Lost her last election, in 2006, with 23% of the vote.
Rough Diamond Trade December 13th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the rough diamond trade fuels war in many parts of the world, including Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
By providing funding for rebel movements and terrorist organizations, rough diamonds put the security of many regions at risk and threaten the legitimate diamond trade.
Could the Minister of Foreign Affairs explain to the House what Canada is doing to put a stop to this illegal trade?
Mathieu Cusson December 12th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a very young hero from the riding of Shefford, Mathieu Cusson.
Last Thursday, Her Excellency the Governor General presented Mathieu with the Medal of Bravery for a heroic act he performed on July 5, 2000.
During a fishing trip, Mathieu, his father and a friend were returning to shore with their catch when their canoe was capsized by two large waves. As they fought the waves and the coldness of the water, hypothermia began to set in.
Although weak himself, the young hero managed to swim with his father and friend in tow to a large rock.
He and his father survived their five hour ordeal; sadly, his friend Jared, despite a courageous struggle, did not.
I am proud to draw attention here in the House to the courage of this heroic 13 year old, who has proven that a person's worth is not measured by his age.
Bravo, Mathieu.
Fire Prevention November 27th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, National Home Fire Safety Week continues until November 30.
During this week, the Canada Safety Council draws the public's attention to the importance of safety measures to prevent fires in the home.
As the holiday season approaches, I urge all Canadians to be vigilant.
Whether choosing a Christmas tree, lighting and decorations, or leaving a fire burning in the hearth or a dish simmering on the stove, take care.
A fire can start and spread very quickly.
This week, I ask Canadians to make a point of checking the batteries in their smoke detectors, sit down with family and plan an escape route from the house, and find out what precautions you can take to set their minds at rest. The holiday season is a time for rejoicing, for celebrating and for getting together with family and friends. We do not want to see our festive spirits go up in smoke.
National Child Day November 20th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, in 1993, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-371, the National Child Day Act, which designates November 20 of each year as National Child Day.
This day marks the adoption, by the United Nations, of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. By ratifying that convention in 1991, Canada pledged to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect.
This commitment implies that children must have the right to express themselves, be protected from mistreatment and violence, see their basic needs met, and benefit from every possible opportunity to fulfill their potential.
Let us continue together the work already begun to achieve our objectives by improving the conditions that will ensure the health and well-being of our children, and by getting them involved in decisions that will affect their future.
On this special day, let us celebrate children and let us think about their lives, their achievements and their vision for the future.
Canada Career Week November 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I wish to draw the attention of the House to Canada Career Week, November 4 through November 10.
By supporting the communities, Human Resources Development Canada and its partners are contributing to the organization of events to provide our fellow citizens with the opportunity to learn more about various careers, retraining opportunities and the necessary steps to take to improve their future.
By pooling their efforts, people can achieve a degree of personal satisfaction that leads to furthering their education, increasing their earnings, and reducing poverty and dependence on social programs, which in turn benefits the entire community.
In the spirit of Canada Career Week, I encourage all of my colleagues to take an interest in the initiatives in their regions and to encourage people to learn more about career opportunities everywhere in Canada.
Remembrance Day November 1st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, in November, poppies suddenly appear on the jackets, coats and hats of Canadians.
Wearing a poppy is a way of paying tribute to those who died in war, peacekeeping operations or conflicts.
During the Napoleonic wars, writers noted that poppies flourished on the graves of dead soldiers. This flower became the symbol of remembrance in Canada in 1921.
The poem by John McCrae expresses very well the significance of wearing a poppy. Here are a few lines from the poem:
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
In honour of our soldiers, I urge everyone to wear a poppy.
Women's History Month October 29th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to the 10th anniversary of Women's History Month. This month focuses attention on the sustained efforts and past accomplishments of Canadian women throughout the history of our great country.
In times of difficulty, the women of Canada and various women's organizations such as the Fédération nationale Saint-Jean-Baptiste and the Young Women's Christian Association continue to provide help to people in need.
The women in these groups provided much needed support during the two world wars and the depression, as well as at numerous other times when needs were felt, both large and small. These groups brought together men and women devoted to serving in Canada and elsewhere when and where there was need.
In this International Year of the Volunteer, let us acknowledge the role played by women in all periods of Canada's history, as well as the positive role played by all volunteers still today.
Poverty October 17th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, today is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Its purpose is to raise public and governmental awareness of the importance of eradicating poverty and destitution, not only in Canada but also in all countries, the developing countries in particular.
The Government of Canada is strongly committed to contributing to that objective. We support development activities on the world scene. One hundred of the poorest countries benefit from Canadian aid via cooperation for development projects. We also support a number of international strategies.
I encourage our government to continue its actions in this area. In conjunction with our partners, we will be able to lessen poverty in Canada and throughout the entire world.
Festival international de la chanson de Granby September 26th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, on September 22 and 23, the finals of the Festival international de la chanson de Granby were held.
This was the 33rd edition of the song festival, which has developed over the years into the most important and prestigious event for French song in Canada. For the participants, this may be the first step toward making their dreams come true, as Marie-Denise Pelletier and Lynda Lemay, among others, have discovered.
The purpose of the festival is to encourage the development of our cultural industry by sustaining the influence of the francophonie on the international scene. Winnipeg's Edouard Lamontagne, one of the finalists, was awarded the opportunity to study at Astafford, France, where he will take part in workshops run by Francis Cabrel.
Congratulations to the winners: Pierre Lapointe of Gatineau, in the author-composer-performer category, and Martin Roy of Cowansville, in the performer category. These rising stars treated us to dynamic and inspired performances.
Congratulations to all those who contributed to the success of the 33rd festival.
Sports June 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we all know that soccer is the sport played most often in Canada, with 800,000 young fans, 40% of whom are girls.
The Secretary of State for Amateur Sport made an important announcement this morning. Would he share it with the House?