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Statement on the Canadian Paralympic Games Curling Team
On March 26, 2010, Alice Wong made a statement in the House of Commons about the winners of the gold medal in wheelchair curling during the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic games and the Rick Hansen Institute for spinal injury research.
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The following is a transcript:
Mrs. Alice Wong (Richmond, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honour two extraordinary individuals from my riding, Mr. James Armstrong and Mr. Darryl Neighbour.
Both gentlemen are phenomenal wheelchair curlers and were an integral part of Canada’s wheelchair curling team that won the gold medal in the Paralympic Games in Vancouver last Saturday.
I congratulate Jim and Darryl on their incredible performance. They have made all Canadians proud.
On that note, I would also like to bring attention to the launch of the Rick Hansen Institute and applaud our government and the Government of B.C. for making a total pledge of $38.5 million toward the project which aims to raise $200 million for spinal injury research by 2012. Rick is Richmond’s own Man In Motion.
This is only one of the many measures that our government has introduced in year two of Canada’s economic action plan to help people with disabilities and their families participate more fully in our country’s social and economic life.
Members’ Statement on the Economic Action Plan
On March 18, 2010, Alice Wong made a Members’ Statement in the House of Commons concerning the Economic Action Plan.
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The following is a transcript of the video:
Mrs. Alice Wong (Richmond, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government is now implementing year two of Canada’s economic action plan. This plan has helped Canada cope with the effects of the global recession better than nearly every other industrialized country.
Our plan cut taxes for families. We extended EI benefits to help the unemployed and we expanded skills training for those moving into new jobs. In ever corner of this country, almost 60,000 infrastructure projects are putting Canadians to work and building hope in the largest cities and smallest towns.
Our plan is working. Since last July, almost 160,000 new jobs have been created, but our work is not yet complete. We will not be satisfied until all Canadians who have lost jobs are working again. Canadians can count on our government to continue to put jobs and the economy first. Jobs and economic growth remain our priority.
Alice Wong’s Response to the Throne Speech
On March 18, 2010, Alice Wong delivered her response to the throne speech in the House of Commons. The following is a transcript of the speech:
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Mrs. Alice Wong (Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, CPC):
Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure today to speak to the Speech from the Throne, delivered by Her Excellency the Governor General. I will be splitting my time with the member for St. Catharines.
The throne speech described t these times of both “great uncertainty and great optimism”. Where there are uncertainties, there are bound to be opportunities, which is also where optimism is often found.
The global financial crisis has no doubt dampened the spirits of our nation and left us in the dark for a while, but Canadians proved ourselves to be a people of strength and resilience, who remain true to our identity even in the midst of turbulence. Although the dark cloud of the global recession has not yet left us completely, Canadians know that we have weathered the storm very well and should be proud of our achievements thus far. Through it all, we have not forgotten some of the core values that make us Canadian. We continue to welcome newcomers on to Canadian soil and foster the growth of our next generation.
We are a country of immigrants. In the throne speech, the Governor General stated that, “To be Canadian is to show the world that people drawn from every nation can live in harmony”.
I believe Richmond is a great example of this. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a peace and harmony forum, where children and young adults sang and recited scriptures from the Bible, chapters from the Koran, quotes from Confucius and other great thinkers and verses from famous poets. This is the mosiac we proudly present to the world.
I represent a riding of this great diversity. Richmond is a beautiful city, where people from a wide spectrum of ethnic backgrounds live and work. Our country’s diversity is one of our strengths. I cannot think of any other country in the world that is so accommodating and so generous to those who want to call this great nation of ours home. Thousands of people each year come to Canada to make a better life for themselves and their families.
The government certainly recognizes the importance of new immigrants to Canada. We are committed to a system that will provide the best opportunities for newcomers to succeed, while protecting the interest of all Canadian citizens. The pan-Canadian framework for the assessment and recognition of foreign credentials is part of the government’s strategy to bring the best workforce in the world to the Canadian job market.
Since 2009, the government has committed over $50 million over two years through the Canada economic action plan to develop this framework. Going forward, the government will continue to work with the provinces and territories to strengthen recognition of foreign credentials through the framework to help internationally trained workers and professionals put their training and knowledge to work in Canada as soon as possible.
