Taxation April 30th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, the steady increase in taxes on credit unions has destroyed attempts to stimulate the economy in the regions.

In Quebec, financial co-operatives such as Desjardins are vital to the economy and middle-class families. Phasing out the supplementary deduction by 2017 will result in an estimated loss of $80 million.

How does the minister plan to make up for this drain on capital in the regions?

Employment April 24th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, the latest statistics on student summer jobs show a significant drop in available jobs since 2006. This decline calls into question the funding for post-secondary education for thousands of young people who will have to give up on job opportunities in the new knowledge-based economy.

Does the government intend to increase budgets for summer jobs?

Valérie Carpentier April 19th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, last Sunday at a very exciting singing competition, Valérie Carpentier, a young woman from Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, showed everyone just how talented she is.

In fact, the young artist won the televised singing competition, La Voix. Not only does this young singer have a beautiful voice, but she also has a sensitivity and maturity beyond her years.

I am pleased to recognize the talent of an artist such as Valérie Carpentier, who is an example of Quebec's vitality and cultural wealth. I would like to join the people of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, a municipality in my riding, in congratulating Valérie on her achievement, which is a credit to the entire community.

While I am on the subject of Valérie Carpentier's big win, I would also like to take the opportunity to recognize all of the singers and songwriters in Canada. Well done.

Regional Economic Development April 18th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, this week, it was confirmed that Pâtisserie Chevalier, a subsidiary of Canada Bread, will be shutting down. Seventy employees in Shawinigan will be let go. This closure reflects the economic difficulties in the Mauricie region, which needs the federal government's support in finding the investment needed to re-open this type of factory.

Since the minister responsible for Quebec is so concerned about skills training, is he focusing on the regions and the disappearance of this type of—

Telecommunications March 8th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, access to cell phone and Internet service is improving, but is still not optimal. In my riding, a number of people who live north of the Saint-Maurice River have no service.

How will the government support the 600,000 Canadians living in outlying areas who still do not have cell phone service?

Aboriginal Affairs March 8th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of talk about women as victims within aboriginal societies, but what about aboriginal women in the criminal justice system?

Will the government have to build more prisons to house the ever-increasing number of aboriginal women? The reconciliation meetings made it clear that there is a lack of services and support for aboriginal women who are incarcerated. Does the government have plans for rehabilitation programs for aboriginal women in prison?

International Women's Day March 8th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, International Women's Day begins like any other. The sun rises on all those places where women have no voice. Morning after morning, some are victims of anger, others are victims of violence. They are sometimes locked up, beaten or even killed.

We see those women as we go about our daily tasks, morning, noon and night. Our time is our own; we have freedom and we have our lives. What is missing most this Women's Day are the voices of those who have no voice.

Today, tomorrow and the day after, I hope we can be that voice. I hope that every woman can experience days filled with freedom and peace. Above all, I hope they are loved and respected.

Public Safety February 26th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, today the federal government, the staunch defender of public protection, decided to cut the budget for public safety on aboriginal reserves.

These cuts translate into a reduced police presence in some communities that find themselves in difficult circumstances because of their remote location and because of rampant crime.

Did the government account for the social costs of this decision in its main estimates?

Employment Insurance February 25th, 2013

Mr. Speaker, revelations by the media about mandatory savings that must be realized by Service Canada on employment insurance programs leave us perplexed about the minister's responsibility.

Can she explain how officials responsible for these investigations can remain objective if they must meet mandatory quotas? Does she presume that a fixed number of claimants are guilty?