Evidence of meeting #15 for Status of Women in the 40th Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was asked.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Conservative
Liberal
Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
I appreciate the opportunity to put this motion forward. Those of us who were on the committee last year undertook a study on human trafficking. I remember the shock when we heard the comments that Vancouver was a sex destination, so designated throughout the world by those who know. Then we got into a discussion of what the impending Winter Olympics was going to create in Vancouver, since major sporting events are often hubs for trafficking and sexual predators. So we passed a motion out of this committee that went to the House asking the government to develop and implement a plan. It's here in the body of the motion.
A couple of week ago, I had the opportunity to attend a citizens summit in Vancouver on human trafficking. It was a very powerful event. It was attended by about 150 people, and out of it came a declaration signed by the 23 or 24 sponsoring organizations as well as others in attendance. I'd be happy to share this declaration with members of the committee. I did not bring copies of it, although I have it with me. It was a good reminder of how important it is for this committee to be vigilant in holding the government to account in respect of the activities it is undertaking that relate to the 2010 Olympics. We still have a lead time of some months. It's clear that the many communities of Vancouver are fully engaged in this issue. In this motion, I am asking that we hear from the appropriate government officials on the measures they've put in place to curtail trafficking, to secure their communities against trafficking, and to make this a lasting legacy of the 2010 Olympics.
I would ask for the support of the committee. I don't think it should be a contentious motion, but I think it's an important one.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Patricia Davidson
Discussion? Questions? Comments?
It looks like we're ready to call the question.
(Motion agreed to)
Liberal
Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
That was carried unanimously. I don't remember anything being that easy.
Conservative
Liberal
Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
If anybody is interested in a copy of the declaration, I'll be happy to make copies and distribute it.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Patricia Davidson
I think the committee members would appreciate having copies.
Liberal
Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
Okay, I'd be happy to do that.
The next motion, Madam Chair, I had prepared to put forward two weeks ago. I'm putting it on the table right now, but I have to tell you that I'm not happy with putting it on the table. For me, it has been unprecedented, in terms of asking for information from government, to have this kind of delay, or whatever, put forward. I began my progress with the minister in my first meeting with the minister in January, just after we came back, and asked for a list of projects. She indicated she too had asked for it, and I asked if we would be able to get it. I subsequently met with the head of the agency, and she again indicated a request for a list of projects as well as the varying criteria. My understanding is that the criteria have been changed at least three times in terms of evaluating projects.
We asked for that and we also asked for a list of those projects that had been denied and were told that was not possible because of privacy issues, so I asked simply for a list of the number of projects that had been denied.
I was going to table this motion two weeks ago in the committee, just before we broke. As a courtesy, we let a representative of the minister's office know we were doing it, and we were asked to be given a little bit of time for us to receive this information, so we didn't table it at that time. We waited for it during the break period. We were told it was in the mail, which I find odd, given our offices are three floors apart in the Confederation Building, and to date we have not received this information. I am aware of the information on the website, but we had asked for a list of it.
When we talk about transparency in government or when, as we have, we receive a letter from the minister asking for cooperation, I think this is a very basic level of cooperation that can be extended not only to the official opposition but to all opposition parties, and I don't understand why the delays have taken place. I don't understand if there is a perception that we are asking for something that is inappropriate or unusual.
As I said, I put this motion on the floor reluctantly. We've just been advised that this information will be coming today, and if this information comes today I'll be happy to withdraw the motion, but we've been told this before. There is a credibility gap, I guess, is what I'm saying.
I'd be interested in hearing the comments of colleagues. As I said, if this information is truly going to be forthcoming today I will withdraw the motion, but I will expect it in our office at the end of the day.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you, Anita.
Some information just came from the agency that the documents are on the minister's desk right now for her signature and that it should therefore be coming. I will just put that there as a piece of information, and then you can continue to move your motion.
I heard you when you said that you've heard this before and you would like to make that decision now whether to keep your motion or not to keep your motion. That's just information I'm giving you. I'm not trying to tell you how to deal with the issue.
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
It is on the minister's desk. The person from the department is here.
Excuse me, someone from the department this morning said--
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Yes, okay, but we got an e-mail to that effect last night in the clerk's office, that it is on her desk for her signature.
I don't know if Madame Boucher has any further information with regard to this.
Conservative
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Ms. Neville, given what you have said, I will allow you to make whatever decision you see fit. As you said before, this has been told to you many times.
Liberal
Anita Neville Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB
Madam Chair, with the permission of the committee, I will withdraw this motion until Thursday, at the next meeting. If we have not received this information, then I would ask that it be put back on the agenda.
Liberal
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
I suppose, if there is unanimous consent for withdrawal until Thursday, you can just do a friendly withdrawal until Thursday. It is your motion, and—
