Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the comment that we do not need to send an invitation for other parties to get involved. This is an issue that affects every single person in this country, in this Parliament. We will welcome anybody's views and opinions to be shared with us so we can make meaningful legislation.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to having gender equality and gender parity in every aspect of the workforce, whether it be high-level or low-level positions. This is our commitment. We cannot get ahead by leaving half the population behind, so it is very important. It is not just our government or our party that should be making this effort; it should be every single party in the House to ensure gender parity.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for Vancouver Quadra. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to participate in this important debate on pay equity. This side of the House supports the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the importance of pay equity and introduced amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act to enshrine this important principle in law in 1977.

Women's Suffrage  Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago, Manitoban women won the right to vote for the first time. Nellie McClung and her fellow suffragettes devoted many years to the cause. Initially, their demands went unanswered, but they persisted. Finally, on January 28, 1916, the right to vote was granted to some women in Manitoba.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for that very important question. Over the past 99 days, our government has taken some very positive steps toward resolving this inequality. We will continue to work with first nations, the provinces, territories, and municipalities on resolving this situation to eliminate these inequalities and ensure that this never happens again in our country.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, job losses across Canada are a chronic problem and our government will be dealing with these losses through our infrastructure investments. These will create more jobs to make up for those losses and stimulate our economy. We will be giving more benefits to those who have children under a certain age, so they can grow and reach and stay in the middle class.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, not only is this an important question but an important comment: Put your money where your mouth is”. I think that is what my colleague is saying. That was not done in the past but it will happen under our government.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time today with my hon. colleague from La Prairie. First of all, I would like to say that I cannot find the words to thank the members of my family. They are my strength. They gave me the courage to fight to be here today in this venerable institution.

International Human Rights Day  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the people of my riding and my family. It is thanks to them that I am here before you today. I thank my beautiful grandmother, who I lost last year. She taught me how to stay brave and courageous in the face of adversity. Today, Canada joins the whole world in celebrating International Human Rights Day, the culmination of 16 days of action on violence against women.