House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 34% of the vote.
Committee Business and Reinstatement of Government Bills October 4th, 2002
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. It is clear in this House that the rules state when a vote is taken all members of the House must be in their seats at that time. Even though we lost the vote on this one the precedent can be dangerously set, Madam Speaker, if you allow the member for Peterborough's vote to stand. He was not in his seat. He does not deserve the right to vote on this particular aspect.
Petitions October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the second petition is from well over 100 people again in my riding who want Parliament and all government people to take all necessary steps to ensure that all materials which promote or glorify pedophilia or sado-masochistic activities involving children are outlawed.
Petitions October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions. The first petition is from the great people of Sackville--Musquodoboit Valley--Eastern Shore praying that the government will ban the use of compounds on pressure treated wood and other wood products.
Parliament of Canada Act October 4th, 2002
moved for leave to introduce Bill 211, an act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act.
Mr. Speaker, I am reintroducing this bill for the third time. What the bill would do is that any member of the House who has been voted in as a member from a recognized party, if they decide to cross the floor they should quit their seat, run in a byelection and let the people of their constituency vote for whether or not they should be under a new political banner. That would be democracy and that is the way the House should be run, because this is what Canadians want us to do.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Income Tax Act October 4th, 2002
moved for leave to introduce Bill 210, an act to amend the Income Tax Act (amateur sport fees).
Mr. Speaker, a lot of families are struggling with not only high taxation but the ability to afford their children the opportunity to play in organized sports.
Organized sports fees are rising. What the bill would do is it would give people who pay to register their children or themselves in a registered amateur sport the ability to claim that as a tax deduction similar to that of a charitable donation. This would put more money back into the handsof families. It would create opportunities for young people throughout the country to actively participate in organized sports and, thus, would lead to a much better and vibrant country.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Income Tax Act October 4th, 2002
moved for leave to introduce Bill 209, an act to amend the Income Tax Act (expenses incurred by care-givers).
Mr. Speaker, the bill would entitle, and God forbid that it happens to anyone in this country or in the House, but if an individual becomes disabled tomorrow and the individual has to renovate the interior of the home, such as the kitchen counter tops, the bathroom or widen the hallways, for whatever reasons, the expenses incurred by that individual should be tax deductible.
This would go a long way in aiding and assisting people to stay in their own homes. I think this would have wide approval from the House and people right across Canada.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Income Tax Act October 4th, 2002
moved for leave to introduce Bill 208, an act to amend the Income Tax Act (herbal remedies).
Mr. Speaker,a lot of Canadians are allergic to sulpha-based drugs, which is what approximately 80% of all pharmaceutical drugs are based on. If a licensed physician subscribes a herbal alternative to a patient then that patient should be able to claim that herbal alternative as a tax deduction on his or her medical expenses. That is basically the bill in a nutshell. This would aid and help a lot of people.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Income Tax Act October 4th, 2002
moved for leave to introduce Bill 207, an act to amend the Income tax Act (volunteers).
Mr. Speaker, the essence of what this private member's bill would do is it would allow anyone who volunteers for a registered organization, such as the Lions Clubs, the Kiwanis Club or any other organization, and who has volunteered for a minimum of 250 hours a year, the eligibility of a $1,000 tax reduction on their income tax.
Volunteers make this country what it is today and we, as the government and parliamentarians, need to recognize their effort. A lot of people suffer from burnout and from financial consequences.
The bill would allow a little bit of money to go back into their pockets to continue on the great work that they do for all communities throughout this entire country.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
National Defence October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, if the Solicitor General requires some strategic advice I will give it to him for free: resign now.
My question for the government is this. The British government has declared that all military personnel will receive the Queen's Jubilee Medal. In Canada an order in council said that only 8,000 members of our military would receive the medal.
If this is such a significant medal for contribution to our country, does the government not believe that all our military personnel deserve to wear this prestigious medal?
Iraq October 3rd, 2002
Madam Speaker, my hon. colleague across the way talked about those who were in uniform and those who were not in uniform in terms of the power of the United States. What he failed to mention was that over 80% of all American elected officials do not have a passport. They do not support the international criminal court. They do not support the international ban on landmines.
This is not just to rant and say I am anti-American in any way, contrary to the truth. The fact is when it comes to international agreements beyond what we are discussing here tonight, the United States is very reluctant to support the world community in an action of that nature.
The member mentioned the oil situation. Other people have said that the United States is so mad at Saddam Hussein because of George Bush's father. Other people have said it is because of the oil and the riches and the control of the wealth that is under the Iraqi soil. Other people have said it is for strictly crass political reasons.
What does the hon. member think is driving the United States to push so hard to get rid of Saddam Hussein? I agree that Saddam Hussein is someone who should not be around any more, but how we deal with him needs to be done on a multilateral approach.
I would like to ask the member exactly what he thinks is pushing the United States. Could it be September 11? Could it be a number of reasons?