Fisherman's Road

 I posed the following questions today (May 27th) during Question Period in the House of Commons. Actually, Mr. Speaker, it is that government with its complete intransigence, disrespect and refusal to match its words with actions that is putting Canada's trade deals at risk. The Conservatives promised my province of Newfoundland and Labrador a fund for fisheries marketing and research in exchange for giving up local fish processing requirements. Then they changed the rules mid-game and reneged on their promise. Mr. Speaker, Will the Conservatives finally live up to their word, and give Newfoundland and Labrador the transition fund we were promised?

I delivered the following one-minute statement today (May 25 th ) in the House of Commons. Mr. Speaker, In my first statement to this House almost 4 years ago, I pointed out how privileged the Conservative members opposite are to sit across from such raw and rugged beauty. Of course, Mr. Speaker, I’m speaking of the stained-glass window above me and to the left of the pitcher plant — official flower of Newfoundland and Labrador. I told Conservative MPs to look to the pitcher plant when they spoke of my province. They faced the pitcher plant, Mr. Speaker — When they closed the Veterans Affairs office in Corner Brook. When they failed Labrador’s Burton Winters. When they defended the actions of a minister in using a search and rescue helicopter as a taxi. When they refused to revisit policies that threaten our rural communities, and break promises in trade deals. And, most recently, Mr. Speaker, when they deviated from policy at the expens...

I gave the following 10-minute speech on Monday (May 11 th ) in the House of Commons on an Opposition Day Motion to support past and active members of the Canadian Forces. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of this Opposition motion, this New Democratic Party motion. I don’t usually read out the whole motion when it’s a long one, Mr. Speaker, it takes up precious speaking time. But I will in this case, because I still find it hard to believe we’re actually debating it, that this subject is actually up for debate in this House. The motion reads: “That, in the opinion of the House, a standalone covenant of moral, social and legal fiduciary obligation exists between the Canadian people and the government to provide financial compensation and support services to past and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have been injured, disabled, or have died as a result of military service, and to their dependents, which the government is obligated to fulfill.” ...

I posed the following question today (May 6th) during Question Period in the House of Commons. Mr. Speaker, In yet another devastating blow to marine safety in Canada, the St. Anthony Coast Guard communications and traffic centre in Newfoundland and Labrador will close later this year. Distress calls for the Great Northern Peninsula will now be answered outside the area - even outside the province. The mayor of St. Anthony and residents are waving red flags. The Conservatives are sacrificing the safety of our mariners. Mr. Speaker, lives are on the line. When will this government make the safety of our mariners the No. 1 priority?

I gave the following 10-minute speech Tuesday (May 5th) on Bill C-51 - the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 - in the House of Commons. The final vote on the bill is Wednesday evening.