Statements

Prior to Question Period, fifteen Members of Parliament are given the opportunity to address the House and make a 60-second statement on any topic they choose.  Also known as Standing Order 31 (SO-31), this procedural rule allows MP's to deliver messages of congratulations to constituents, inform the House of special events that are occurring in their riding, or make comments on the issue of the day. Statements are allocated to all parties on a ratio based on their representation in the House of Commons.

Statements are read prior to Question Period.

Watch it live on CPAC when the House is in session.

Viewing times are as follows:

1:00pm to 1:15pm (Mon -Thurs) and 10:00am to 10:15am (Fri.) (CST)

1.  Tuesday, November 2, 2004

Agriculture

Mr. Inky Mark (Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette, CPC): Mr. Speaker, with the Canada-U.S. border closed to cattle exports, farmers can no longer afford to either sell or keep their livestock.

The government has provided little help politically or financially. While producers struggle, the government promises loan guarantees for the construction of Canadian packing plants. Guarantees alone will not build even one packing plant. The government stands by while this industry dies.

The Canada-U.S. border must be opened. The Liberal government must immediately start a WTO proceeding just as we have done to protect other Canadian industries. A successful challenge would oblige the U.S. to open its borders.

What is the government waiting for? When will it act? It is time that the Liberal government stood up for our cattle producers at the WTO. Canada's producers deserve a government that will support them in their time of need.

2.  Thursday, May 5, 2005

President of the Treasury Board

Mr. Inky Mark (Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, these are sad days in Canadian politics. Yesterday the President of the Treasury Board said in a reference to me, “Frankly, if I was going to recruit somebody, I'd go a little higher up the gene pool”.

My gene pool is 100% Chinese. This spitefully racist attack will not be taken lightly by Canada's Chinese community. This kind of thinking led to the passing of the Chinese exclusion act of 1923 that excluded all Asians from Canada for 24 years. This kind of thinking promoted genetic superiority and led to the Holocaust during World War II.

Racial attack goes against Canadian values. Canada is a multicultural society. We have come too far to take a backward step with the Treasury Board president. He cannot continue. Canada cannot tolerate this kind of behaviour from anyone. The Prime Minister must remove the President of the Treasury Board from cabinet.