I am not advocating a weekend getaway but there are two important points in all of this. First, other legislative bodies are aware of behavioural problems and, second, they are attempting to do something about it.
Canadians do not want near fist fights or porcine comparisons in the House. They want debate and ideas presented in an atmosphere of civility.
Before Barnum and Bailey take possession of this place, we of whatever political stripe should stop, look and listen, just like those much younger than us, before we engage in classroom antics.
It was a chance to get to know MPs from all across Canada; to listen for the melancholy bells which bring us into the House to vote; to play musical chairs in the House of Commons; to work on my tan while playing football on Parliament's front lawn; to be affectionately referred to by the Liberals as the $150,000 man; to have the Speaker rule my definition of a bribe out of order; to need an extra two minutes to finish a 40-minute speech; to refuse, along with 50 of my colleagues, to take the gold plated pension plan as a display of leadership by example; and to represent and vote the wishes of my constituents as opposed to always having to vote the party line, proof that free votes work.
Finally, I will always remember the phrase I used when I was Reform Party whip.
[Translation]
``Mr. Speaker, members of the Reform Party vote yea, except for those who wish to vote otherwise''.
[English]
National Volunteer Week was first proclaimed in 1943. The leadership role that women's organizations such as the Women's Voluntary Service played back then can still be felt today.
[Translation]
In Montreal, the Centro Donne Italian women's centre continues to work hard. Happily, we are seeing more and more men joining women in volunteer activities, as can be seen from their presence
in organizations such as Moisson Montréal, the Ahuntsic-Sud volunteer centre, the Ahuntsic Lions' Club and the Knights of Columbus.
[English]
Let us applaud the efforts of these women and men for the contributions they make to the well-being of our country.
The battle was a defining moment for the Canadian army but more particularly for Canada as a nation.
This past weekend CFB Shilo opened a special Vimy exhibit at its Royal Canadian Artillery Museum. At this time I salute all veterns of World War I but in particular three western Manitobans present at the ceremony: Bill Henton, Rosewell Mellick and Fred Burguess.
With 119 million anti-personnel land mines in 71 countries all over the world, 20 are being put in place for every 1 removed. Land mines prevent the reconstruction of basic infrastructure, keeping these countries dependent on foreign aid.
Canada has one of the most advanced technologies in mine detection and removal in the world and a foreign affairs minister who has been recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for his leadership in this area.
I thank David Saint, Major Harry Burke and Lieutenant-Colonel Normand Levert at the Department of National Defence and John Evans at DRE Suffield for their enthusiastic assistance in the preparation of the report. I also thank Susan Howell and Eric Walsh in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Canada must continue to lead the way in this subject.
(1405)
[Translation]
The Société Provencher d'histoire naturelle du Canada, which owns this enchanting island, has shared the island's beauty and charm with visitors. The large numbers of people who have been to l'Île aux Basques consider it a place of magic. This island's capacity to captivate and attract is truly magical. It takes visitors back to basic values such as simplicity, sharing and friendship.
The Société Provencher wanted to mark the 75th anniversary of its founding in a special way by publishing a book about the island it has protected so carefully since 1929.
On the occasion of the 300th anniversary of Trois-Pistoles, I urge the public to pay a visit to this historic and stimulating site.
This is a magnificent part of the world. The islands and waters of Gwaii Haanas have been home to the Haida people for more than 10,000 years and continue to sustain their contemporary culture today.
Last month a very important step was taken toward the creation of this national marine conservation area. It would be the first national marine conservation area on Canada's west coast. Four oil companies made a donation of mineral permits, the largest donation of mineral permits in Canada's history, to advance this important project.
Today I urge the Government of Canada to move quickly to join in the partnership among the Government of British Columbia, the Haida people and others to make this magnificent national marine conservation area a reality.
As Paul Pearson of the Haida nation said, the Haida people have always sought to protect the Haida Gwaii for all generations. I hope the Government of Canada will move it forward.
Today, I wish to congratulate several people whose contribution to the tourism industry was recognized at the gala evening for the Grand Prix du tourisme. Pierrette Molaison, owner of Éditions du Flâneur, a company in Matane, won two awards at the gala evening on the weekend.
