Infrastructure  Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for Churchill, representing northern Manitoba, there are numerous times that I have asked where the federal government is on behalf of the people I represent. However, I am pleased with the recent building Canada fund announcements, and I

Infrastructure  Mr. Speaker, the government talks the talk about western Canada and rural communities, but it does not walk the walk. For 30 years the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration has been making a positive impact for communities by providing flood protection and drainage support.

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act  Mr. Speaker, when we talk about the need to support farmers of all ages, what are my colleague's views on the government's conduct with respect to the Canadian Wheat Board? The Canadian Wheat Board is an important institution not only for the farming communities in the region I

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act  Mr. Speaker, I particularly appreciated the attention my hon. colleague paid to what young farmers are dealing with. I took note of his reference in terms of the increased debt that young people in Canada face today. Only this morning I had a chance to meet with student leaders

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to stand in this House as the member of Parliament for Churchill representing northern Manitoba. I stand here to present petitions signed by hundreds of northern Manitobans, people from Thompson, Flin-Flon, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, The Pas, Mosakahik

Environmental Enforcement Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague, the member for Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, for presenting the New Democrat position on this bill. This is obviously a bill that we feel has many positive aspects. However, we are quite concerned about the implementation, a

Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, the member for Burnaby—New Westminster, for his courage in bringing forward our message of opposition, as New Democrats in the House and outside with Canadians from all sorts of organizations and directions, and that we stand for h

Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  I am hearing all sorts of heckling. I am sensing a real feeling of defensiveness from both the Liberals and the Conservatives. I wonder if it is because they know they are on the wrong side of this debate. Is it because they know that by voting for this free trade agreement, they

Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, the member talked about comparing Colombia to other countries where we have seen human rights violations. I believe that the argument can be made that since we engaged in trade, by no means have these human rights violations ended. As Canadians, we should be looking

Rural Communities  Mr. Speaker, today the Federation of Canadian Municipalities released a critical report on the government's lack of action in rural Canada. It states that over 50% of Canada's exports come from rural areas in terms of natural resources, agriculture and raw materials, but the we

Youth Voluntary Service  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to speak to this motion. I want to begin by congratulating my colleague, the member for Papineau, for the work he has done in this field and certainly for bringing a real emphasis and focus on young people, something which, unfortunately, is sadly

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, health care is fundamental to us as Canadians. I am proud to be part of the New Democratic Party, a party that has led and continues to lead the fight on health care in our country. We recognize, however, that there is a lot left to be desired when it comes to Cana

Health  Mr. Speaker, first nations in northern Manitoba are urgently calling for federal action. Yesterday, tests showed that H1N1 influenza has struck St. Theresa Point and other regions in northern Manitoba. This problem is not just about influenza; it is also about the living condit

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act  Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to stand in the House today and talk on the subject of Bill C-15, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts. I am proud to stand here with my colleagues from the New Democ

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act  Mr. Speaker, it is always good to engage in discussions with my colleague who neighbours to the west of northern Saskatchewan. I also noted his reference to my personal connections, which is something I do not think is at all appropriate in the discussion we are having. I assure