Agriculture  Mr. Chair, it is a great honour for me to stand before you this morning, as it is after midnight here in Ottawa. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Leeds--Grenville for the confidence that they have shown in me. In my first address to Parliament, it is

Agriculture  Mr. Chair, I spoke about the need to remind the Americans that we are concerned that they are not opening the border and if they do not open the border there needs to be consequences. We need to work with them and let them know that we are not going to just stand back any longer.

Agriculture  Mr. Chair, I fully concur with the comments of my colleague, especially at this late hour. However the cooperative approach will go a long way toward solving this problem. As we heard, the rhetoric that came from the government side and some of the comments that were made were l

Agriculture  Mr. Chair, I will not get drawn into an attempt by the member opposite to threaten the Americans. We have already heard that from the other side. We need the member opposite to tell us why the border is not open. Maybe he can shed some light on this because it sure is not workin

Riding of Leeds--Grenville  Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of honour and responsibility that I rise today to make my first remarks in the House. First and foremost, I would like to thank the people of Leeds and Grenville for their confidence in me. Standing in this chamber, I am struck by the his

Textile and Clothing Industry  Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. The Canadian apparel industry faces challenges due to globalization. The fourth report of the Standing Committee on Finance in the 37th Parliament made three unanimous recommendations. One was to extend the remission order

Agriculture  Mr. Speaker, several weeks ago we spent two evenings debating the BSE crisis in Canada. Since that time we have heard nothing positive in the House that will help our beef farmers. In my office, however, I have heard a great deal. Regularly in my riding of Leeds—Grenville I rece

Coast Guard  Mr. Speaker, my question is for the revenue minister. On October 5 the minister stated that no jobs would be lost or services cut while the government finds a 5% savings in all departments. While this search for savings can be lauded, how does the minister justify recent and pen

Textile and Clothing Industry  Mr. Speaker, the finance minister has failed to reinstate exemptions from duties for the textile and apparel industry. His inaction is leading to the loss of hundreds of jobs in Canada. I have already asked this question in the House, but jobs in Prescott, Ontario in my riding of

Volunteerism  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 10 year old resident of my riding of Leeds—Grenville who is here today visiting Ottawa. He has raised close to $16,000 to provide comfort to hospitalized children and seniors. At age eight, Cody Clark learned that a young friend had a hol

Textile and Clothing Industry  Mr. Speaker, on two occasions the Minister of Finance has guaranteed to us that a decision will be made on duty remissions for the apparel industry. Time marches on. The deadline is only days away. Will the minister sign the duty remission orders, or is his Christmas gift to the

Human Resources and Skills Development  Mr. Speaker, Bill C-28, the compassionate care bill, is to be reviewed early in 2005. Canadians in need have discovered that the bill is seriously flawed. They are humiliated and demoralized at a crucial time when they are desperate to care for their loved ones. Will the minist

China  Mr. Speaker, an estimated 16 million to 20 million prisoners are held in over 4,000 labour reform camps in China and Tibet. Slave labour from these camps earns China several hundred million dollars. There have been published reports that these camps offer deals to foreign compan

National Flag of Canada Day  Mr. Speaker, 40 years ago today the maple leaf flag was raised for the first time here on Parliament Hill and all across Canada. It is a cherished and welcome symbol for all Canadians and is a familiar and welcome sight around the world. Today I recognize one of my predecessors,

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I come from a riding that has a lot of farmers who are having great difficulties right now. I would like to direct my question to the hon. member for Haldimand--Norfolk who led this party's charge against the cash deposit requirement on the CAIS program just a couple