House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 58% of the vote.
Co-operatives May 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, in 2009, in support of the International Year of Cooperatives, the Conservative government said that it intended to use the year “to promote the benefits of the co-operative model, as well as to raise awareness of the contribution of co-operatives to Canada’s socio-economic development.”
The motion that will be debated in the House this afternoon reflects that desire.
Does the government plan on supporting the motion?
Africa Day May 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, Africa Day is an annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union.
The 53 member states work together to address common challenges. They have dedicated themselves to creating an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.
On Africa Day, we pause to recognize the people and the promise of Africa. By 2020, fully 70% of the African population will be under 20 years old. Inspiring and empowering young people is thus critical to Africa's future.
Today we are celebrating Africa Day at the Government of Canada Conference Centre. All of my colleagues in the House and the Senate who are members of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association are invited to attend this event after 6:00 p.m. or immediately after the votes.
You will be able to taste African dishes and meet members of the diaspora and African ambassadors, all while helping Africa build its future.
Canadian Co-operatives May 18th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, on January 12, 2012, to launch the International Year of Co-operatives, the Minister of Veterans Affairs said on behalf of the government that the International Year of Co-operatives is a perfect opportunity to raise public awareness about co-operatives and their ability to meet the needs of Canadians, and that the common goal was to help co-operatives gain recognition in order to ensure they have more support and more exposure.
Can the government tell us what it has done since then to give Canadian co-operatives more support and more exposure?
Haitian Flag Day May 18th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, on January 1, 1804, the Republic of Haiti was born. A few months earlier, on May 18, 1803, Haiti adopted a revolutionary flag, which has been the pride of the Haitian people ever since.
Every year, May 18 marks Haiti's anniversary of becoming the first republic in the world to be created out of a slave rebellion. I would like to express the importance of this day to the Haitian diaspora in Canada, especially in the national capital region.
Canadians of Haitian origin have been settling on both sides of the Ottawa River for a long time. Today, Ottawa's Haitian community is more than 20,000 strong. The Haitian diaspora contributes to all sectors of activity, with a notable presence in education, culture, health and law.
On this May 18, 2012, let us celebrate the rich contribution that Canadians of Haitian origin have made to Canada's success.
Official Languages May 1st, 2012
Mr. Speaker, that appears to support my point very well.
According to the Commissioner of Official Languages, last year's staffing process for the position of Auditor General did not take into account the language requirements.
Candidates on the short list and the candidate who was eventually recommended were to be bilingual upon taking up the position, not become bilingual afterwards.
Will the Conservative government start the process over again and respect the law this time?
Official Languages May 1st, 2012
Mr. Speaker, according to the Commissioner of Official Languages, last year's staffing process for the position of Auditor General did not take into account the language requirements.
Candidates on the list—
Questions on the Order Paper March 26th, 2012
How many childcare spaces were created for official-language minority communities in fiscal years 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2010-2011, in each province and territory with the financial assistance of the government?
Questions on the Order Paper March 26th, 2012
How many childcare spaces were created in fiscal years 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2010-2011, in each province and territory with the financial assistance of the government?
Canadian Hunger Foundation March 16th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, founded by the Hon. Mitchell Sharp, the Canadian Hunger Foundation, CHF, is now celebrating 50 years of service. CHF works with numerous partners in 52 countries around the world to break the cycle of poverty.
The organization changes lives and creates solutions to combat the effects of drought, disease, and devastating poverty in rural communities. Its approach is grounded in sustainability. It respects and empowers the local population as architects of their own development in building peace in post-conflict areas; in reconstructing the lives of those struck by disaster; in empowering women; and in protecting the environment.
I was recently given the opportunity to visit one of the projects managed by CHF in South Sudan and was impressed by the positive impact of peace-building efforts and the success of a micro-food processing enterprise led by women.
I congratulate the staff of CHF for their passion and devotion and thank the thousands of Canadians who contribute annually to CHF. Their generosity is truly helpful.
Official Languages March 13th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, at a time when we are celebrating la Francophonie, we are also face to face with the bilingualism controversy in the community hospital in Cornwall.
A slogan like “One country, one flag, one language” is a denial of Canada. Hearing such things in 2012 is unthinkable. That is not my Canada, it is not your Canada, and it is certainly not the Canada of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Next week, we are going to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the great day when 10,000 proud Canadians stood in opposition to the closing of the Montfort Hospital.
On the front benches of the government are three ministers who were in the Harris government at the time. I hope they have learned and that they will stand up for the francophones of Cornwall.
The anglophone community must be well informed so that it is able to avoid similar situations. Those same ministers, and the hon. member for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry must do their duty as members of the Parliament of Canada and do what is necessary to convince their fellow citizens of the validity of linguistic duality all across Canada, and certainly in Cornwall, during Francophonie Week.