House of Commons Debates VOLUME 146 Ï NUMBER 253 Ï 1st SESSION Ï 41st PARLIAMENT OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Speaker: The Honourable Andrew Scheer CONTENTS (Table of Contents appears at back of this issue.) 16793 HOUSE OF COMMONS Wednesday, May 22, 2013 The House met at 2 p.m. As elected officials, it is our duty to give Canadians a voice; we are accountable to them. Today, I am therefore giving a voice to a constituent who wrote to Prayers me: Since you have been in your position, this is really the first time I have been kept Ï (1405) informed about political issues and decisions being made in Ottawa. [English] I really feel as though I am being asked to do my job as a citizen—to express myself—and not just to go and vote. This really is the first time. The Speaker: It being Wednesday, we will now have the singing of the national anthem, led by the hon. member for Papineau. With this survey I received in the mail, I feel as though someone is listening. I see that you really embrace the NDP's vision to get young people involved. Well [Members sang the national anthem] done! I voted for you, and in no way do I regret it. In return, you are doing a good job. You have earned my trust. You are even motivating me to keep my loved ones STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS informed and to urge them to vote. [English] I have a message for my constituents: you can rest assured that the NDP is here to stand up for democracy and defend your right to be B.C. PROVINCIAL SOCCER CHAMPIONS heard. Mr. Russ Hiebert (South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale, CPC): Mr. Speaker, May 11 was a big day for soccer in British *** Columbia. The adult provincial championships were held at West Hills Stadium in Victoria. The women's final was claimed, 1-0, by [English] Surrey United when Chelsey Hannesson took advantage of a pass CFB PETAWAWA headed by Ally Benes and squeezed a tight-angled shot past the keeper into the net. The Surrey United Women have now won an Mrs. Cheryl Gallant (Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, CPC): unprecedented 10 consecutive provincial championships. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the fine men and women in uniform at CFB Petawawa. Forty-five years ago this month, 26 A few hours later, the Surrey United Men's team also won its final, paratroopers disembarked from their Buffalo transport aircraft 1-0, for its second consecutive provincial championship. The game expecting a smooth landing. As young paratroopers descended from was won on an early goal when United's Colin Streckman stepped up the heavens, something was amiss. High winds had pushed the men for a penalty shot and scored with measured accuracy into the away from their drop zone into the frigid waters of the Ottawa River. bottom corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance. Entangled in their parachutes, the soldiers struggled to reach shore. Both Surrey United teams are from Cloverdale, in my district, When exhausted rescuers finally finished their search, seven troopers where our ideal climate allows teams to practice and play year- were still missing. They would never return. Recovery teams round. Surrey United men and women will now move on to the retrieved every single body. nationals in Halifax this October. On May 8, friends, family and former comrades gathered at a Congratulations Surrey United. memorial to mark the solemn occasion. The names of the victims were read out for all to hear, as has been done every year since the *** tragedy: Master Warrant Officer Reginald Riddell, Warrant Officer [Translation] Michael McDonnell, and corporals Hugh Fields, Bob Knight, Dennis Clements, Jim Misner and Bruce Chiswell. NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CANADA Ms. Paulina Ayala (Honoré-Mercier, NDP): Mr. Speaker, our In the words of Padre Wayne Sollows, “We gather to remember constituents are disillusioned with politicians who are mired in those who trained to defend our great nation, but in doing so, had scandal and completely unaccountable to Canadians. their lives taken away from them in peace”. 