Mark Warawa

[Petitions, May 31st, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present, the first one being on skin cancer. It says that one in seven Canadians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in Canada and the second most common cancer in young adults.

As education, resources and treatment are extremely limited, the petitioners are calling upon the Government of Canada to support a national skin cancer melanoma initiative to provide much needed access to newer drug treatments and funding for research and educational programs.

As we know, there will be testing tomorrow on the Hill.

[The Environment, May 28th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I always find it interesting when a member of the Liberal Party, that for 13 years did nothing on the environment, is now asking questions on the environment, particularly water and particularly that member, who voted against what we are doing with the good funding in our budget to help clean up the mess that the previous Liberal government created.

Our government has a strong comprehensive plan to ensure clean water for all Canadians. We have a good plan and the Liberals need to get on board.

[The Environment, May 28th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the member does know that this government is committed to an environmental assessment that is improved. We have a harmonized continental approach with the Obama administration, but she is opposed to that.

Why would she be opposed to what President Calderón said is good Canadian leadership on the environment? Why would she oppose that?

[The Environment, May 28th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the member knows this government is committed to first-class environmental assessment regulations. Her party has been voting against improving environmental assessments. The existing system duplicates assessments. It is expensive and frustrates major projects in the country without enhancing environmental outcomes.

Why would she be opposed to improving environmental assessments?

[The Environment, May 28th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the only party in this House that has been an absolute failure on the environment is the Liberal Party, with the support of the NDP and the Bloc.

This government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have made great progress. In the budget there is $8 million for cleaning up the Great Lakes, $18 million for the government's annual reporting on environmental indicators and $9.2 million for Arctic meteorological research and navigation.

Why are all those members voting against these good environmental programs?

[The Environment, May 28th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, President Calderón said that in Mexico's view Canada has been one of the planet's leaders in environmental protection. He also said:

...Asia and the European Union have succeeded in combining their potential...regions that can maximize their comparative advantages will be assured of success.... Therein lies the importance of Canada and Mexico working together. .

We agree. Canada is committed to the harmonized continental approach, working together with our North American partners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We will continue to demonstrate that good leadership.

[Ukrainian Constitution, May 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 300th anniversary of the Ukrainian Constitution, written in 1710 by Pylyp Orlyk, diplomat, Hetman in exile and protector of Ukraine. This constitution was the first document in the world to establish a democratic standard for the separation of powers in government between the legislative, executive and judiciary branches.

This constitution also limited the executive authority and established a Cossack parliament called the General Council that was democratically elected every three years. Predating the American constitution of 1777 by over 65 years, the Orlyk constitution testifies to the long-standing traditions of democracy in Ukraine. This constitution is filled with a democratic spirit that makes it one of the most interesting documents of political thought.

I invite all members of the House to join me and the Ukrainian ambassador tonight at 6:30 in the Speaker's salon to celebrate this important anniversary.

[Petitions, May 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the last petition is regarding skin cancer.

The petitioners state that one in seven Canadians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, that melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in Canada and that education, resources and treatment are extremely limited.

The petitioners call for support for a national skin cancer and melanoma initiative to provide much needed access to newer drug treatments and funding for research and educational programs.

[Petitions, May 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition is regarding the long gun registry.

The petitioners state that the long gun registry was originally budgeted to cost Canadians $2 million but that the price tag has spiraled out of control, to an estimated $2 billion a decade later, that the registry has not saved one single life since it was introduced.

The petitioners state that they would rather see their tax dollars keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and gangs instead out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.

[Petitions, May 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have three petitions to present today.

The first petition deals with human trafficking. The petitioners state that the trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation should be condemned and that it is the duty of Parliament to protect the most vulnerable members of society from harm, those being victims of human trafficking.

The petitioners request that Parliament amend the Criminal Code to include a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of five years for the offence involving trafficking of persons under the age of 18.