Lost her last election, in 2008, with 33% of the vote.
Child Poverty November 23rd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, there are nearly 1.3 million poor children in Canada.
When releasing his discussion paper the Minister of Human Resources Development said that reducing child poverty would be a central objective of social security reform.
What measures is the minister considering to ensure that Canadian children, our national resource, no longer go hungry?
Crime Cards And Board Games November 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the report on crime cards and board games was tabled in the House of Commons yesterday. Crime cards and board games have no redeeming cultural value. They glorify and commodify heinous crimes and make heroes of those who commit those crimes. At the same time they devalue the terrible losses experienced by the victims' families and loved ones.
Many Burlington residents, in particular Deborah Mahaffy, a mother who lost her daughter, a victim of violent crime, have been deeply involved and active in this issue. By writing letters, distributing and signing petitions, acting as a witness at the justice committee, she encouraged others to get involved in an issue that affects the attitude of youths and adults.
Canadians are concerned about the long term impact of the absolute violence contained in some of our entertainment products. Women and children are directly affected by them.
As legislators it must be our goal to work toward the day when every person in our society lives without the threat of violence. Members, join with me in moving this legislation forward.
Education November 15th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, in the close to 100 town hall meetings held by MPs across the country in the last few weeks, students have been very involved participants. They are interested, prepared to debate and know the status quo is not an option. Many of them have said to me that they need better school-to-work transition, better access to training in the workplace and fairer student loan repayment schemes.
I ask the Minister of Human Resources Development what concrete initiatives he is taking that can point to a post-secondary education system that will really respond to today's student needs?
Petitions November 14th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the remaining petitions relate to killer cards, calling on the government to ban killer cards and make sure they do not come into the country any longer.
This petition contains several hundred names.
Petitions November 14th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I also have the honour to present petitions related to the steel accord. Whereas the Canadian steel industry directly provides over 35,000 jobs in the production of primary steel and iron, and in steel pipe and tube, the petition urges the government to support the efforts of Canada's steel industry and specifically to work toward a Canada-U.S. sectoral steel accord which would ensure fair rules and procedure in steel trade. This petition contains several hundred names.
Petitions November 14th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have also a set of petitions relating to the statutory foundation for witness relocation program. There are about 50 signatures.
Petitions November 14th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I rise with several sets of petitions.
The first set has about 50 names petitioning the government to recognize and address the concerns related to the Young Offenders Act and amend the Criminal Code of Canada.
Small Business Week October 26th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, we are well on our way to economic recovery and leading the way are Canadian entrepreneurs. Close to 900,000 Canadian women and men who own and operate small and medium sized enterprises are celebrating Small Business Week from October 23 to 29.
This year's theme is Partnerships for Growth. The federal government must continue to support and encourage small businesses and truly become partners in breaking down the barriers.
In Burlington small businesses like Roxanne Moffat's Hillcrest Florists are the backbone of our community and ultimately of our nation. They encourage healthy competition, provide great products and service and combine innovation with expertise.
Ms. Moffat, head of our Business Women's Network and an active member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, is one of many Canadian women whose skill, imagination and determination have made them a success.
This weekend the contributions of many women like Ms. Moffat are being acknowledged at the 1994 Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and Conference. The awards and conference help to stimulate the Canadian economy by nurturing entrepreneurial skills and encouraging small business-
Persons Case October 18th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, today marks a significant event in the history of our nation. Sixty-five years ago on October 18, 1929, Canadian women were formally recognized as persons by the British Privy Council.
This victory came after a lengthy political and legal battle led by the famous five: Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, and Henrietta Muir Edwards, five persons of incredible vision and perseverance.
As a result of their work and the subsequent decision, women became eligible for appointment to the Senate. One year later in 1930 Corinne Wilson became the first woman to sit in the Senate of Canada.
Today with 18 women in our Senate, we continue to work toward equality for all persons in every facet of our society. As we keep alive the spirit of the famous five and the legacy of the persons case, Canadians can be proud of our strong history of activism and our continued commitment to social justice.
Small Businesses October 3rd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions.
In the red book the Liberal Party addressed the need for small businesses to have access to capital to allow entrepreneurs to make the transition from innovative ideas to actual production.
In Burlington small businesses create many jobs and have the potential to create even more if they could get financing.
What initiatives will the government take to create access to capital for small businesses?