House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 46% of the vote.
Petitions June 5th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition today signed by thousands of Canadians.
The petitioners say that current impaired driving laws are much too lenient. They are asking that there be mandatory minimum sentencing for those persons who have been convicted of impaired driving causing death.
The petitioners also want the Criminal Code of Canada to be changed to redefine an offence of impaired driving causing death as vehicular manslaughter.
Justice for Animals in Service Act (Quanto's Law) June 3rd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I have listened intently to my friend across the way. I was substituting in the justice committee last week, during which a very interesting comment was made, and I would like his opinion on it.
Often the courts and legislators struggle to find the balance in protecting the victim with different legislation. The comment made last week by a witness was that the balance should always go to the charter and not to the victim. I would ask the member that same question.
The member talked about possible charter challenges and was concerned about that. If we are trying to find a balance, would he like the balance to go to the benefit of the charter or to the victim?
Petitions June 3rd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am also honoured to present a petition that highlights the fact that girls are being violently discriminated against through sex selection.
The petitioners call upon the House of Commons to condemn this practice.
Petitions June 3rd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I have the same petition as my colleague.
The petitioners highlight that 22-year-old Kassandra Kaulius was killed by a drunk driver. Her family and Families for Justice point out that the current laws regarding impaired driving are much too lenient. The petitioners are asking for mandatory minimum sentencing for people who have been convicted of causing death by driving drunk.
Petitions June 2nd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, the second petition is regarding Kassandra Kaulius. She was a 22-year-old girl who was killed by a drunk driver.
Families for Justice is calling on Parliament to enact tougher legislation with tougher sentencing for those who are convicted of drunk driving causing death.
Petitions June 2nd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to present two petitions.
The first petition highlights the fact that girls are being discriminated against in the way of sex selection. There are over 200 million missing girls in the world at this point, and the petitioners are asking for Parliament to condemn this practice.
Trinity Western University May 29th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, in 2016 Trinity Western University will open the first private, faith-based law school in Canada. Canadians were shocked to hear that the law societies in Ontario and Nova Scotia voted not to certify Trinity's law graduates for practice in their province. The reason is not because of Trinity's highly respected academic standards. No, these law societies voted against Trinity because they did not like Trinity's Christian code of conduct for students who choose to attend.
This is a dangerous attack on religious freedoms in Canada, and it affects us all. Canada is a country known for human rights and religious freedom. The intolerance demonstrated by these law societies tarnishes Canada's international reputation, making it hypocritical for Canada to speak out internationally when our own religious freedoms are under attack from within.
I call upon the Ontario and Nova Scotia law societies to do the right thing and stop their attack on our religious freedoms.
Petitions May 29th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, the second petition highlights the fact that in the world there are over 200 million girls missing right now due to sex-selective pregnancy termination, creating a gender imbalance. Petitioners are calling on Parliament to condemn that practice.
Petitions May 29th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to present two petitions from beautiful Langley.
Kassandra Kaulius was 22 years old when she was killed by a drunk driver. A group of people called Families for Justice, who have also lost loved ones to drunk drivers, are calling on Parliament to provide mandatory minimum sentencing for people who have been convicted of driving while impaired and killing someone.
Ukraine May 26th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to congratulate the people of Ukraine on their election yesterday.
Initial reports indicate that the election was peaceful and transparent. This election is an example of Ukrainian people exercising their inherent democratic rights during this critical time in Ukraine's history.
Our government is proud to have helped at this pivotal time in Ukraine by sending a contingent of election observers that monitored and reported on these critical elections.
I would also like to reaffirm our government's support for a democratic and sovereign Ukraine.
Canada will continue to work with the Ukrainian government to help restore the country's economic and political stability. We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians who aspire for a better and brighter future for Ukraine.