Bertrand and François Rioux, also from Matane, are active promoters of the tourism industry in the region. They founded the Riôtel hotel chain which now includes a number of local tourism establishments. Their contribution was also recognized at this gala evening.
Finally, during the same evening, the Camp théâtre de l'Anse de la ville de Maria was honoured for its excellent work. The Comité du centenaire de Causapscal won the grand prize for the event of the year.
Congratulations to all.
I say thanks to them all. It has been a great privilege and learning experience.
Copies of the poster have been distributed to 3,500 high schools across Canada encouraging councils to order and sell the posters. I am most pleased to support this national unity campaign initiative which in P.E.I. would raise funds for a Joe Ghiz memorial scholarship fund.
(1410 )
Given the commitment and dedication of our former premier to the unity of Canada, I can think of no greater tribute to his memory than the contributions of funds from this campaign to a scholarship fund in his name.
I congratulate and thank Mr. Tom Dykes and all the students in P.E.I. and across Canada for their contribution to national unity.
The New Brunswick department of education and the founders of this college have collaborated to create a visionary institution that will become an educational bridge between our two countries fostering understanding and opportunity.
The language and business skills learned at the college will give future graduates the foundation to develop joint ventures and trade opportunities between Chinese and Canadian businesses and will build on the $8 billion of bilateral trade already benefiting both countries.
I congratulate the province of New Brunswick and the founders of the Beijing Concord College, especially Mr. Francis Pang, for their global vision and foresight in developing this landmark educational partnership between Canada and China.
The government is going in the right direction because yesterday German transportation giant, Daimler-Benz, the maker of Mercedes Benz, and Ballard Power jointly announced three deals worth a total of $508 million to develop Ballard's fuel cell
technology which can power energy efficient vehicles without combustion.
It is clear that B.C. is leading Canada in the development of clean energy resources. We welcome Ballard Power's growing influence in the research and development of new forms of transportation.
We recognize that it will be a good investment in future jobs that will be created in the next century.
Located in Auclair, east of Lake Témiscouata, this new business is developing new, high quality products. It manufactures four alcoholic beverages using maple sap. Mr. Robert said we had to look for ways to breathe new life into the maple sector and should realize there are no limits to the ways in which we can tap the resources of our forests.
In fact, this young maple tree farmer initiated a research and development project focusing on maple tree farming and regional development, in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada, the purpose being to diversify the use of maple sap and add to the value of our regional products.
Mr. Robert is one of those young people who are blessed with the kind of initiative and ambition of which their family, their region and often even their country can be proud.
Congratulations, Mr. Robert, and the best of luck.
This gesture has never before been extended to Hill staff, to our knowledge. It will be our pleasure to serve them breakfast, a cup of coffee and offer a sincere thanks from MPs to the employees of the House of Commons, people who work so faithfully all year round to support all members of the House, regardless of their political persuasion, in the service of the country.
I speak for all members of the House when I say that House of Commons employees are unfailingly courteous and efficient and quick to perform their duties thoroughly, with a smile thrown in for good measure. Without these qualities the House would not function and the people's business would be left undone.
A heartfelt thanks to all of them. We will see them tomorrow morning.
(1415)
He is off the mark. The member for Sherbrooke's logic takes some real mental gymnastics to grasp.
I suggest he be happy at the investment in the Sherbrooke airport, and I thank the mayor of Sherbrooke and the airport authorities for the words of praise they had for the federal government and the member for Brome-Mississquoi for having made this a success.
What we need in the Eastern Townships are Liberal members.
This project, estimated at over $82 million will be carried out over five years and mean the creation of over 4,000 jobs during the construction stage. The Lachine canal, which was at the heart of Canada's economic development, will come to life again with this project. An estimated 1.2 million visitors will use the canal facilities once the work is completed.
Our government is proud to be a partner in the reopening and revitalization of the Lachine canal. This is further proof of this government's commitment to support Montreal's economic development.
[English]
[Translation]
Pursuant to subsection 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, I have addressed a warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill this vacancy.