Tilly O'Neill-Gordon

[Canadian Forces, September 14th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, hon. members may be aware that there was a very objectionable piece of literature circulated last week by an opposition member and a former cabinet minister suggesting that Canadians are no longer proud of our flag and stating that this government has turned its back on proud Canadian traditions of diplomacy, peacekeeping, human rights and international development.

Could the minister inform the House about our government's reaction to this insinuation?

[Escuminac, New Brunswick, June 19th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic disaster that befell the residents of Escuminac, New Brunswick. Thirty-five lives were brutally taken by the sea, leaving behind widows and orphans, as many as 13 in some families.

During this weekend, 3,000 people are expected to attend gatherings, some to remember and some younger ones to be made aware of what those victims and families have endured.

Today, as we honour those who died during the fishing disaster and salute the brave heroes of that day, I wish to pay tribute to the community that pulled together and to mark the strength and the courage of the survivors who bravely moved forward.

[Employment Insurance, June 2nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians, including many in my riding of Miramichi, depend on employment insurance benefits to help them get through this recession. I support the decision to freeze payroll taxes so the government, not employers and workers, bear the burden of higher EI costs.

How much money is the government investing in employment insurance to help Canadians weather the recession?

[The Economy, May 15th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is crucial during this global economic recession that government supports unemployed Canadians and ensures that they have the tools and skills they need to transition into a new job.

It is equally important to provide an environment where small and medium businesses can thrive and maintain jobs, as well as create new ones.

Can the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development please explain what our Conservative government is doing to support small businesses and workers during these difficult economic times?

[The Economy, May 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the global economic downturn has put a great deal of pressure on Canadian families and they are looking to the government for leadership. Fortunately, this government has an economic action plan that is being rolled out across the country, creating jobs and quality infrastructure, to lead Canada through these difficult times.

Would the Minister of State (Transport) please inform the House about his recent announcement with VIA Rail?

[Newfoundland and Labrador, March 31st, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to mark a very special occasion in our country's history.

Sixty years ago today, Canada was made complete when Newfoundland and Labrador joined Confederation. In the past 60 years we have grown together as a strong and united country, a country that we all should be very proud of.

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador have made a tremendous amount of contributions to Canada. Their rich culture and passion for life is sewn in the fabric of this country. Without Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada would not be what it is today: the greatest country in the world.

On behalf of all members of the House, we wish to congratulate the people of Newfoundland and Labrador on the 60th anniversary of joining Canada.

[Seniors, March 26th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week in the Edmonton Journal the Liberal member for York West insinuated that the new horizons for seniors program was a waste of taxpayers' money and that we should cut funding to this program. She said that funding for this program was “like buying votes”. She also said, “I suspect there are much higher priorities for Canadians today”.

Can the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development comment on the Liberal Party's blatant dismissal of seniors and the new horizons for seniors program?

[Search and Rescue, March 12th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we learned today of a tragic accident off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. A helicopter carrying 18 people ditched into the ocean. We know search and rescue personnel are on site, but conditions are difficult because of rolling seas.

Could the parliamentary secretary provide the House with an update on the rescue operations?

[St. Patrick's Day, March 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind the House that March 17 is St. Patrick's Day. Being of Irish descent and coming from Canada's national Irish capital, this is a proud and happy celebration for me and my family. Wherever people are and whether they are Irish or not, I would invite them to wear something green on March 17 and to celebrate.

I would also like to invite everyone, a few months early no doubt, to visit us in marvellous Miramichi for our famous Irish Festival, which runs from July 16 to 19, 2009. If they do not see old friends there, they are sure to make new ones.

As we say in the Miramichi, one hundred thousand welcomes.

[Infrastructure, March 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, last week our Prime Minister, together with Nova Scotia's Premier Rodney MacDonald, announced a major investment in Nova Scotia's highway system.

Could Canada's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure please inform the House how this initiative will help keep Atlantic Canadian families safe?