He was so deeply stirred that he began an intricate endeavour to paint portraits of each of the people who had so valiantly served their nation in its time of crisis.
His project originated with the idea that these individuals were more than just names cast in marble. They were people with families and friends and they should be remembered as such.
I have had the opportunity to view Mr. Burke's work. I was struck by the realistic manner in which the faces of our fallen countrymen were captured in each portrait. So accurate were the images that family members and veterans were moved to tears as they viewed the impressions of their departed companions.
I would like to relay my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Burke for his substantial investment of time, energy and emotion into this venture. His valuable contribution pays a fitting tribute to those Canadians captured forever on his canvas.
[Translation]
At the present time, annual production is forecast at over 50,000 tonnes, and the mine has the potential for expanding its production to 85,000 tonnes. Such forecasts are, of course, forecasts as well of economic growth and increased employment for Quebecers.
Thanks to such initiatives, the mining industry has become a pillar of the Quebec economy, providing close to 17,500 people with jobs. In order for this progress to continue, I am asking the government to turn its promises into concrete actions and to do away with the costly duplication in regulations which is hindering investment in Quebec's mining industry.
The Reform Party recognizes that RCMP officers should have the right to organize democratically and bargain collectively. This means that officers should be able to do so through voluntary membership in a police association. To those officers who want to bargain collectively, Reform applauds your efforts.
Reform also recognizes that the RCMP wants real freedom of association. To those officers who feel their concerns are best addressed individually, Reform supports your right to opt out of compulsory union membership. We support your right to work.
I say to the RCMP officers in the gallery, on the Hill here this week or out in the communities, your concerns are not falling on deaf ears.
Reform challenges the solicitor general to act now. Give RCMP officers a fair deal.
my home province of New Brunswick. They are here in Ottawa representing the Canadian Police Association.
The men I met with are concerned because of the government's long delay in bringing forth legislation providing for DNA data banks. Fingerprints are kept in a bank. Why is DNA treated differently? Setting up a DNA data bank would allow police forces across the country access to a wealth of information which could help them conclude unsolved violent crimes. The government really has to get its priorities straight. It does not want a criminal's genetic fingerprint on file, but it does want all law-abiding gun owners on file.
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To the many men and women representing our police forces I say, continue your fight. To the government I say, let us do what is right and get this legislation passed in the House.
In the past few months 4,000 Canadians have indicated to me that they want an official pledge of allegiance to the Canadian flag and are supporting my private members' bill C-302.
Over 350 municipal councils from communities like Gambo, Newfoundland; Puslinch, Ontario; Beaconsfield, Quebec; Leaf Rapids, Manitoba and Hay River, Northwest Territories have passed resolutions supporting this legislation.
Canadians pledge allegiance to the flag in a variety of ways. Thousands of Canadians are telling me, either individually or through their local councils, that it is time for Canada to adopt an official pledge of allegiance.
I believe it is essential for people of different religions, including minority groups, to respect each other's faith. We are all children of God, so rather than work to destroy each other, we must try to eliminate the true source of conflict which is religious intolerance.
In the words of Patrick Henry: ``Religion must only be directed by reason, not by force or violence. All individuals are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, and it is the mutual duty of all to practice tolerance, love and charity toward each other''.
Therefore, I would ask that the Government of Canada issue a strong call for religious tolerance and understanding in Pakistan.
The Alberta government is also in the process of reducing the budget of its environment department by $164 million and 1,360 jobs by the year 1999.
Not to be outdone, the Ontario government has cut its ministry of the environment and energy budget by one-third, eliminating 752 staff and has also reduced the staff of the ministry of natural resources by 2,150 people.
In light of these actions, Canadians are more than ever looking to the federal government to ensure high standards of protection for their water quality, their air quality and their soil quality.
Those are not just numbers, they are people: from new graduates looking for their first jobs, older workers laid off because of downsizing, to people in the prime of life who are unable to support their families no matter how hard they try.
Last October bankruptcies were up 61 per cent from October 1993 when the Liberal government took office. Families are also carrying the highest debt load in history.
These figures are a national tragedy. And what response do we get from this caring, sharing Liberal government? Last week it tabled legislation that will sharply increase payroll taxes, making it more costly than ever before for businesses to hire new employees.
Out of work Canadians want to know: Where are the jobs, jobs, jobs this Liberal government promised them?
[Translation]
This actual drop in purchasing power is the direct effect of federal government cuts to transfer payments to the provinces.
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In fact, under the new Canada social transfer, the provinces will be receiving approximately $7 billion less for health, postsecondary education and welfare. The federal government needs to loosen its grip and have the courage to fight the deficit at the expense of someone other than the most disadvantaged.
The measures they propose include targeted grants for high need individuals, repayment assistance where required to help former students meet their debt obligations, a work study program to provide opportunities for students to earn while they learn and tax measures to help Canadians save for their children's education.
New Democrats strongly believe in the need for continued federal investment in student assistance in order that every student who is academically qualified is able to benefit fully from Canada's post-secondary education opportunities regardless of his or her financial status. We urge the Liberals to implement these progressive proposals.
