Parliament's Plate - Wednesday, February 22

While it remains quiet on the House of Commons side of Parliament as we hit the mid-way mark of break week, members of the Senate committee tasked with studying the omnibus crime bill are keeping their nose to the grindstone.

The legal and constitutional affairs committee is holding another day-long meeting with a full slate of witnesses. Today, the committee will hear from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, a Toronto Police Service youth service detective, several lawyers, a criminology professor, and others.

On the media circuit, Veterans Minister Steven Blaney will be at a Royal Canadian Legion in Brighton, Ont. to make an announcement. This comes one day after a visit to Winnipeg, where he said he was prepared to adopt the recommendations presented in a recent report form the federal veterans ombudsman, which found Ottawa is failing former soldiers by giving vague or unclear explanations for decisions on applications for disability benefits.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, whose crime bills are being probed at the Senate, is scheduled to be at the Saskatchewan provincial legislature this morning for a funding announcement regarding services for victims of crime.

International Trade Minister Ed Fast and Minister of State for seniors Alice Wong will be at a restaurant in Vancouver early this morning to talk about the prime minister's recent trade mission to China.

Also in Vancouver, Human Resources Minister Diane Finley and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney are expected to announce funding to help with credential recognition for internationally-trained professionals.

Treasury Board President Tony Clement will be at a golf course in Surrey, B.C. this afternoon to speak with members of the Surrey Board of Trade about creating jobs through eliminating red tape.

National Revenue Minister Gail Shea, who has been keeping busy with speeches and announcements during the week off, will be making a funding announcement in Prince Edward Island this morning before attending the official opening of the Celtic Montague.

Nycole Turmel, whose time as interim leader of the New Democrats is nearing, is expected to attend a public forum in Gatineau, Que. today where the main topic of conversation will be life after the government's imminent cuts.

Brian Topp, who is hoping to replace Turmel as permanent leader, is scheduled to join pensioners at a rally in Toronto this morning.

Liberal leader Bob Rae is continuing his week-long walkabout in Quebec, with a stop in Montreal today, where he will meet with Young Liberals of Universite de Montreal.

A scattering of MPs will also be taking to the mic to make a range of announcements including help for people with disabilities who are looking for work, support for local food processing industry, and help for building sectors.

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