Questions asked during Question Period by Rob Oliphant, MP
Rob Oliphant questions Minister Kenney on the removal of gay rights section in the new Citizenship Guide.
March 5, 2010
Mr. Speaker, documents obtained under access to information clearly reveal that the Minister of Citizenship made a decision to explicitly exclude gay and lesbian people and our history from the new citizenship guide. However, he told a respected human rights group that it was merely an oversight.
Both this decision and duplicity about it go to the character of the government. Is the minister proud of either of these actions?
Rob Oliphant asks two questions regarding Veterans Affairs
November 6, 2009 - Question 1
Mr. Speaker, the New Veterans Charter was adopted unanimously in 2005. It renewed this country's commitment to Canadian Forces members, veterans, and their families.
The government has had four years to implement the charter, yet last week the Royal Canadian Legion said:
| "It is...becoming evident that critically...wounded veterans may not be provided adequate financial security under the New Veterans Charter." |
November 6, 2009 - Question 2
Mr. Speaker, this week, the Veterans Ombudsman said that this charter would create a great deal of confusion and discontent, particularly among those suffering from operational stress injury. More and more people are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is the minister doing to ensure that modern care is being provided to armed forces personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder?
Rob Oliphant asks two questions of John Baird, Minister of Transport, regarding his profane comments towards Toronto, and potential urban transit infrastructure
June 9, 2009 - Question 1
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Transport claims to support urban transit. So, Toronto made but one request for infrastructure spending: new streetcars.
The minister's response? Profanity. He told Torontonians, in a word or two, where we could go.
Is this what we can expect from a minister of the Crown?
When will he apologize to the mayor, the council and, most important, the people of Toronto?
June 9, 2009 - Question 2
Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House we know about frustration. Especially today.
A vulgar attack on the people of Toronto is unacceptable, in public or in private, by a minister of the Crown. We are once again hearing the true feelings that the government has for Toronto. However, Torontonians are thick-skinned. All we want is our fair share, and that fair share will help the rest of Ontario and Canada. Spending on transit in Toronto creates jobs in this country.
When will the minister stop attacking and start working with the people of Toronto?
Rob Oliphant questions the Government about a ceasefire in Sri Lanka
May 11, 2009
Mr. Speaker, violence continues in Sri Lanka today while Tamil Canadians mourn death after death. Civilians are being massacred and Canada has failed to step up to the international plate. Yesterday the UN called this conflict a “bloodbath”, but the UN is still not allowed a role in securing safety for civilians.
Specifically, what instructions has the government given to our UN ambassador and our high commissioner to aggressively pursue a ceasefire and to ensure an international humanitarian presence?
Rob Oliphant asks about Canadian aid to Sri Lanka
April 20, 2009
Mr. Speaker, has the government taken the necessary steps to increase aid? The government has pledged just $3 million in aid to Sri Lanka while Australia, with two-thirds our population, has tripled that amount. We are providing 10¢ per Canadian. Canada is becoming an embarrassment.
Will the government increase the foreign aid for humanitarian help to a reasonable level and ensure that help is getting to the people who need it?
Rob Oliphant asks about the Government's plans to reform Employment Insurance
March 31, 2009
Mr. Speaker, since October the number of unemployed Canadians has risen by 295,000. According to the OECD, it will continue to rise.
A young mother in my riding took on an internship to get Canadian experience. Her employer has just cut the program, leaving her on the street. She has 724 hours, but because she lives in Ontario, she does not qualify for EI.
What plans does the government have to bring EI into the 21st century?
Rob Oliphant asks what the Government is doing to help new immigrants struggling with the economic downturn.
February 11, 2009
Mr. Speaker, new Canadians in Toronto are particularly hard hit by this recession. On Friday, I am meeting with Mr. Alamgir Hossain, a Canadian citizen who emigrated from Bangladesh. He is a professional engineer who lost his job when his company downsized in December.
What specific plans does the government have to help new Canadians like Mr. Hossain find a job, pay his rent, and keep his two young children fed while waiting for a Conservative stimulus?
