Paul Dewar

[Committees of the House, June 16th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order with regard to this subject. Just over one year ago, the foreign affairs committee agreed with my request to do a study on corporate social responsibility. That was after the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh.

The committee held an additional follow-up study this year. Unfortunately, the committee decided not to produce an official report.

However, I have some good news. We have compiled a report that I would like to table now so all MPs can take a look at the findings of the foreign affairs committee as it relates to the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh.

I therefore seek unanimous consent to table, in both official languages, the report on foreign affairs committee hearings on corporate social responsibility.

[Petitions, June 13th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, as we were hearing today in question period and on the news, people are gravely concerned about the situation in Syria. I have a petition signed by hundreds of Canadians, particularly in the region of Ottawa-Carleton, asking for the government to do more to help the Syrian refugees who are in camps in Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan.

[Citizenship and Immigration, June 13th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we need a lot more than just words on this file.

The refugee situation next door in Syria is spinning out of control. It is one of the worst humanitarian crises in the last two decades. Almost three million Syrians have fled their homes, half of whom are children. Canadians want to know what their government is doing to help these families.

Will the government tell Canadians how many government sponsored refugees are here in Canada?

[Foreign Affairs, June 13th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the violence in Iraq is growing. Aid groups are warning of a looming crisis that will spin out of control.

This week half a million people fled Mosul after a heavily armed terrorist group took over the city. Iraq is already struggling to provide aid to 200,000 Syrian refugees, and funding is running low right now.

What is the government doing to help with the crisis? Specifically, what concrete steps is it taking to help with the refugee crisis?

[Italian Week, June 12th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Italian Week in Ottawa. This celebration of Ottawa's Italian-Canadian community is one of the most cherished traditions of our city. From food to music to dance, this week celebrates all aspects of Italian culture and heritage.

As the member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, I have been fortunate to work with members of the local Italian community, including small business owners on Corso Italia and Via Marconi. I was pleased to join them and many others for the opening of this year's festival. Italian Week 2014 has been truly exceptional, a worthy tribute to the important contributions of Italian Canadians who have made our city fantastic for over 100 years.

I thank all of the dedicated volunteers and sponsors who have made Italian Week Ottawa successful for four decades. I congratulate this year's organizers for their achievements. To all the members of the Italian community in Ottawa, grazie e a presto.

[Petitions, June 12th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I have a petition regarding the war that has been raging in the Congo since 1998, where 5.4 million people have been killed and where rape is being used as a weapon of war. The petitioners are calling upon Parliament to pass the conflict minerals act, Bill C-486. The petitioners are from the Ottawa region, including Kanata. They want the government to pass Bill C-486 to stop the revenues that are going to these militias who are creating so much conflict in the region of the DRC.

[Business of Supply, June 10th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I have a simple question for the member. He has gone on at great length about all the things that he thinks his government has done so well. At the end of all of that, he said he would not support the motion. Could he tell us if he supports income splitting, yes or no?

[Foreign Affairs, June 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP would like to commend Australia for ratifying the UN Arms Trade Treaty last week. Once enforced, the treaty will curb the illegal trade of arms. It will save lives.

Only 10 more countries must ratify it before it becomes international law, but, sadly, Canada is refusing to even sign it. Will the Prime Minister follow the lead of the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Abbott? Will Canada actually sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty?

[International Trade, June 6th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Jenifer does not need a dog. She needs actual support for her to carry on.

This week, the Prime Minister met with the President of the European Commission to discuss trade negotiations in Europe. These are the same negotiations that supposedly were done eight months ago. A good European trade deal is crucial for Canada, but good trade deals are built on trust. How can Canadians trust Conservatives when all we get is posturing, rhetoric, and stunts?

Will the minister inform the House about the outstanding issues that are holding up this deal?

[Veterans Affairs, June 6th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Jenifer Migneault, the wife of a veteran Canadian soldier, spoke to the NDP caucus this week. What she told us was that caregivers can make the difference between life and death, but many spouses of veterans caring for their loved ones are struggling themselves. They need more training. They need more support.

As we mark today's historic day, the historic D-Day landings, will the government commit to improving support for families and their caregivers and not just recite numbers? Give Jenifer Migneault some hope at least.