House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 57% of the vote.
Law Enforcement Officers September 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, Canadians should know that the modifications made in January 1997, of which the Liberals are so proud, do not prevent dangerous criminals like Paul Bernardo from applying for early release.
Will the minister stop attempting to bury this issue, revisit her refusal to strike down section 745, to prevent Bernardo and other killers from putting the families through this public, tortuous and senseless process of faint hope hearings?
Law Enforcement Officers September 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I attended a memorial service honouring those law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
One way of ensuring protection for peace officers, indeed all Canadians, is to ensure individuals convicted of first degree murder do not receive early release. This summer the Olson hearing as well as the 300 murderers with the right to apply for early release highlight the need for change in this area.
Will the Minister of Justice stop worrying about the protection of the rights of criminals, do the right thing and repeal section 745, this offensive and potentially dangerous piece of legislation.
The Late Alistair Fraser September 26th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to add my voice to those paying tribute to Mr. Alistair Graeme Fraser.
I met Mr. Fraser on several occasions when my father took his oath in this House. He was, like I, a Nova Scotian. He often referred to his field at Guysborough, which was very important to him. His brothers and their families shared that home. I extend my deep condolences to them and all the members of the Fraser family in Nova Scotia. They have suffered a great loss, as has this House.
On September 25, 1967 the journals of this House recorded the announcement of Mr. Fraser's appointment as clerk of the House of Commons. When he retired in 1979 this House was different than it is today.
Mr. Fraser loved this Chamber. The people who worked in and around it were very important to him. He knew political life mattered and that those who practised it, supported it and reported it were key to the basic freedoms of this country.
He saw Parliament Hill as a welcome place for those who sought to learn about it and who came to pay their respects.
Someone once said that Mr. Fraser saw this place as a sort of university. He devoted much time to explaining it to the people who came here.
He was critical to the success of parliament and the parliamentary internship program. He supported the establishment of the Canadian study of the parliamentary group and he represented this institution in the Parliament of the World with distinction.
At his retirement he was made an honorary member, officer of the House, with a seat at the table before us. He took this honour very seriously. His counsel remained available to several committees and his testimony was given to a special committee established following the famous ringing of the bells, which remained lively and cogent in his critique of the House of Commons.
Parliament has too few friends. Mr. Fraser's death robs us of an ally and one of the Commonwealth's great parliamentary officers.
On behalf of the Conservative Party, I add my voice of condolence to the family, to this House and to all Canadians, for Mr. Fraser will be sorely missed.
Speech From The Throne September 26th, 1997
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to rise for the first time officially in this House. I want to congratulate you and all those who will be occupying the Chair during the course of this Parliament.
I also want to take the opportunity to thank the people of Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough who have entrusted in me this great honour to represent them in these hallowed halls and in this House.
I want to very briefly comment on the very fiery speech given by the hon. member for Crowfoot. I am encouraged by the member's vigorous pursuit of this issue. He has obviously done a great deal of research and a great deal of leg work to have uncovered these inadequacies and injustices that have occurred on this particular point.
I know that the hon. member has a great deal of practical experience within the justice system. I just want to comment that I as well look forward to keeping this government in check in particular in the area of justice and these atrocities, some of which the hon. member has mentioned, areas such as the Krever report and the Airbus scandal. I too look forward to working with him in seeing that this government is held accountable.
Speech From The Throne September 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask that the hon. leader of the Conservative Party be afforded the same privilege which was afforded the leader of the New Democratic Party, that he be, by the unanimous consent of the House, permitted to finish his remarks.