House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 58% of the vote.
Petitions March 1st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I have in hand a petition from a number of individuals across the country, particularly Saskatchewan, B.C. and Ontario.
The petitioners want Parliament to support Motion No. 408 condemning discrimination against women by way of sex-selective abortions.
Petitions October 19th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have a petition by Saskatoon constituents, the majority of them women with names like Muriel, Maria, Suzanne, Celine and Madeleine. They are asking for a review of the 400-year-old definition of a human being, which says that a child does not become a human being until complete birth. Being that it is Parliament's solemn duty, the petitioners are asking that we look at that to confirm that every human being is recognized by Canadian law as human, by amending section 223 of the Criminal Code in such a way as to reflect 21st century medical evidence.
I have a second petition, again mostly from women, some 475 who are also mostly from Saskatoon. Along that same line, they are asking for a review of Canada's 400-year-old definition of a human being.
As well, I have one from another 50 constituents from Saskatoon, the majority again being women, on the same topic.
Last, I have from the communities of Warman, Canwood and Sherbrooke, et cetera, petitioners with names like Susan, Shirley, Linda, Christine, Susan, Nora, Myrna, Jacqueline, Ruth and so on. They are also asking for a review of that 400-year-old law and suggesting that it should be changed so that every human being is recognized by Canadian law as a human, by amending section 223 of our Criminal Code to reflect 21st century medical evidence.
Business of Supply September 25th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, respectfully, I cannot understand how the NDP can speak against all the good changes our government has made to help Canadians get back to work. A fine example of that hypocrisy is the NDP's decision to vote against a ways and means motion to introduce a bill to support Canadian parents whose children are either murdered, missing, or critically ill.
Why does the member opposite refuse to vote to support these Canadian families most in need?
Petitions September 21st, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have petitions from many constituents in my riding of Saskatoon, with first names like Abby, Marion, Yvonne, Sharon, Hope, Caitlin, Lisa, Lucia, Jen, Rebecca, and so on. Most of the petitioners are women.
They are asking that our outdated 400-year-old definition of a human being be changed so that every human being is actually recognized as human. The petitioners are calling upon Parliament to change section 223 of the Criminal Code in such a way as to reflect 21st century medical evidence.
Petitions September 21st, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a petition from 65 of my constituents from Saskatoon. The petitioners want to draw the government's awareness to the many men and women in sub-Saharan Africa who have died from HIV-AIDS, leaving millions of children orphaned.
The petitioners call upon members of Parliament to support Bill C-398, a bill which would reform Canada's access to medicines regime to make life-saving generic medicines more available to those countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Iran September 21st, 2012
Mr. Speaker, our government continues to exercise moral leadership on the international stage. Two weeks ago we closed our embassy in Iran and expelled Iranian diplomats from Canada.
This Iranian regime poses the most significant threat to world peace and security. It has routinely threatened the existence of Israel and engages in racist and anti-Semitic rhetoric and incitement to genocide.
It has provided military assistance to the Assad regime. It has refused to comply with UN resolutions pertaining to its nuclear program. It is among the world's worst violators of human rights. It shelters and materially supports terrorist groups.
The regime in Iran has also shown blatant disregard for the Vienna Convention and its guarantee of protection for diplomatic personnel. Under these circumstances, Canada could no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in Iran.
I commend our government's ongoing moral leadership on the international stage, especially when confronting terrorism and anti-Semitism.
Petitions May 18th, 2012
Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to present petitions today from several hundred constituents from the Saskatoon—Wanuskewin riding, and a few beyond that as well. These several hundred individuals have taken the time to petition Parliament.
The petitioners state that whereas Canada's 400-year-old definition of a human being says a child does not become a human being until the moment of complete birth, they note the fact that that is contrary to 21st century medical evidence. Therefore, they are calling on the House of Commons to confirm that every human being is recognized by Canadian law as human, to exclude none. They are asking for the amendment of section 223 of the Criminal Code in such a way as to reflect up-to-date 21st century medical and scientific evidence.
Foreign Affairs March 5th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, the situation in Syria has hit a new low as the Assad regime continues to unleash violence against its own citizens and blocks the delivery of humanitarian aid from getting to those who need it the most.
Recently the Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that Canada would be considering new measures to bring pressure on the Assad regime. Would the minister please update the House on the latest steps taken by our government?
Saskatchewan's Economy March 2nd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, I am very pleased to report to the House that Saskatchewan's hot economy keeps hitting new records.
Saskatchewan's employment reached record highs for the month of January. Saskatoon itself has seen year-over-year job growth of 2,900 jobs.
Saskatchewan's real estate sector is also very strong. Saskatchewan's building permit increases led the nation in 2011 with a 25% increase over 2010. Building permits totalled $2.6 billion in 2011, the highest on record.
Also, Saskatchewan's December manufacturing shipments totalled $1.1 billion, up year over year by 17.7%, ranking Saskatchewan first among the provinces. Saskatchewan's retail sales and wholesale trade posted the highest annual totals in the province's history.
I echo the enthusiasm of my provincial colleagues:
With sustainable growth, a competitive and opportunity-rich investment climate, and a high quality of life, there are more reasons than ever for people to call this province home.
Violence Against Women December 7th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, as noted, Canada is taking part in the worldwide campaign on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
The reality is that violence against women still too often occurs in our society. The question used to be: Why should we work with men and boys on ending violence against women and girls? The question now is: How can it be done?
I salute the White Ribbon Campaign, which began in Canada with a handful of men who decided to urge other men to speak out. Its work has been so recognized that we now see other groups involved in this campaign. Wearing the white ribbon represents a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
Men and boys need to stand alongside women and girls when it comes to ending violence.