Stella Ambler

[Don Blenkarn, January 31st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, with profound sadness, I learned this morning of the passing of Don Blenkarn, who served for 16 years as the Conservative member of Parliament in Mississauga from 1972 to 1974 and 1979 to 1993.

Don was a friend and mentor to me in my political efforts and I have cherished his advice on how to be a good MP for the people of Mississauga South. He advised me to work hard, knock on lots of doors and never forget the people we serve. Not known for his subtlety, Don was known for his laugh, his caring big heart, sense of fun, and his somewhat controversial statements.

My thoughts and prayers are with Don's wife, Marguerite, and his family. Don's life was filled with the love of a devoted family, the camaraderie of many friends, and the gratitude of the thousands of people he served.

Donald Alex Blenkarn, Q.C., was a true community leader, a true parliamentarian and a true friend. May he rest in peace.

[Alex Thomson Royal Canadian Legion Branch, November 15th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to tell the House about the Alex Thomson Royal Canadian Legion Branch 82, which has been part of the landscape of Mississauga South in Port Credit for more than 80 years, the past 40 on the banks of the scenic Credit River.

The branch is dedicated to the memory of Colonel Alex Thomson, a former Port Credit resident, who was decorated for bravery and killed in action in France during World War I.

Branch 82 is still a wonderful place to meet old friends and new ones, and that is what hundreds of veterans and members of the community of Mississauga South did on Remembrance Day last Friday.

As a new member of the legion, I meet new comrades each time I go. On Friday, it was Phil and George from the Queen's Own Rifles; parade marshal Norm; RCMP officer Ben, who laid the wreath with me and taught me how to march in parade; feisty World War II veteran Vic Morrow, and many others.

I owe special thanks to legion president Kim Reinhart, the ladies' auxiliary--whose shepherd's pie was a huge hit--and the entire team that helped make Branch 82's Remembrance Day ceremonies such a fitting tribute to our local heroes.

Lest we forget.

[Ann Southam, October 31st, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, one of the finest human qualities is generosity. The late Ann Southam, who died in November 2010, knew that.

Ann Southam, a celebrated music composer and Order of Canada recipient, left a generous endowment of $14 million to the Canadian Women's Foundation, the largest single donation a community-based Canadian women's organization has ever received from any individual. Her gift will fuel the foundation's important work of investing in programs that move women and girls out of violence and poverty and into confidence and success.

By supporting the Canadian Women's Foundation, Ann Southam's legacy of generosity will empower countless women and girls across Canada.

I encourage Canadians to celebrate the generosity and vision of Ann Southam today.

[Democracy in Ukraine, October 18th, 2011]

Mr. Chair, indeed, the residents of Mississauga South who are Ukrainian Canadians are very concerned about this politically motivated persecution of Yulia Tymoshenko. They are relieved that the Canadian Parliament and Canada's Prime Minister are taking a tough stand against the erosion of democratic rights in Ukraine.

I have spoken to some of them and they are very proud as well that our Prime Minister was given the honour of the Taras Shevchenko medal , the highest honour that can be bestowed by the Ukrainian community on any Canadian. In fact, only two prime ministers in history, the current Prime Minister and Prime Minister Diefenbaker, have been given that award.

We will continue to work on behalf of Ukrainian Canadians living here in Canada, but also to en sure that democracy, freedom, democratic rights and the rule of law return to Ukraine.

[Democracy in Ukraine, October 18th, 2011]

Mr. Chair, Canada has always supported the efforts in Ukraine to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous society, and we will continue to do so.

My colleague, who was at the election in 2004 during the 10 days of the Orange Revolution, was telling me about those times and about the nascent democracy that was Ukraine seven years ago. Twenty years ago, the situation was even more difficult.

As the Prime Minister mentioned in his remarks on Friday night to the Canadian Ukrainian Congress in Toronto, our history is relatively benign in that area. We did not go through the difficulties that the Ukraine did and has over the last many years.

Canada will continue to support Ukraine's development and democracy. We want to ensure this anti-democratic situation that is going on stops as soon as possible.

