Yolande Thibeault

[Violence against Women, November 25th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, violence against women is unacceptable. Today, November 25, has been declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The great need for such a day must be acknowledged. Throughout the world, women's rights are still being trampled upon.

This is a good opportunity to draw attention to the great efforts expended every day by those concerned with fostering an equitable society, who have set up shelters and transition homes for battered women. Because of these efforts, thousands of women can finally live without fear.

Let us never lose sight of the fact that women everywhere in the world are victims of violence, day in and day out. I can only hope that one day we will be able to celebrate a victory over this deplorable situation.

[National Defence, November 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of National Defence has mentioned his ongoing review of the supply chain project and his intention to make an announcement this month.

Given the interest in this issue of the House and various stakeholders, could the Minister of National Defence tell us whether a decision on the future of this important project has been made?

[The Environment, October 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment.

According to the report recently tabled by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, a lot remains to be done to deal effectively with the risks posed by toxic substances for Canadians.

Even though it has been making promising progress in that area, what does the government intend to do to improve its management of toxic waste?

[Sylvie Fréchette, October 25th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month. This year's theme is “Women and Sports--Champions Forever!”.

I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to draw attention to the accomplishments of Sylvie Fréchette. This synchronized swimmer, a native of Montreal, is a true Olympian, and a glowing example of the strength and drive of which human beings are capable. She has inspired many Canadians with her determination, grace, and ability to overcome obstacles.

In December 1993, she was at last presented with her richly deserved gold medal, 16 months after the Barcelona games, where a controversy arose over a judge's error. At the next Olympics in Atlanta in 1996, she was one of the members of the team that won silver.

In addition to her competitive victories, Sylvie has received numerous awards in recognition of her contribution to sport in Canada. She was named Quebec woman athlete of the year in 1992 and 1993. Synchro Canada created an award in her honour, and in 1999 she became a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame—

[International Day of Older Persons, October 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker,

Youth is the time to study wisdom, age the time to practise it.

So said Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

It is with a great deal of admiration and appreciation that I pay tribute to the millions of Canadian men and women who, today, will be celebrating the International Day of Older Persons. This is an opportunity to reflect upon their huge contribution to society.

The concerns of our older citizens can be summed up in three words: health, dignity and security. We need to ensure that the rights of all those who built this country are wholly respected.

With the greying of our population, I call upon all Canadians to take advantage of this opportunity to acknowledge the important role of elders of our society and to encourage mutual respect and assistance between the generations.

[G-8 Summit, June 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our government for everything it has accomplished and will accomplish to make Canada the best country in the world to live in.

Next week, Canada will welcome leaders of the greatest industrial countries for the annual G-8 summit, in the breathtaking countryside in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains in Alberta.

For the first time in the history of the G-8, non member countries have been invited to join the eight most powerful countries in the world. Representatives from five African countries will come to defend and promote a new development plan to world leaders.

For the first time in 50 years, we have five consecutive balanced budgets. Canada is the only country in the G-8 that expects to balance its budget this year.

[Health, June 17th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to mark the second anniversary of a national agency which, in the space of just two years, has revolutionized the way in which Canada directs health research.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, created by the government in June 2000, have been given the mandate of excelling in the creation of knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.

Already, these research institutes have organized nation-wide workshops on subjects as varied as the integrity and safety of food and the water supply, bioterrorism, obesity, and genomics.

I have no doubt that with CIHR leading research programs, Canada can take its place among the world's leading nations in research and development.

[Millennium Scholarships, June 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I pay tribute today to four remarkable students from my riding who received millennium excellence awards.

Congratulations to Nicholas Dion and Cindy Gauthier, from Champlain Regional College, Stéphanie Dufresne, from Collège Durocher de Saint-Lambert, and Guillaume Garant-Rousseau, from the École internationale St-Edmond in Greenfield Park.

This is the third consecutive year that the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation has rewarded academic success in order to promote excellence in meeting the challenges of the new world economy and ensuring Canada's future prosperity.

Once again, all my congratulations, and be proud that you are among the nation's top students.

[Health, June 10th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, according to experts, levels of obesity among Canadians, including children, continue to rise, thus putting considerable pressure on Canada's health care plan. Bad food habits and a lack of physical activity are among the causes of this trend.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health inform the House of the measures that can be taken to ensure that Canadians, and particularly young people, end this pattern, improve their health and enjoy a better lifestyle?

[Official Languages, June 3rd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, a number of students from my riding will be taking part in the Summer Work Student Exchange Program.

This program, funded by the federal government as one of its youth initiatives and sponsored by VIA Rail Canada, often constitutes a first paying job for our young people, along with an opportunity to learn a second language in an immersion setting and to learn about and appreciate the other culture, while visiting another region of their country. In short, it is an outstanding life experience in their second language.

I am particularly pleased about our government's firm and reaffirmed commitment to linguistic duality, a value that is fundamental to our Canadian identity.

Our government firmly believes that the official languages policy is a matter of mutual respect and that it shows our willingness to use our diversity as a driving force.

Let us work together to ensure that thousands more students are able to experience the marvellous challenge of the Summer Work Student Exchange program.