16794 COMMONS DEBATES May 22, 2013 Statements by Members CHAIR-LEADERS CAMPAIGN I think it is appropriate to take a moment to acknowledge two Mr. Sean Casey (Charlottetown, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, today I join individuals who have both contributed to the work we do in this many of my colleagues who are spending the day in a wheelchair in place. support of the Chair-Leaders Campaign for spinal research in Canada. We are doing this to raise awareness of the challenges and Elijah Harper passed away last week, but not before he inspired a difficulties experienced on a day-to-day basis by Canadians generation of activists by insisting that aboriginal peoples be impacted by spinal cord injuries. We also want to highlight the consulted on constitutional changes. Elder Bertha Commonda of ongoing need for more inclusion and accessibility. We are told that Kitigan Zibi also passed away this weekend. Her quiet presence at each day, some 12 new spinal cord injuries occur in Canada, an events around Ottawa helped all participants come together in a good average of over 4,000 a year, and often, those most impacted are way. She will be missed. young men. My day in the wheelchair has not been easy. Whether navigating *** the washroom and elevator or trying to have a coffee, I felt in some small measure what it must be like for Canadians who live with these AIRLINE SERVICE IN MANITOBA injuries every day. It is not easy. Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the We have made a lot of progress, but we must do more, including City of Brandon and all of western Manitoba received great news investing in spinal cord research and development. We must also last week. I was pleased to join WestJet Encore President Ferio ensure that buildings and public spaces take into account those Pugliese and the mayor of Brandon in announcing a new passenger Canadians who use wheelchairs. air service between Brandon and Calgary. Community and business leaders welcome this long awaited and tremendous news. Air service *** is key to our economic growth, and it will connect western Manitoba B.C. ELECTION business to the rest of the country. Mr. David Wilks (Kootenay—Columbia, CPC): Mr. Speaker, last week, British Columbians sent a loud message in the provincial This government has made strategic investments to improve election. The economy and jobs are their number one priority. The Brandon airport, which made it possible to secure the service that NDP campaigned on closing down pipelines, eliminating tanker WestJet will be offering. traffic and having a two-year moratorium on fracking for LNG. The NDP answer is to raise taxes and spend money it does not have. I want to congratulate the thousands of people from Brandon and southwest Manitoba who signed a petition of support and Mayor In Revelstoke and Nakusp, I met with groups who told me that Decter Hirst and her team for all their incredible work. I also want to tourism is extremely important to their economy. They rely on acknowledge Art Peters for his tremendous contribution toward this people being able to travel and spend money in their communities. In announcement. I encourage the people of Brandon and western Creston, I met with Kootenay milk producers who have been Manitoba to get on board. producing some of the finest milk for over 75 years. They collectively employ 100 people and generate annual sales of $10 WestJet Encore, welcome to Brandon. million. These hard-working dairy farmers recognize the value of a vibrant economy, and they want to see it stay that way. *** As the NDP continues to focus on how to kill jobs and raise taxes, our Conservative government will focus on what Canadians want: a HARDEEP SINGH KANG strong economy, jobs and prosperity. Mr. Parm Gill (Brampton—Springdale, CPC): Mr. Speaker, it *** is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to a fine Ï (1410) individual, a dedicated police officer and a young man I am proud to have known. Peel Regional Police Officer Hardeep Singh Kang ABORIGINAL AWARENESS WEEK passed away this weekend after his battle with cancer at only 25 Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, years of age. May 21 to 24 is Aboriginal Awareness Week. It was originally intended to increase awareness of aboriginal peoples and their In his short life, Officer Kang dedicated his time to helping others culture within Canada's public service, but it has grown to become a in need, particularly by working with youth and providing guidance workplace initiative that many employers are taking up as a tool to as a positive role model and an inspiration to all. encourage reconciliation. The first Aboriginal Awareness Week was held in 1992. It is now I offer my deepest and sincere condolences to the entire Kang a Canada-wide celebration that encourages interactive activities to family. It is my hope that we can all come together to provide honour the diverse cultures and traditions of first nations, Inuit and support for the family and friends of Officer Kang as they cope with Metis peoples in Canada. The theme this year is “Celebrating the this tremendous loss. Officer Kang will be missed dearly by his Contributions of Aboriginal Peoples”. family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew him. May 22, 2013 COMMONS DEBATES 16795 Statements by Members YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT The Conservatives claim that ending violence against women is a Ms.