House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2006, with 46% of the vote.
Justice May 17th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, it is true that this individual was released as a result of an adjudicator's decision. As you know, this decision was made by a quasi-judicial organization, which is totally independent from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
I can assure the members of this House that the department is doing all it can to deport this individual as soon as possible and in accordance with Canadian law.
Cultural Product Development Fund May 17th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, at present, work on all issues concerning Heritage Canada is continuing very actively, at all levels, both within the department and in co-operation with our various client groups and community partners. The same will hold true for the copyright legislation.
My colleague, the Minister of Industry, and myself intend to keep things moving along in this area. There is very clearly a very strong will to proceed as quickly as possible. As for the cultural product development fund, work is under way so that a decision can finally be made in the near future.
Cultural Product Development Fund May 17th, 1996
Yes, Mr. Speaker.
Immigration May 15th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, the question raised by my colleague from Etobicoke North is a difficult one, as it involves legalizing the status of people without identification papers.
The situation is quite delicate and complex, but I can also tell the House that the situation of the Somali community is rather unique as they have been living in this country for several years. They were granted refugee status under the terms of the Geneva Convention and are currently living among us.
I can assure the hon. member for Etobicoke North that we are now in contact with the Somali community. My parliamentary secretary met with the various leaders and we hope to be able, in the near future, to announce a decision that will allow community members to remain in this country.
Immigration And Refugee Board May 14th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I am not jeopardizing anything and I wish the member for Bourassa would be more cautious in his statements. In Canada, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The hon. member should wait until the case is heard by the court before passing judgment.
Immigration And Refugee Board May 14th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, as you know, the Immigration and Refugee Board is a quasi-judicial tribunal. The chairperson of this board has complete authority over the board's human resources.
To my knowledge, this case is of a private nature and is not related to the professional responsibilities of the individual. Based on the information I have, this individual is currently not at work.
Young Canada Works Program May 14th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, who says we are curtailing the freedom of expression in this country? Since when? Young people in Canada and Quebec are totally free to express their views, and we want things to stay that way.
Young Canada Works Program May 14th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, as the last federal budget clearly shows, we made a decision to promote employment among young people. We doubled the budget for young people this summer. That is the intention of this government and that is why we have specific programs to help our young people find jobs this summer.
Immigration May 8th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, it is not a lack of compassion to apply the law and thus act fairly toward those waiting to emigrate to Canada.
It has taken a long time, yes, but I must point out that people have the right of appeal to all levels in Canada. Right now, this case is being handled according to the provisions of the Immigration Act and Regulations. I can assure members of this House that we are acting in all fairness in this case.
Immigration May 8th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, you will understand that, under the Privacy Act, it is very difficult to publicly discuss the case of a person currently in Canada.
I also want to say that, as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, I have a duty to ensure the integrity of the system. I do not see why we would not, in this particular case, clearly follow the acts and regulations relating to immigration.