Robert Hawkins

I’m glad the Minister referenced the report, because if he had a chance to read it – not to say he didn’t – but if he did read it, he’d also note that on page 28 of the report it talks about why RCMP like EPOs. They’re a good tool because they don’t require any investigation to issue an EPO. Forty percent of the officers suggested that. But at the same time RCMP have also noted and they feel that further information to confirm the victim’s accusation to ensure that the applicant’s legitimates are applied on good grounds. Pointing at those two variances noted in this particular report, I’d like...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me pleasure to recognize a constituent in the gallery: Lorraine Phaneuf.

I’d as well like to recognize on this occasion our very favourite table officer, albeit two, I should say, today; I should make sure that’s correct. I’d like to recognize my mentor, of course, the honourable Anthony W.J. Whitford. I’d also like to do special recognition to Mr. David Hamilton. He’s been a friend as well as a mentor of mine for so long I remember when he was taller than I was. I’ve known him that long.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll be speaking in favour of this particular motion. Mr. Menicoche mentioned about the work done last term. I was on that committee as well. We heard a lot from people about the challenges before them about their languages. I believe the re-establishment of the Language Bureau is probably one of the most needed steps out there to help support these language groups.

I often believe that languages to survive need to be relevant, and to be relevant they need to be supported. Many of the challenges we heard in the communities when we travelled was medical terminology and...

Under the context of public confidence, it can only be determined when people understand that justice has fairly been applied, to understand like decisions are applied in a similar manner with like decisions that demonstrates fairness. It also demonstrates scrutiny from the public that they know that the system is working. Is there any particular decision why the Minister would not support publication of these Appeals Tribunal decisions?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions will be directed to the Minister of WSCC. It’s been brought to my attention that the Appeals Tribunal rulings or decisions have not been placed in a public manner like normal court decisions. My question to the Minister of WSCC is: Why aren’t decisions of the Appeals Tribunal publicized?

I’ve never said, to the contrary, what the Minister just stated. So I want to make sure that that’s ultimately crystal clear, that I too do believe that EPOs will save lives and are an important mechanism in our justice system. But the way the report was written, it went further on to discredit the RCMP’s position by almost suggesting – I’m being clear here – that they may be biased on their pursuit. On one hand we talk about issuance of why; because we need safety and protection. On the other hand, we have a credible force or agency in our system that says there are problems and we need to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement today I raised, once again, the emergency protection order issue. This does cause grave concern, as far as I’m concerned, when it comes to the falsely accused, and the justice by itself, by nature, seems to be ignoring them as now becoming a victim. My question for the Minister of Justice is: Does the Minister of Justice believe at this particular time the policies and procedures put in place to issue an emergency protection order are fair and balanced? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve spoken in the past about protection against family violence and the emergency protection order. These orders are essential in protecting domestic violence victims and in many cases they are a very valuable tool in our society. I should make sure it’s clear on the record that I have no issue, whether personally or in my pursuit on this topic, that we should take away EPOs. My concerns are based on the fact that they have to be built around and based solely on the truth. Which now brings me to the issue.

We have seen that emergency protection orders can be issued...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In December I asked questions about the return of the Prospectors Grubstake Program. On Friday, February 10th, the Minister made the announcement that that program will be reinstated. I can tell you that there’s some very positive news from constituents of mine. At the same time in December, I asked questions about the training component and I have to say the Minister’s announcement fell quite silent on that particular subject. I’m wondering what the Minister has to say today regarding the possibility of reinstating a training component to the Prospectors Grubstake...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wish to talk about bullying as well. I want to highlight and celebrate the great work being done at Mildred Hall School. Mildred Hall has been working hard to develop anti-bullying policies and procedures because they believe strongly in early intervention. At Mildred Hall they recognize that bullying doesn’t just happen at school, it also happens outside on the school grounds and on Facebook, cyber world, on the streets and in our community. They also see that the fact is they have a role to play and to provide positive support.

They are taking many important...