Fisherman's Road

I posed the following question today (Nov. 28th) in the House of Commons... Let`s be clear, Mr. Speaker. This is a Minister who, rather than fixing the disgraceful record of his government on caring of veterans, chose instead to mislead Canadians about the mental health care they can expect to receive. He has literally run away from veterans and their families, while those who have served our country face a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions. Mr. Speaker, why are the Conservatives more interested in covering up their shameful treatment of Canada's veterans, than in actually helping them?

I posed the following question today (Nov. 25th) in the House of Commons. Mr. Speaker, Twenty-five years ago, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland was identified as the highest potential marine area for an oil-related environmental accident in Canada. Only last year, a federal tanker safety panel confirmed Placentia Bay was a "high risk" for an oil spill. But now, the Atlantic Pilotage Authority wants tankers to navigate another 20 risky kilometres into the bay before being boarded by a pilot. The danger is clear. What's not clear is why this government is standing by and allowing the risk to increase. Why, Mr. Speaker, why?

I posed the following question in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Mr. Speaker, In order to get a trade deal with Europe, Conservatives bargained away minimum processing requirements that protect fish processing jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador. At the time, Conservatives promised Newfoundland and Labrador compensation - $280 million - to help our fishing industry adjust. The province accepted, but now, two years later, we learn Conservatives aren't following through. So what's the deal? Mr. Speaker, Can the minister clear the air, and confirm that he'll keep the commitment to Newfoundland and Labrador?

I gave the following speech on Monday, Nov. 17, during the New Democratic Party nomination meeting for St. John’s South Mount Pearl at St. Teresa’s Parish Hall in east-end St. John’s. Thank you. Thank you for coming. Thank you for the honour of representing you, of representing St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, and all of Newfoundland and Labrador, as a New Democrat Member of Parliament, in the House of Commons. Thank you. And thank you — for the third time — for the privilege of carrying the New Democratic Party banner in the next federal general election. I let it be known far and wide that the riding of St. John’s South-Mount Pearl is by far the most beautiful, has the most character, of all 308 ridings in   Canada. Other MPs may say that their riding is the most special, the most precious, but we all know that isn’t true. They don’t have the history of The Narrows or the colour of the downtown. They don’t have the little boats of Petty Harbour o