Wayne Marston

[Bob Barlow, June 6th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, it was with great sadness on May 29 when I learned of the passing of my good friend Bob Barlow at the young age of 47.

It is not widely known, but Bob was the primary reason I ran for the federal NDP in the 2006 election. Back in 2004, as president of our riding association, Bob asked me to consider running for the nomination and I declined. However, in 2005, I believe it was Bob who drew Jack Layton's attention to my community work and passion for human rights. Between Jack's persuasiveness and Bob's unrelenting support, I agreed.

Few in NDP circles believed we could actually defeat the then government House leader Tony Valeri, but Bob never wavered. Bob set up my campaign office, got volunteers, even planned my days. Throughout that cold 54-day campaign, Bob was there with me day and night. I truly believe I would not be the MP for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek if it were not for the persistence and support of my friend Bob Barlow.

May he rest in peace.

[Technical Tax Amendments Act, 2012, May 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, my friend who just spoke talked about the length of time it took to get to this piece of legislation. In 2009, the Auditor General identified 400 technical changes that should have been completed at that point. She commented that this went back to 2001, when the Liberals were in government. Questions were raised about why the Liberal government failed to pass regular technical changes at that time.

Obviously, we have 1,000 pages before us today addressing only 200 of the 400 technical changes required. Oftentimes these changes slide into the system, even though they are not law yet, which makes things complicated. They are complicated for citizens and tax lawyers who are trying to deal with it.

Is the member aware of any plans on the government's part to start putting in these technical changes with a certain regularity?

[Committees of the House, May 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Timmins—James Bay for the points he has just made. I was elected following that election of 2005-2006, and I recall the promises that were made. In fact, my own election occurred because there were questions raised about the previous member. We talked about honesty. We talked about shining that light in those places it needed to be. What I would call into question now are the activities of the government.

One of the questions the hon. member raised concerning Mr. Carson, Mr. Wright, Pamela Wallin, Duffy and Brazeau was with regard to the vetting of those particular individuals. If we are to shine a light on anything, we have to shine a light on the vetting process and the very clear errors in that process. We had a DUI case and previous assault involved. It is very clear that there was no honest vetting done. That calls into question the relationship between the PMO or the Prime Minister and these individuals. Why would they bypass it?

Here in the House we have had debate shut down 36 times. We cannot talk about issues in an upfront way and place before Canadians the concerns we have.

I would ask the member to comment on that lack of a vetting process.

[Employment, May 24th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, workers in my riding in Hamilton have been struggling with de-industrialization for years. Now they are confronted with EI changes that could potentially put them on welfare, but Senator Duffy, who got caught stealing from taxpayers, had the Prime Minister's chief of staff underwrite his malfeasance to the tune of $90,000.

My question is simple. When will the government show some of the same generosity to Canadian workers as it has to this double-dipping Conservative senator?

[Human Rights, May 7th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the United Nations has released its draft report on the universal periodic review of Canada's domestic human rights record. Following our last review in 2009, Canada pledged to consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, yet here we are four years later, and the Conservative government is still considering this very serious matter.

What this optional protocol does is to establish an international inspection system for persons in jails that is modelled after the European system that has been in place since 1987. In the current report, our allies, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Netherlands, recommend that Canada join the civilized world and ratify this convention.

Considering that OPCAT was adopted by the UN in 2002, this means that Canada has had 11 long years, with first the Liberal government and now the Conservative government, to consider ratifying it.

Canadians are left wondering when the government will finally do the right thing and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.

[Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, May 7th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for the concern he is expressing, particularly for the seniors in Newfoundland.

The member for Nepean—Carleton spoke here a few minutes ago about respect: his respect in this place and his respect for Canadians. However, I was troubled because that is the same member who voted repeatedly to shut down debate in this House, and shut down people's opportunity to learn about the various bills and legislation, more times than any other government in the history of our country or of this Parliament.

The member for Nepean—Carleton also talked about defending the public purse. I know my friend from Newfoundland has the same kind of concern about the public purse. I wonder if he has heard any indication at all as to where the missing $3.1 billion from the public purse has gone.

[Foreign Investment, April 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I just wish that member would put away those tired talking points and explain exactly where the net benefit is to Canada for these workers.

What was in the court settlement that should have addressed those issues that brought U.S. Steel to court in the first place: maintaining jobs and local production? Now these workers have been betrayed again.

When will the government admit it was a mistake to allow U.S. Steel to come to Canada to take over Stelco and admit, as well, that it sold out Canadians workers?

[Foreign Investment, April 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday almost 1,000 steelworkers were locked out of the U.S. Steel plant in Nanticoke. This is the third time this has happened since U.S. Steel has been allowed to come into the country by the Conservatives.

Bill Ferguson, president of USW Local 8782, said that the gates were now closed on one of the most productive and efficient steel mills in North America.

When will the Conservatives stop selling out our manufacturing sector and enforce the investment Canada Act?

[Business of Supply, April 25th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I just want to inform you that I took my Tinker Bell wings off years ago.

I have nine grandchildren, and I am very concerned about the environment. If the minister wants to malign the NDP, that is fine. However, Jack Layton put before this House the most comprehensive bill on the environment ever seen in the world. It was praised around the world. It passed in the House, and the unelected Senate killed it. Do not talk to us about what we know or do not know about the environment, because we do know, and we are very concerned about it.

Canada has the opportunity to take a lead for the world. The minister talks about other countries not acting. Why are we not leading, because if we lead, we may save this planet. If we do not, we are going to lose the planet in 75 years.

[Armenia, April 24th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, nearly a century ago, the world remained silent while 1.5 million Armenians were murdered. On April 24, 2004, the Canadian Parliament passed a motion clearly stating this truth and condemning it as a crime against humanity.

Democratic governments from around the world must ensure that this grim and tragic historical event is never forgotten. We must always remember the brutal words of Adolf Hitler during the planning of the Holocaust when he said, “Who today remembers the extermination of Armenians?”

We mark this day. We remember the fate of the Armenians—men, women, and children—who died in the 1915 tragedy. We must recommit ourselves to protecting human rights and dignity for all people wherever they live.

Today, the House joins with 50,000 Canadians of Armenian heritage to remember and work to create a future of peace and reconciliation.