Later today we will see the Liberals' budget and we will know whether they are serious about tackling soaring student debt loads and growing inaccessibility to post-secondary education in Canada.
Yesterday the member for Dartmouth and I were proud to announce the construction of three sound stages in the Halifax metropolitan area. The new production capability will help to meet the demand of Nova Scotia's growing film industry or as we call it at home, Hollywood North.
We have highly skilled trained professionals in the television and film industry both behind and in front of the camera. They love their craft, they are dedicated and they are successful. However, their success stems from the combined efforts of this government through ACOA in partnership with the provincial government and the private sector working together to turn a vision for the Halifax film industry into reality.
Since our government was elected in 1993, much has changed in this country, mainly for the better. Inflation is at its lowest level, interest rates and mortgage rates are at levels that are reasonable for consumers and more than 700,000 jobs have been created in Canada.
The deficit we inherited from the previous government has dropped considerably, and all major international institutions expect Canada to experience the strongest growth rate of all G-7 countries.
Canadians again have confidence in their government, and that is due to the excellent work done by the present Liberal government.
At 89, Archie Neil had become the embodiment of the cultural revival taking place across Cape Breton Island and was among its most eloquent and colourful exponents. He was a master teacher,
entertainer, broadcaster and story teller, and a devotee of Cape Breton music. He contributed his talents generously to causes and charities too numerous to mention. No one could emcee a concert with the same grace and good humour as Archie Neil.
Archie Neil's life was a triumph of spirit over adversity. Born in a large family of modest means in the community of Margaree Forks, he was crippled by polio at an early age. But he overcame the disadvantages of humble beginnings, physical disability and other challenges to transform his life into an example of contribution to others.
I am proud to have known Archie Neil Chisholm and to have grown up in Margaree under his inspiring influence. Like so many of his friends, I will miss his cheerful presence.
Pick up line number 10: I'll show you my ethics only if you'll show me yours.
Pick up line number 9: Red book? Don't talk about the red book. Let's not spoil the moment.
Pick up line number 8: Hey baby, let's regulate.
Pick up line number 7: Will you wear red for me?
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Pick up line number 6: What do I stand for? Well, what would you like to hear?
Pick up line number 5: If you don't like my principles, I promise I'll change.
Pick up line number 4: Honest, I'll pay you your CPP later.
Pick up line number 3: Respect you in the morning? Heck, I don't even respect you now.
Pick up line number 2: Pardon me, can I give you a grant?
And the number 1 pick up line that Liberals will use to try to seduce the voter is: Trust me, I've never taxed anyone before.
La La La Human Steps would get funding if it changed the title of its latest show, ``2'', to read ``One Canada, United and Unique''.
The latest Arcand offering would be more likely to get funding under the name: ``Le Canada: quel beau pays malgré ce qu'on en dit'' or ``Canada: It's a Wonderful Country After All''.
Pierre Falardeau would get a grant if, instead of making a movie about the Patriotes, he made one about the members of the Doric Club.
The théâtre du Trident would change the title of the Cocteau play, ``Les parents terribles'' or ``Rotten Parents'', to read ``Le Québec, cet enfant terrible'' or ``Quebec, that Brat''.
``Broue'' should become ``Canadian Ale''.
Guy Cloutier should change the name of his show, ``Jeanne la pucelle'' or ``The Joan of Arc Musical'', to ``Sheila la guerrière'' or ``Sheila, Warrior Princess''.
Fortunately, making a fool of one's self is not harmful to one's health, otherwise the federal cabinet would be in pretty bad shape.
For more than three years Canadians have seen absolutely no job creation plans and the GST has not been eliminated. The Prime Minister has not delivered on these two verbal promises and Canadians will not be fooled by the smoke and mirrors budget announcements today.
I am sure that the finance minister will unveil a good news budget announcing no new tax increases. Why should he not for he has already picked the pocketbooks of Canadians with hidden taxes.
Last week's changes to the CPP was the biggest tax grab in Canadian history. The bottom line is that the average Canadian's net pay is less than it was three years ago. Let us not be fooled for it is the middle income earners that continue to pay for the financial mismanagement of governments.
[Translation]
The CGI group in Montreal is the biggest Canadian owned information technology company. It was a member of Team Canada on its latest Asian trip.
While in Thailand, the CGI group, which employs over 1,700 people in Canada and abroad, signed a contract a Chomburi company to supply a management system. The contract is estimated to be worth $2 million.
The high tech sector is a jewel in the Montreal economy and, thanks to Team Canada, our know-how has spread to the far corners of the world.
It may have been politically expedient to delay, but that would not be in the best interests of Canadians young or old. Delaying the decision would have resulted in a bigger bill down the road.
[Translation]
In fact, it is precisely because previous governments failed to act that we find ourselves in this situation today. It is precisely to make the plan affordable and sustainable, for generations, now and in the future, that we are acting right now.
[English]
Those who attempt to score political points by preying on people's fears should come clean with Canadians and tell them what their own plan is, and that is to dismantle the CPP. It is also irresponsible to try to make this an intergenerational battle.
Canadians believe in the CPP. They want it preserved as a public pension plan and that is what we are doing. That is political leadership.