Lost her last election, in 2006, with 23% of the vote.
Canadian Citizenship May 14th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, on the one hand we have the Minister of Immigration telling us that birth in Canada does not necessarily make a child a Canadian citizen, and on the other we have the Minister of Canadian Heritage telling us Canadian citizenship must be awarded to any person who is born in Canada.
May we know the real policy of this government with respect to immigration, regardless of the confusion that reigns within cabinet?
Hepatitis C May 5th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health said yesterday in an interview, and I quote “We must now consider what is in the public interest”. I wonder whose interest he was considering last week. We do appreciate, however, that he is prepared to take part in a special meeting with the provinces.
A number of provinces have in fact promised to ensure that the compensation program is open to all victims of hepatitis C.
Could the minister in turn confirm that he will be attending the meeting with the commitment of the federal government to settle once and for all the fate of all the victims?
Hepatitis C April 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration criticized her former premier on the grounds that his demonstration of humanity and flexibility comes too late and that he should have taken action when she was in his cabinet.
The minister also says that political courage and principles come at a price.
Where is this government's humanity? Where is the political courage of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health to listen to the provinces and to reopen the agreement in order to include all hepatitis C victims?
Hepatitis C April 28th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, last week, we saw on the lawn of Parliament Hill rows after rows of crosses bearing the names of innocent hepatitis C victims. These crosses were put there by fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, spouses and children, in memory of the loved ones they lost as a result of this terrible tragedy.
Will the Minister of Health finally assume his responsibility and compensate all victims?
Hepatitis C April 28th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, before and during his trip to Cuba, the Prime Minister criticized Fidel Castro's lack of respect for democracy. This is rather surprising from a leader who does not allow his caucus to vote freely on the motion dealing with hepatitis C, particularly since some of his members asked for a free vote, because they are not pleased with the current compensation program.
My question to the Deputy Prime Minister is this: Why is the government so intent on promoting democracy all over the world, when it does not even respect it at home?
Armenian People April 24th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, today we commemorate a tragic event in the history of humanity, the persecution and murder of a million and half Armenian men, women and children during the first world war.
Those who managed to flee this genocide have settled throughout the world, and many of their descendants are today citizens of Canada.
It has been said that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. We join today with members of the Armenian community and other Canadians in remembering the atrocity of crimes against humanity.
This grim anniversary is an important reminder to all of us. We share a responsibility to help build understanding between peoples and between nations so that the peace that was denied their ancestors can be experienced by future generations around the world.
Hepatitis C April 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health has said he is prepared to let class actions determine the government's policy on hepatitis C. This is very worrisome.
Canadians have already seen the minister's prowess in other legal matters. The Airbus affair and Pearson airport are two examples that come to mind.
Is the Liberal government going to abdicate its responsibilities and those of all parliamentarians in favour of a court decision or will it allow Parliament to determine policy as it should?
Granby Zoo April 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, with each spring comes the urge to clean up, but this chore can actually be fun when it takes place in the Granby zoo, in my riding.
On this occasion, the community is invited to lend a hand to the staff to clean up and prepare the zoo to welcome the thousands of visitors who will come through its gates this summer. The Granby zoo is not only a local pride and joy, but a tourist attraction renowned across North America.
Thanks to the involvement of the management and staff of the zoo as well as the whole community, this year will be the 10th year we hold, with great pride, this community spring cleaning event at the Granby zoo.
Tainted Blood March 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, according to Bob Rae, the chief negotiator for the Red Cross, “it would be far wiser and far more fair if compensation were not linked to a specific time period, but rather to the fact that people contracted the disease from a blood transfusion”.
Is the Minister of Health going to ignore the recommendations of the Red Cross chief negotiator, or is he going to show some compassion and extend assistance to all the victims?
Hepatitis C March 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the details of the financial assistance provided to Canadians infected with hepatitis C through Canada's blood system will be worked out based on the seriousness of their condition, through a negotiation process submitted to the courts.
Why is the Minister of Health putting the fate of the victims of that tragedy in the hands of the courts, instead of offering them an assistance program similar to the one for AIDS victims?