Rob Oliphant's Statements in the House of Commons
Statement on Project Hero
March 29, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the efforts of Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Reed, for his tremendous exercise in citizenship in the establishment of Project Hero.
In honoring the sacrifice of Canadian men and women killed in military service, Project Hero not only remembers the past, but looks to the future. By providing scholarships to children of fallen soldiers, Project Hero ensures their legacy will not only be captured in stone memorials and solemn commemorations, but will be a living legacy through the opportunities afforded their children by receiving higher education.
Mr. Reed, and the colleges and universities that have joined in this fitting tribute, deserve commendation from every Canadian who reaps the benefits of safety, democracy, human rights and dignity – those things the parents of these young adults fought to establish and preserve.
To the recent critics of the program, quite simply, you are wrong. To the founders of the program, thank you, for both honouring our soldiers and recognizing the critical importance of higher education for the success of a nation.
November 5, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Ava Gomes, an early childhood educator in the Blue Wave Child Care Centre in Don Valley West. Ms. Gomes is a recipient of the Prime Minister's award for teaching excellence and excellence in early childhood education.
Ava goes beyond her regular duties to provide one-on-one attention to children. She participates with them in their extra activities, sends home creative projects and motivates her students through skits, props and music.
A parent of one of her students said it best:
| "Every day Ava builds [my daughter's] confidence, fosters her independence, makes her feel special. Like Ava, her classroom is warm and inviting.... Every morning [my daughter] wakes up excited and inspired to learn." |
This award recognizes not only Ms. Gomes but also the importance of early childhood education. Liberals recognize this point very well. That is why any future Liberal government will be committed to a national child care program.
I congratulate Ava on this tremendous achievement and for inspiring students at the most critical moment of their lives.
Statement on National Aboriginal Day
June 19, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize National Aboriginal Day this Sunday, June 21, as we kick off 11 days to celebrate Canada.
Appropriately, we begin this celebration with an acknowledgement of Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, recognizing their primacy in this great land.
Ces 11 jours continuent avec la fête de la Saint-Jean Baptiste, le 24 juin, la Journée canadienne du multiculturalisme, le 27 juin et la fête du Canada, le 1er juillet.
Sunday is an opportunity to express our great pride in the rich and diverse cultures that thrive among Aboriginal peoples as they gather to celebrate their past, present, and future through stories, song, dance, theatre and sacred ceremonies.
National Aboriginal Day also gives all Canadians the chance to pause and to reflect on work still undone, the opportunity to commit again to justice and dignity for first nations, Métis and Inuit people, and to their full participation in the economic, social and cultural prosperity of this great country.
Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia
May 15, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize that May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia. This day causes us to celebrate the human rights Canadians enjoy and to reflect on the tremendous challenges facing gay and lesbian people around the world.
The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. In Canada, this is lived out through our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Few of the world's citizens enjoy the privileges Canadians enjoy living with: equality, dignity and the guarantee of inalienable human rights. In many countries of the world, same sex relationships are forbidden and punishable under law. In Canada, gay and lesbian people still suffer from misunderstanding and discrimination, but human rights have been won incrementally.
Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada, thanks to the tremendous courage, passion and strength of then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Let us today commit ourselves to promoting the same human rights throughout the world by continuing to lead by example.
Statement on Sultan's of Science exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre
February 9, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to draw attention today to an incredible exhibit that opened at the Ontario Science Centre in Don Valley West this past week.
Sultans of Science celebrates 1,000 years of scientific creativity, imagination and scholarship coming from the Islamic world. It specifically explores the tremendous contributions made by Muslim scholars in the field of mathematics, science, health, aviation, translation and architecture during the so-called Dark Ages.
While the rest of the world was sleeping, the Islamic world was inventing. This international touring exhibit traces the roots of modern science and technology from Baghdad to Cordova, from Morocco to Constantinople. Its interactive displays invite us to learn more about Islamic contributions to our world.
Even more importantly, however, this exhibit invites us to a deeper, more appreciative relationship with the Muslim world and its contribution to humanity, helping to break down the walls of Islamophobia. I commend it to all members of this House.