[Democracy in Ukraine, October 18th, 2011]

Mr. Chair, I will be splitting my time with the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

I am honoured to stand in the House tonight to speak to this important and troubling situation, but the words I have to offer are insignificant compared to the notable remarks made by Canada's Prime Minister on Friday night in his speech to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Toronto. I will take this opportunity to read into the record a portion of his remarks at this important event, which took place just a few days ago. Speaking of the Taras Shevchenko award, the Prime Minister stated:

This award has been presented to many distinguished Ukrainian-Canadians, as well as friends of Ukraine. Among those friends was John Diefenbaker, the first Prime Minister to receive it. I am honoured to follow in his footsteps … for Diefenbaker personified the distinctly Canadian reality that people from all backgrounds can and do succeed in this great country.

Of course, what really makes this presentation special is the fact it pays tribute to the legacy of Taras Shevchenko. His words provided the inspiration for Ukrainian independence. He said, and I quote: “Strive and you will triumph for God is on your side. The rewards are glory, truth, and that most sacred of things, freedom.” Shevchenko was a brilliant artist and a renowned poet. But most important, his was a voice for freedom...

In the decades that followed his spirit would inspire Ukrainians to fight for liberty against not only the Tsars, but also the totalitarian ideologies of the Nazis and the Soviets. You know, here in Canada, with our deep Parliamentary traditions and our comparatively benign history, democracy sometimes gets taken for granted. We often need to be reminded of how long and hard the struggle for basic freedoms has been, and that it remains to be fought for so many of our fellow human beings. The Ukrainian-Canadian community has always provided that perspective and that voice for the oppressed...

But, the important thing is this, I’m here to tell you that as long as I am Prime Minister our government always will speak out for those things that elevate the human spirit--freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law--for all nations and peoples! ...

—when I visited Ukraine last year I made a special point of visiting historic sites to pay my respects, on behalf of all Canadians...

While I was in Kiev, as you remember I also raised issues that are of concern to the Government of Canada. I took particular care to show Canada’s support for democratic debate … by meeting with Yulia Tymoshenko. Like many of you, I am seriously concerned about her situation...

I’ve written directly to President Yanukovych. I let him know that I am deeply concerned … that the conduct of Tymoshenko's trial does not reflect accepted norms of due process or fairness.

Friends, we all know that a vigorous political opposition and judicial independence are vital to building a democratic and prosperous Ukraine. Canada will support Ukraine whenever it moves towards freedom, democracy and justice. However, our foreign policy is rooted in principle, and in the defence of freedom.

So to be clear, our government is very concerned about the path the Government of Ukraine appears to be taking. Tuesday’s developments may have serious consequences for our bilateral relationship. The Ukrainian people can count on Canada to stand-up for their liberty. Canada is always ready to help … to help democratic institutions take root, in Ukraine and around the world. And I know that each and every person here tonight shares that cause … which is why I am so honoured to be here.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for this opportunity to speak and tell you about the Prime Minister's comments on this serious and important situation.

[Democracy in Ukraine, October 18th, 2011]

Mr. Chair, I would like to ask my colleague about the long term affects on democratic development in the Ukraine. I would like to ask his view on what the situation is now and how he feels it will impact the development of democracy in the Ukraine.

[Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act, October 17th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, we all know that the first phase of Canada's economic action plan was a huge success for Canada. Almost 600,000 jobs have been created since July 2009 and in the category of economic growth, Canada is the best of all the G7 countries.

My hon. colleague from Palliser knows his community well. Could he tell us how the next phase of Canada's economic action plan would impact his community and how the good things in that plan would help the people in his community and all of Canada?

[Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act, October 17th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, my question for the member for Medicine Hat is with regard to innovation.

The member talked about education, innovation and training. I want to let the House know that last week I visited a company in my riding of Mississauga South called Electrovaya. It manufactures lithium ion batteries for plug-in electric vehicles. In the last year alone, it doubled its staff to over 100 and part of that had to do with the fact that it received funding, through the Department of Industry, Science and Technology's clean energy fund, for this project.

I wonder if the member for Medicine Hat has a similar story to tell about his riding or from his travels where innovation and our policies in that area have helped out a business.

[Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act, October 5th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, I heard the member opposite talk about jobs for young Canadians. What does she think about the almost 600,000 jobs that have been created in Canada by the efforts of this government and our concentration on economic growth and creating jobs, and the importance we place on that?

Does the member opposite not understand that some of those 600,000 jobs, in fact probably many of them, 80% of which are full-time, are going to young people and that when jobs are created for all Canadians through economic strength, jobs are created for young people as well?