Robert Hawkins

Statements in Debates

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Speaking to the SFA grants specifically, would the Minister be able to tell me how many grants are withdrawn every year? If a student has been disqualified from their grants, for whatever reason, could the Minister tell me how many grants are withdrawn every year?

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In no way would I suggest that we should build under the building code. It seems as if the building code is designed as a minimum and a lot of people stick to the minimum, but the minimum does not create quality of life, Mr. Speaker. I think the Minister agreed that quality of life is important somewhere in there. He did mention that policies are being revised. I think I’ve heard him even say we need respectful living with dignity. Mr. Speaker, my question then to the Minister is would he look into a policy that evolves with the times, that addresses the needs of...

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I further rise with a bit of concern because it’s working with here, working with there, working who knows everywhere. I feel like Dr. Seuss, for goodness sakes. Mr. Speaker, I know we can do something like this and, by George, we have the paper, we have the hot air. Can we get a coordinated policy that organizes independent, respectful, dignified living for people who are seniors and people with disabilities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , (day 43)

Mr. Speaker, we may not be breaking any official laws. I can guarantee you that some bureaucrat out there will take a tape measure and say, yes, we’re treating this perfectly to the letter of the law. But I’m not talking about building things to the minimum, Mr. Speaker. I’m talking about giving people their lives; I’m talking about giving them a life worth living, Mr. Speaker. So I’m going to say that this government needs a firm policy on how to help address the housing needs of those seniors and disabled people, Mr. Speaker.

This government needs to embrace independent living. We have people...

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One final question, because I don’t have an oral question for tomorrow. Would the Minister be able to provide it by 9:00 in the morning? Is that too early? That was the question.

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate that, Mr. Minister. Could the Minister also agree to give me the number of how many appeals go to the appeals committee? I know there wouldn’t be thousands. I assume there would be a few every year. Maybe he could give me the number every year for the last five years, please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I won’t be long; however, I have to stress I was very pleased, at the very end of question period, with Mr. Krutko’s willingness to work toward developing possible policies. His willingness is much appreciated on this side of the House, at least from my perspective.

Mr. Speaker, I spoke very clearly about the concerns we have in parts of my riding, and I’m sure they apply to many other ridings, that our seniors are really struggling to live in an environment that shows them dignity. We have people in our communities who have disabilities, who have trouble simply reaching...

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d really like to know if this government believes that policies need to evolve with the time. Mr. Speaker, will this Minister agree that dignified independent living should be a priority of this government? Do we believe that’s an important issue? Do we believe the quality of life is linked to good living for our seniors and people who have disabilities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s my belief that some of our government policies date back to the invention of the wheel. Mr. Speaker, this government, in my opinion, does not have a coordinated housing policy for seniors and persons with disabilities. Will the Minister answer the question, do we have any type of coordinated plan and policy? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , (day 43)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to talk about the lack of a coordinated policy for housing for seniors and people with disabilities. Mr. Speaker, I don’t think it’s the responsibility of this government; I think it’s the honest duty of this government to make sure that we address the housing needs for our seniors and disabled constituents. Mr. Speaker, I still speak firmly that we do not have a coordinated access program for barrier-free access housing, Mr. Speaker. It should be a principle of this government to make sure our seniors and our disabled constituents are treated fairly and properly...