On the flip side, the government also recognizes the severity of unscrupulous immigration consultants and their negative impact on our immigration system. In March 2009, the hon. Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism announced a public information campaign to combat immigration fraud and to warn the public against unscrupulous consultants.
Following a year of hard work, the hon. minister announced in February of this year that the government would launch a package to reform the regulation of immigration consultants, which will include severe penalties for those who commit fraud. Clearly, the government is on the right track in protecting the integrity of our immigration system and the welfare of all Canadians.
Canada’s economic action plan is working. Job protection and creation are Canada’s top priorities. That is why we have continued to weather the economic storm with Canada’s economic action plan. This plan is working in Richmond. Tax dollars are being prudently invested in projects that will benefit the public, such as making people’s commutes on Highway 99 quicker with the bus lane expansion, or ensuring people’s water and sewage systems are maintained to the excellent standards in one of the cleanest urban watersheds in the country.
The people of Richmond and the neighbourhood will also continue to enjoy a better life resulting from other projects, such as improved community centres and swimming pools, the green pathway on the dike and the library of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University to name just a few. Besides the public sectors, industries and businesses are starting to hire. Jobs have been created and the numbers will keep growing.
I cannot refrain from talking about the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Games. Richmond was an Olympic host city and is the location of the Olympic Oval, a world-class long track speed skating venue. We have welcomed the world and boasted with the Canada Line. Our airport, the YVR, also world class, is the most accessible.
Canada was witness to athletic excellence and Canadian athletes inspired us all with their determination and skill. The Canadian Paralympic curling team is skipped by Jim Armstrong, who is currently joined by another Richmond resident, Darryl Neighbour, on the team. Also, Richmond is the home of Rick Hansen and Alexa Loo.
However, we cannot rest on our accomplishments. We must continue to build our skills for future competitions. I am not only referring to athletic competitions, but the competition of other hands and minds.
Now I would like to comment on job creation and fostering the next generation of working Canadians. In the throne speech, Her Excellency aptly pointed out that, “The success of Canada’s economy depends on a skilled and educated workforce”. In order to be a world-class economy, we must be educated and trained. Being competitive in today’s economy means having the skills and training to adapt to a dynamic global market.
The government believes in fostering an environment for our people to excel at home, and it is evident that we walk the talk. The government has never ceased to invest in the growth of our people through providing grants, tax credits, apprenticeships and support for training programs so Canadians can obtain the skills and training they need to achieve their goals and dreams. Under Canada’s economic action plan, this government allotted $1.9 billion to enhance the availability of training, an investment made toward short and long-term skill training or upgrading for workers of all fields and expertise.
The government also recognizes the need to give young people a hand to help them smooth out the transition from the campus to the workplace. Especially in our recovering economy, this transition might not be easy for many young Canadians. According to Statistics Canada, the youth unemployment was 15.1%, the highest of any age group.
Young people have a tough time finding jobs to get themselves through school or sustain their livelihood after they are done with school because of the global recession. This government has set in place several programs to bridge the way for young Canadians to enter the job market.
To give an example, the existing career focus program provides wage subsidies of up to $15,000 to businesses and non-profit organizations to hire high school graduates. Another example is the $20 million two year targeted funding delivered through the Canada summer jobs program, an incentive for employers to hire summer students.
The games have amazingly united Canadians and fostered our national pride. What lies ahead is to continue to make Canada the best place in the world we all call home.
Statement on Vancouver 2010 Olympics
The following was a statement made by Alice Wong on March 5, 2010 in the House of Commons:
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Mrs. Alice Wong (Richmond, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, as the member for Richmond, I would like to thank all the Olympic volunteers who guided us through the games. Whether at the Richmond Oval, the Canada Line stations or in the O Zone, their role contributed enormously to the success of these Olympic winter games.
The torch relay alone drew over 35,000 people at Steveston. Another 25,000 welcomed Rick Hansen, a proud Richmondite, as he carried the torch through Minoru Park. During the games, Richmond was packed with athletes, visitors and local residents.
I would also like to congratulate all the Canadian athletes who made it to the podium, as well as all the other Olympians who participated in true Canadian spirit, including Alexa Loo, a Richmond constituent who represented Canada in the snowboard cross event.
