House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2006, with 46% of the vote.
Millennium Scholarship Foundation February 15th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, to date, the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation has helped hundreds and hundreds of students in Canada. Each year, improvements are made to better assist students. It is quite obvious that we will carefully consider the Auditor General's recommendations and that staff at the foundation will follow up on them.
Employment Insurance February 15th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was very clear on this point. So was the government in the Speech from the Throne. Indeed, we stated that we would review the employment insurance program and make the necessary adjustments to meet the needs of employers and workers. Therefore, it is with great interest that I will examine all the recommendations made by members of this House.
Employment Insurance February 15th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we will certainly review with interest all the recommendations made by the parliamentary committee on human resources development. We hope to be in a position to do so in the timeframe provided by the rules of the House.
Post-Secondary Education February 11th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we followed with interest the tabling of Mr. Rae's report to the Government of Ontario. From what I understand, the Government of Ontario is currently reviewing the various recommendations. I can assure this House that we improve our student loan and bursary system every year and will continue to do so.
Child Care February 11th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, this is the same Bloc member, the member for Verchères—Les Patriotes, who praised the health accord, in which we respected provincial jurisdictions and we even allowed Quebec to sign a side deal. Let me tell the member for Verchères—Les Patriotes that we have stood the test of time and he better brace himself, because we are going to sign an agreement with the Government of Quebec.
Child Care February 11th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, as far as I know, Claude Béchard, who is a Liberal minister in the Government of Quebec, does not, unlike the Bloc, typically resort to ultimatums, threatening the end of the world.
Claude Béchard is keeping in touch with me, so that we can settle the parental leave issue. I must say that the negotiations are progressing very well.
Child Care February 11th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I think the Bloc could now let the Liberal government in Quebec negotiate with the Government of Canada. Negotiations will respect the jurisdictions of all parties involved. I have real confidence that we will reach an agreement with the Government of Quebec, and with the other provinces of Canada.
Child Care February 11th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, let us be clear when we talk about accountability or responsibility. The Government of Canada, in all its dealings with the provinces, has never required the provinces to be directly accountable to the federal government. Exactly as in the field of health, the Canadian government requires that the provinces be accountable to their own citizens, and there is no problem. The Liberal government in Quebec already does that.
Taxation February 11th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that we do intend to respect the jurisdiction of all the provinces. This does not, however, prevent us from working together, which is why Quebec is this very day in discussions with my colleague, the Minister of Social Development, with a view to sharing its expertise on child care and early childhood education. We hope this spirit of cooperation will continue.
Employment Insurance February 9th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I intend to continue working with my provincial counterparts, who are also responsible for certain programs. We are not talking only about manpower training. We are also talking about active measures for these people. Some want to stay in the labour market; those need to be able to adjust to new realities. It is in that context that we are pursuing projects with the provinces.