Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Bloc Quebecois implied that a woman cannot have a career in politics and maintain her independence with respect to her spouse's commitments.
Does the Bloc Quebecois believe that all of the women elected from its ranks merely represent the men in their lives?
Does the Bloc Quebecois believe that a woman, such as Quebec's minister of finance for example, cannot sit in the National Assembly in an independent manner because her husband has an important position at the Société générale de financement?
We on this side of the House believe that all women who choose a career in politics can carry out their duties honourably. We believe that the world of politics must reflect Canadian society, a society in which there are women. The contribution of women to parliament is invaluable and essential.