House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2008, with 39% of the vote.
Business of the House April 21st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, there have been consultations among the parties and I believe you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:
That Motion No. 170, standing in the order of precedence in the name of the member for Thornhill, be amended to read as follows:
That, in the opinion of the House, the government, in consultation with the provinces and territories, include Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as a significant integral component of the Chronic Disease Strategy.
Lauren Zaracoff Care-A-Thon April 18th, 2005
Madam Speaker, I would like to speak about an important event which I attended in my riding on April 8. The Lauren Zaracoff Care-A-Thon has been an annual event held at the Louis Honoré Frechette Elementary School for the last three years.
The event honours Lauren Zaracoff, a former student who tragically lost her life to cancer three years ago at the age of 10. Over the last three years the care-a-thon has raised over $35,000 with the proceeds going to the Lauren Zaracoff Memorial Fund at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
The event brings people together to remember Lauren, a very special girl who believed in helping others. Students who participate learn the importance of volunteerism, that one person can make a difference, and in this case take an initiative in the fight against cancer.
Although this was the final care-a-thon, as Lauren would have graduated this year, her memory will forever be honoured by those whose lives she touched. This story is one of heroism, courage and community spirit that has inspired many.
I heartily applaud the Louis Honoré Frechette Elementary School, their staff, and students for their dedication and hard work in making the care-a-thon a legacy of a young courageous girl who will eternally live on in the hearts and minds of the class of 2005.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police April 12th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, Canada has one of the most respected national police forces in the world. The RCMP is renowned across the globe as a historical symbol of law and order in this country.
Yesterday the deputy leader of the official opposition called into question the integrity of the RCMP, claiming it is not competent. Being the son of a former solicitor general, the comments were even more surprising.
Clearly the Conservatives are willing to attack anyone or anything in the name of political expediency. They have already dragged the charter through the mud, condemned the role of the Supreme Court, and do not support the Canada Health Act, official bilingualism and the federal government's proper place in the Canadian federation.
How many other symbols that are integral to the hearts and minds of Canadians will the Conservatives tear apart in the name of political opportunism?
International Cooperation April 7th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, nearly half a million women die during pregnancy and childbirth and 11 million children die before their fifth birthday. Most of these deaths take place in developing countries. Could the Minister of International Cooperation explain what Canada is doing to reduce the number of deaths among women and young children in developing countries?
Conservative Party of Canada April 5th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, remember the Canadian Alliance? How about the other alliance in the House, some call it the “un-Canadian alliance”, between the separatist Bloc and the Conservative Party? The un-Canadian alliance threatens our national unity.
The Conservative Party is drooling to bring reluctant Canadians back to the polls, and is willing to sell out its principles to get the Bloc to help it get its wish. Propping up the leader of the Bloc is a dangerous proposition. We are all aware of that party's one-issue agenda: another sovereignty referendum.
Before the election, the Conservatives were ready to make a backroom deal. One Bloc member even said, “The Conservatives said you take care of Quebec and we'll take care of the rest of Canada”. Nothing has changed.
When the Leader of the Opposition speaks of a united alternative, now I understand. He is actually referring to his separatist friends from the Bloc.
Conservative Party of Canada March 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative convention was held over the weekend and what we witnessed was a party debating issues that the Liberal Party decided upon decades ago.
The leader of the official opposition can try to portray his party as forward-looking and moderate but its policies show otherwise.
Only the Conservative Party would try to turn back the clock on minority rights by using the notwithstanding clause to override rights and call this moderate and forward-looking.
Only the Conservative Party would agree to introduce a two tier health care system and call it moderate and forward looking.
Only the Conservative Party would congratulate itself for finally acknowledging official bilingualism, a debate the rest of the us decided years ago, and call it forward-looking.
Only the Conservative Party would think it is the party of tomorrow, while voting for a watered down resolution that turns back the clock on a woman's right to choose.
Clearly, that is a party of yesterday, not a party of tomorrow, and watching the convention made me proud to be a Liberal.
Racial Discrimination March 22nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, last week I had the pleasure of hosting a round table in my riding of Thornhill which was attended by the hon. Minister of State for Multiculturalism.
The event was a great opportunity for communities across Thornhill to come together and share their experiences in promoting cross-cultural understanding. It was extremely insightful and the minister welcomed the ideas that were put forward.
Yesterday marked the annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In Ottawa this included the announcement of Canada's groundbreaking plan, “A Canada for All: Canada's Action Plan against Racism”. The action plan will reinforce the government's ongoing commitment to eliminate racism.
The objectives of the plan are to strengthen social cohesion, further Canada's human rights framework and demonstrate federal leadership in the fight against racism and hate motivated crime. Canada must continue to promote such anti-racism initiatives, which empower our society to mobilize across our country and rise up and take a stand against racism.
Multiculturalism March 21st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, today, March 21, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In Canada we have launched our annual campaign. Although we have made great strides, we know that racism is still a reality that must be eradicated.
My question is for the Minister of State for Multiculturalism. I am interested in finding out what the minister plans to do to ensure that Canada continues to be at the forefront of the international struggle to combat racism.
Leader of the Opposition March 11th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, as the Conservative leader faces a review of his leadership next week, his position on matters of social policy remain unclear. To help answer the puzzle we call Mr. Muzzle, let us review what we do know.
On health care, he never supported the Canada Health Act. Instead he encouraged Alberta to take it on. On the environment, he denies global warming while his members repeatedly describe Kyoto as a communist plot. On child care, he proposes tax credits that would disproportionately benefit the wealthy instead of increasing quality child care options for parents. On improving Canada's communities, he claims a “New deal with municipalities is not a view he would subscribe to”.
With policies like these, it is clear why the word progressive no longer appears in his party's name. It is also clear why that party chose to sit on its hands when it came time to vote on our government's forward looking budget.
Foreign Credential Recognition Program March 10th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I would like to call the question on the motion.