House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2004, with 59% of the vote.
Canada Labour Code February 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as you know, Part I of the Labour Code was prepared and reviewed by employees and employers.
As for replacement workers in the event of a strike, they told us clearly what they wanted and that is what is found in the Labour Code. The Labour Code is the responsibility of employees and employers. What they see is what they asked for.
Homelessness January 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, community organizations across the country have worked on the homelessness file. I have to say that we have gone away from shelter beds and into transitional housing.
As for housing, since we have travelled on the homelessness file, the government has put $680 million into housing. The provinces are spending that money as we speak. A lot of work still needs to be done but through our partnerships with the provincial governments, the municipalities and the communities we are making a difference in the country.
Housing December 5th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the hon. member that one of our best communities for the homeless is the community of downtown east Vancouver.
The mayor and council of Vancouver have done a tremendous amount of work. I can assure the hon. member that if the community groups want to support the Woodward's building we will be there. I also want to assure the hon. member that the community groups are working very hard to ensure that the homeless have a place to sleep.
Grain Transportation November 22nd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am also concerned about the length of time of the B.C. terminal dispute. Our conciliators and mediators are meeting with the groups.
My understanding with regard to Prince Rupert is that the grain is moving. They are able to move twice what they were moving.
Our conciliators and mediators are meeting. I urge both parties to come to the table immediately and negotiate a good collective agreement.
Grain Transportation November 22nd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, there was a dispute in Prince Rupert. The hon. member should know that because we have a good process in place 95% of the disputes in Canada are settled without a strike or a lockout. That is why Prince Rupert went very well.
I am urging the parties in B.C. to do the same, to return to the table and negotiate a good collective agreement.
Grain Transportation November 22nd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I was very happy to announce yesterday that the port of Prince Rupert had reached a tentative agreement with its union. The grain will be moving in B.C.
Grain Transportation November 21st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that Prince Rupert Grain Limited and the grain workers union reached a tentative settlement early this morning with the help of the conciliation officers I appointed to help them through the negotiations.
The tentative settlement, which is being fully recommended by the union, is subject to ratification by the union membership. Not only does this agreement speak to the importance of the collective bargaining system, but it will also ensure the continued movement of grain through the port of Prince Rupert.
Grain Transportation November 7th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, there are two issues here. One is that I am very concerned about the grain moving. The chair of the Canada Industrial Relations Board is there now and is speaking with both sides. I hope to have a decision on Prince Rupert soon.
On the other issue of final offer selection, the labour department celebrated its 100th year last year. Do members want to know how many times it asked us for final offer selection? Once in 100 years.
Grain Transportation November 7th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am quite concerned about the dispute and the farmers. On this side of the House, I had a meeting with several ministers today on that account.
Our conciliators are meeting with both sides. We urge both sides to go the table so they can create a good collective agreement. That is what democracy is all about.
Social Housing November 6th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to see that Statistics Canada is providing us with the numbers that we need. We have a lot of community agencies that are already giving us the numbers that we need.
I have to say that under the homelessness file we have built several transitional houses and support houses, and community groups and the private sector are very happy with the way that it is going.