represent the wonderful citizens of Langley, British Columbia. I have two groups of petitions to present today, the first being three petitions on the tradition of marriage.

The petitioners state that the tradition of marriage between a man and a woman is the God ordained building block of the family and the bedrock of a civil society. They therefore urge the House of Commons to protect the traditional definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.

[Human Resources, February 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, this Liberal government does not consider siblings to be part of a family. A 43 year old Langley woman is dying. Her sister has left her home and job to care for the sister but has been denied compassionate care benefits. We gave the Minister of Human Resources a chance to do the right thing but she refused. It is shameful.

Before it is too late, will the Prime Minister do the right thing? Will he stop dithering, help keep families together and provide compassionate care for siblings?

[Petitions, February 21st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I also present a petition from residents of Langley, Surrey and Abbotsford.

The petitioners ask that the Canada Health Act be amended to include IBI/ABA as an essential treatment for autism and that university academic chairs be appointed at each university to teach autism treatment.