House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2011, with 27% of the vote.
International Cooperation March 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I totally reject the premise of his answer.
The fact is that this government wants to talk about development aid when it might help the Prime Minister's image, but when it comes time to lay the cards on the table, we see that Canada's role on the world stage is not a priority for this government.
Will the Prime Minister admit that he is not at all interested in international development and that his plan for Africa is nothing but smoke and mirrors?
International Cooperation March 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the government will reduce funding for international development by $4 billion over five years, in particular by cutting CIDA's budget. The most vulnerable people in the world, who are counting on Canada's help for their basic needs, are the ones who will pay for the financial incompetence of this government.
Will the government finally admit that its incompetence is the direct cause of Canada's diminishing influence on the world stage?
Joannie Rochette March 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the performance of our Olympic athletes warrants the recognition of this House. One athlete, in particular, made a lasting impression on Canadians.
The brilliant performance by Joannie Rochette, the bronze medallist in figure skating, and the circumstances under which she participated in the Games moved every single Canadian.
The courage shown by this 24-year-old woman inspired pride across the country.
In front of the whole world, she showed truly Canadian perseverance and reminded us that adversity can be overcome by strength of character.
We thank Joannie Rochette for representing us so nobly.
Status of Women December 3rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, November 25 to December 6 are days of activism against gender violence. The purpose is to condemn all forms of violence against women.
We would be remiss if we failed to mention the fact that the Conservative government has been victimizing Canadian women by eroding the progress they have made.
Since coming to power, the Conservatives have mounted a constant assault against women. They have cancelled agreements with the provinces on preschool education and daycares, hindered the movement toward pay equity, gutted the court challenges program, reduced funding for literacy programs, silenced women's groups seeking equality and ignored the criticism of international groups.
The Prime Minister even went so far as to call everyone participating in the fight for women's equality “left-wing fringe groups”.
It is high time the government stopped treating women, who make up more than half of the Canadian population, like a special interest group and started giving them the power and the tools they need to advance their cause.
Afghanistan December 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the documents show that the government knew that detainees were, “whipped with cables, shocked with electricity and/or otherwise 'hurt'” in Afghan prisons. This corroborates NGO and UN reports describing even more explicit and inhuman abuses.
How can the minister continue to justify his government's indifference to these allegations?
Status of Women November 25th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the member for Saskatoon—Wanuskewin recently made comments about abortion that insulted and denigrated women. The member made statements that are medically incorrect to support his moral ideology.
Will the Minister of Health repudiate her colleague's beliefs with respect to a woman's right to choose?
Drug Awareness Week November 18th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, this week is Drug Awareness Week in Quebec. The theme is “Where are you at?”
As in previous years, government authorities in Quebec have distributed educational materials to schools and CEGEPs to raise drug and alcohol awareness among our young people and to teach them about the risks and consequences associated with substance abuse. Making information available to people is the best way to prevent addiction.
The Conservative government's drug strategy will not have an impact on addiction, nor will it protect public health. Coercive tactics and cuts to prevention programs are not effective ways to fight addiction.
During Drug Awareness Week, the Conservative government should focus on getting better results by implementing concrete measures to fight drug addiction and substance abuse in Canada.
2009 Moulin d'or Award November 6th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to congratulate the Corporation L'Espoir, run by Claude Barbier and Huguette Giroux, on winning the 2009 Moulin d'or award at a large gala for volunteers organized by the borough council. This prestigious award is given to a volunteer organization that has made a remarkable contribution during the year.
I want to acknowledge the magnificent work this organization does for our community in helping those with intellectual disabilities. Despite its very limited resources, it enjoys a strong structure, incredible dedication and volunteerism beyond compare, which has allowed it to complete many projects and achieve many wonderful successes.
This award given to the Corporation L'Espoir is proof that the most noble of virtues are still alive and well: goodness, dedication, sharing and respect for others are values that best describe this organization.
I want to thank them for the past 30 years of service to our community and wish them all the best for the years to come.
Health November 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, if the Conservatives would at least show some leadership on H1N1, there would not be such widespread confusion. If they had been clear from the start and assumed their responsibilities, we would not be in such a mess.
How could the Conservatives allow the opportunity to be vaccinated in a timely manner to depend on where people live or whether they go to a private clinic?
Health November 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the number of contradictory messages keeps increasing. Canadians no longer know who to believe. Everyone is wondering when it will be their turn to receive the H1N1 vaccine. The Conservatives had two responsibilities when it comes to H1N1: first, to ensure there would be enough vaccine for all Canadians, and second, to run a public awareness campaign.
They failed on both counts. Why?