Francine Raynault

[Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 1, April 8th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech.

The NDP and I would like to know one thing. Bill C-31 does not renew the job creation tax credit for small business. The credit no longer exists. What answers does my colleague have for owners of small businesses in his riding or in his colleagues' ridings?

[Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 1, April 8th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for her speech.

The Conservatives often talk about how they created a million jobs and that they want to create more. However, in February's labour force survey, Statistics Canada said that 2014 employment growth has been weaker since the recession. As well, an additional 300,000 people have become unemployed since the current Prime Minister came to power. Young Canadians are facing an unemployment rate of 13.6%.

Does she have any suggestions about how to create jobs for youth?

[Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 1, April 8th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her compelling speech. Could she tell us again how the NDP plans to make life more affordable and reduce household debt?

[Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act, March 28th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for her speech and her fine presentation.

I would like to know whether she is concerned about the fact that some producers have not delivered any of their 2013 grain harvest. With no delivery, there is no income, but those producers still have to pay for their expenses for 2013, when they sowed their fields. They are probably apprehensive about seeding their fields in spring 2014. I would like to know if the hon. member is concerned about the producers who might go bankrupt or who are on the verge of bankruptcy.

[Veterans, March 28th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly two years since the Federal Court ruled in favour of veterans on the issue of pensions, yet they are still waiting to hear whether the government will compensate them retroactively. The ombudsman has been inundated with telephone calls from veterans who feel that the minister has stalled long enough. The ombudsman and the Royal Canadian Legion are calling for a decision.

Can the government tell us if it intends to compensate these veterans who have been unfairly treated? Yes or no?

[Petitions, March 4th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support my colleague from Hull—Aylmer by tabling a petition called “Together let's protect Gatineau Park”.

Many people have signed this petition to protect Gatineau Park, and I am pleased to table it today.

[Petitions, February 13th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a petition signed by 688 people.

We, the undersigned, are calling on the Government of Canada to fulfill the commitment it made by adopting Motion No. 571 on September 16, 2010, and address the untenable situation in Manawan. These children are looking forward to going to a building that can actually be called a school.

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 5th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I have asked the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development a number of times about the intolerable situation facing the Attikamek students in Manawan. Now that a serious flood has destroyed 75% of the Masko-Siwin health centre, people have to travel two and a half hours to Joliette to get treatment.

Can the minister commit the necessary funds quickly in order to rebuild the crumbling infrastructure in the Manawan community?

[Veterans, January 31st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I do not expect to get a different answer than the one that has already been given, but I will ask my question anyway.

The Conservatives are closing veterans' service centres that provide mental health support, crisis intervention and the assistance elderly veterans need to live independently. Is the minister saying that these are not essential services? How does he think he is going to be able to offer the same services once he closes these offices?

[City of Joliette, January 30th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, I attended a commemorative mass at the cathedral in Joliette in celebration of the 150th anniversary of this wonderful community. We were once again treated to the polished sounds of Joliette's Choeur du Musée d'art, a 40-member choir directed by Philippe Bourque.

Joliette is located in the heart of the Lanaudière region and is a veritable gateway to culture in the region: it is home to an art museum, a renowned classical music festival and a trailblazing CEGEP, and it is the cradle of traditional music. The list goes on, but what I love most about Joliette is its people. They are hard-working and open. They are concerned about the environment and they support one another.

Today, and every day, I am proud to be from Joliette. I am sure that the House will join me in simply saying, happy anniversary, Joliette.