As the Paralympics begin next week, I want to extend my best wishes to all who will participate in these games and wish team Canada every success. Go Canada go.
Statement on David Chen – Lucky Moose Food Mart
On November 23, 2009, Alice Wong made a Member’s Statement on David Chen, who is the owner and operator of the Lucky Moose Food Mart in Toronto, Ontario.
For some background information, the national media has some coverage. Sample articles include:
– Blair defends arrest of grocer who nabbed thief – Globe and Mail, October 29, 2009
– Two charges dropped against shopkeeper – Toronto Star, November 3, 2009
– Opinion: To catch a thief in Toronto – Globe and Mail, November 4, 2009
– Opinion: Creating contempt for the justice system – The Gazette (Montreal), November 7, 2009
– General news search on Google News – David Chen, Lucky Moose
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The following is a transcript (November 23, 2009):
Mrs. Alice Wong (Richmond, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, shoplifters, vandals and other criminals are terrorizing small businesses in Toronto’s Chinatown. The victims of crime are often recent immigrants who own and operate their own small businesses.
Every dollar’s worth of merchandise that is stolen is a dollar less a store owner can spend on food and shelter for his family, a dollar less for his children’s university tuition, a dollar less for his family’s retirement.
Shoplifting is costing Chinatown grocer David Chen, owner of the Lucky Moose Food Mart on Dundas Street West, as much as $50,000 a year. Chen employs ten people and has a family of four. David Chen is a victim of property crime. There are many more small business owners in Toronto’s Chinatown just like him.
[Member spoke in Mandarin and provided the following translation:]
Our Conservative government has introduced legislation in support for victims of crime and we will continue this support. We believe that the primary purpose of a criminal justice system is not the welfare of the criminal; it is the protection of law-abiding citizens, their property and their families.
Members’ Statement on memorial of Ray Leitch
On November 5, 2009, Alice Wong gave a Members’ Statement on the passing of Ray Leitch.
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The following is a transcript:
Mrs. Alice Wong (Richmond, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the passing of Ray Leitch, a long-time Conservative activist and volunteer. Sadly, Ray passed away in Vancouver on Monday night.
Ray was a great example of what it means to be Canadian. He took pride in Canada’s democratic process and devoted the majority of his life to volunteering for the Conservative cause.
Ray served in many capacities, from volunteering on campaigns to serving as a national councillor, and most recently to sitting as an EDA president in Vancouver.
But he was more than a volunteer. Ray was also a friend, a confidant and a trusted advisor who helped many who have served in this House achieve their dreams of participating in Canada’s political life.
Today I rise on behalf of the Conservative caucus to honour the memory of Ray Leitch and to offer my condolences to his family. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed.
Members’ Statement on Rainer Mehl
On October 23, Alice Wong made a Members’ statement on the Prime Minister’s Teaching Excellence Awards, one of which was awarded to the Richmond resident of Rainer Mehl.
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The following is a transcript:
Mrs. Alice Wong (Richmond, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence were announced and one award went to my constituent, Rainer Mehl.
Mr. Mehl is a teacher of animation, photography and graphic arts at Kitsilano Secondary School. His passion for photography began early. He built his first darkroom at the age of 11 and operated his own photography business in high school and university.
His passion for photography builds on his experience to bring practical and experience-based teaching to his classroom.
One example of his outstanding achievements is that Mr. Mehl guided students to revamp a black and white yearbook that was losing money and turn it into a professional quality production that earns enough profit to buy new technology for the school’s photography classes.
I would like to congratulate Mr. Mehl on obtaining this award for teaching excellence. Richmond is proud of him.
Debate on Bill C-52 – Sentencing for Fraud
On October 22, 2009, Alice Wong debated Bill C-52. The following is a transcript:
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on the subject of Bill C-52, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud). The bill contains a number–
[Translation]
I would ask the hon. members who want to pursue the debate to go to the other side and leave the House.
[English]
Madam Speaker, the bill contains a number of provisions that are designed to ensure that people who devise serious fraud offences receive tougher sentences. The objective of the bill is clear and simple. It would amend the Criminal Code to improve the justice system’s response to the sort of large scale fraud we have all been hearing so much about lately.
