Maurizio Bevilacqua

[Speech From The Throne, September 26th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the agenda our government unveiled in the Speech from Throne is a clear cut action plan for four more years of positive change. Canadians from coast to coast to coast have worked hard, made tough decisions and sacrificed much, and now we are seeing the results.

Almost one million jobs have been created since 1993, we are witnessing the longest sustained increase in youth employment since 1990, consumer and business confidence are up, a balanced budget is within our grasp, interest rates are at an all time low. On June 2 Canadians voted for success. They voted for kept promises and they voted for a better tomorrow.

Fiscal responsibility? We will balance the budget by 1998-99. Job creation? We will invest in key areas like technology. Quality health care? We will help Canadians who care for family members at home. Opportunities for youth? We will continue our successful internship and summer job programs and increase access to post-secondary education.

These initiatives demonstrate that this government is—

[York North Town Hall, March 7th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, last night I hosted my 34th town hall meeting. The people of York North dealt with the politics of surplus, life after a balanced budget. They were happy to note that for the first time in a long time Canadians were in a position to debate priorities for the future.

They were pleased that we had regained our economic sovereignty that clearly outlined a vision for the future. They want a nation with a highly skilled, highly paid and highly trained workforce that produces value added products. They want accessible, affordable medicare. They want to be the lowest taxed jurisdiction of all the industrialized countries, reduce child poverty and build an efficient government. That means a clarification of

federal and provincial responsibility and lowered trade barriers between the provinces.

They view the sectors of education, science, technology and the environment as engines of growth and they want a government that invests in these areas to generate economic growth and expansion.

Town hall meetings have been a tradition in our riding since 1988 and on behalf of the Government of Canada I would like to thank all the contributors.

[Prebudget Town Hall, February 13th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, York North residents gathered at our annual prebudget town hall to discuss the country's current economic situation and to consider how best to proceed.

Residents called on this government to continue to focus on reducing the deficit and creating an economic environment that encourages job creation. They also urged the government to refrain from costly tax cuts until a balanced budget is achieved.

Discussions focused on how to build on success. They acknowledged that over 770,000 jobs have been created and that the deficit battle has almost been won. Now we must take advantage of our accomplishments and ensure our economy remains strong. Investing in youth, technology and small businesses were seen as high priorities. Participants called for a further reduction in red tape for small businesses and improved access to both information and capital.

This community takes its role in the budget process seriously. Residents have seen their ideas and suggestions become government policies. The residents of York North continue to make a difference.

[Petitions, February 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the third petition calls on Parliament to ensure the government continues to aggressively pursue and apply new technology with the aim of creating opportunities for all Canadians.

[Petitions, February 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition deals with the security and safety of all Canadians. We are fortunate that York region has the lowest crime rate in the country.

The petitioners therefore call on Parliament to continue to take a tough line on crime and enact laws that will provide Canadians with safe homes and safe streets, which they so rightly deserve.

[Petitions, February 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I am pleased to present to this House petitions signed by residents of York North.

The first petition calls on Parliament to ensure that the government creates opportunities for youth through internship programs, information technology, improved Canada student loans, summer student job programs and programs targeted directly to youth at risk.

[Health Care, February 5th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the people of Canada elected a Liberal government to protect our much valued health care system. It is for this reason our government convened the National Forum on Health to propose solutions to the challenges that our health care system will face in the 21st century.

I would like to report to the House that the residents of York North played an active role in the national forum's work. We held a town hall forum on health and a number of meetings to develop solid suggestions to respond to the strains of rising health care costs and an aging population within our fiscal framework.

Our conclusions were clear and straightforward. In order for Canadians to take greater responsibility for their health, they need better access to accurate information. Furthermore, participants called upon the federal government to preserve and enhance the publicly funded elements of our universal health care network and uphold the principles of the Canada Health Act. I am pleased to tell the House that these suggestions are reflected in the forum's final report "Building on the Legacy".

The residents of York North are firm believers of the public consultation process. They have seen historically their suggestions become government policy.

[Petitions, December 12th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, the final petition deals with the fact that although Canada's crime rate fell again in 1995, its fourth annual drop following 30 years of almost constant increase, the petitioners call on Parliament to continue to take a tough line on crime and enact laws that will provide Canadians with the safe home and safe streets they so rightly deserve.

[Petitions, December 12th, 1996]

The next petition, Mr. Speaker, deals with the fact that police and firefighters are required to place their lives at risk in the execution of their duties on a daily basis, but the employment benefits of police and firefighters offer insufficient compensation to the families of those who are killed while on duty.

The petitioners therefore call on Parliament to establish a fund known as the public safety officers compensation fund for the benefit of families of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.

[Petitions, December 12th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, I have a number of petitions. The first petition deals with the fact that the percentage of Canadians over age 65 will almost double over the next 40 years from 12 per cent today to 23 per cent by the year 2030. The petitioners call on Parliament to work toward fair and sustainable income programs for seniors, ensuring those in need receive adequate and stable support.