Madam Speaker, the hon. member so eloquently talked about what we have to do to protect our citizens or people in general who get defrauded. She talked about restitution and all that in the bill. Yesterday we were debating another crime bill and how we get the judiciary to enforce it. We talked about mandatory sentencing.
Madam Speaker, I have said quite clearly that the bill does provide the judicial system and the judge, the court, with the ability to do so, because when they do the sentencing, they have to look at that possibility and also provide the victim with the possibility to apply for restitution.
[Translation]
Madam Speaker, we have spoken at length today—and some colleagues did so before me—about criminality in the United States as an example for what we should do here. We know that in the United States, much harsher sentences are given to many more people. Their prisons are full and yet their crime rate is at its highest.
[English]
Madam Speaker, we have a very unique situation here where for too long we have been protecting criminals.
Madam Speaker, I want to respond to a couple of things the parliamentary secretary said. It is one thing to go after criminals and those who have taken advantage of people, and of course people want to see that happen, but the problem we are having is the approach the government is taking.
I am sure that the hon. member is not talking about my government, but I will ask the hon. parliamentary secretary to respond.
Madam Speaker, I find it very disturbing for the member opposite to compare the private pension to fraud. Is he suggesting that it is the company’s desire to cheat its employees right from the beginning? I find that very disturbing.
There is one minute left. I will ask the member for Eglinton—Lawrence to ask a very brief question.
Madam Speaker, I guess everybody would be in agreement that, when a crime is committed and proven, those who perpetrate the crime should suffer the appropriate indignities and commit to the appropriate restitution in order to mitigate some, if not all, of the damage that they have committed.
I would like to give the parliamentary secretary 30 seconds to respond to that.
Madam Speaker, I think that the best response right now is to pass the bill first and then look at the mechanism. It is wrong to put the cart before the horse. The horse has to come first. This is exactly what we are asking. Pass the bill and then let us work on it together.
Members’ Statement on China’s 60th birthday
On October 1, 2009, Alice Wong made a members’ statement on the 60th year since the founding of the People’s Republic of China:
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Mrs. Alice Wong (Richmond, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, today marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
In Canada, there are many individuals and families of Chinese heritage who proudly call Canada their home. Chinese Canadians have played a significant role in shaping Canada into the nation we are so proud of today, from the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway to serving in the Canadian armed forces.
In my riding of Richmond, over half the population is of ethnic Chinese descent. Both China and Canada have worked hard on strengthening ties through trade, business and cultural exchanges. These ties become stronger each year. Both imports and exports have quadrupled over the past decade emphasizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific gateway strategy.
We look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial relationship. On behalf of the constituents in Richmond, I would like to say:
[Member spoke in Chinese and provided the following translation:]
Happy Birthday to the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking about Bill C-50
Alice Wong made the following remarks about Bill C-50, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to increase benefits. The following was a transcript of the debate in the House of Commons on September 28, 2009. After the main speech, there is a short question-and-answer period:
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Madam Speaker, I am happy to join in the debate today on our government’s latest steps to help Canadians facing difficulties.
Madam Speaker, I first would like to point out that it is unfortunate in a debate like this that members resort to personal attacks. This is such an important issue that we really need to focus on Canadians and the situation in which they find themselves.
Madam Speaker, the financing board will be fully responsible for handling EI premiums and how they will be used. Money collected from people who pay their premiums will be kept by the board in a separate pot and be managed by the board independently.
[Translation]
Madam Speaker, I listened to the hon. member talking about EI and I would like some clarification from her.
[English]
Madam Speaker, I might suggest that the opposition do some research and some calculations. We have already given out an additional $5.5 billion for EI, which is exactly what people need.
[Translation]
Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the member of the Conservative government who just spoke how her party came up with the figure of 190,000 regarding the number of workers who will see their EI benefits extended under this bill.
[English]
Madam Speaker, we have stated clearly that the five week extension would apply to all Canadians who are unemployed and qualify. This extension of five weeks to twenty weeks would actually apply to long-tenured workers who have paid premiums their whole life. They deserve these five to twenty weeks of benefits, and the Bloc is blocking them.