House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2004, with 54% of the vote.
Interparliamentary Delegations March 13th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 11th report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, which represented Canada at the meeting of the Defence and Security Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly held in Washington, D.C. and Tampa from January 27 to February 2.
Middle East March 13th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I rise to update the House on the death toll in the Middle East. On Monday another 18 Palestinian civilians were killed as Israeli soldiers raided UN protected refugee camps.
Israel occupied Ramallah which resulted in 40 injuries and deaths last night alone. The world cannot simply sit by and accept these casualties. Sadly, many of the victims of this war are innocent women, children and the elderly, on both sides of the conflict. Instability in the Middle East is not only tragic for them, it is a real threat to the security of the entire world.
The time is long past for Canada and other civilized countries to do everything in their power to bring an end to this unnecessary violence. We must begin once again working on a real and lasting peace in the Middle East. To stand by and do nothing is an affront to humanity and a blight on the civilized world.
Committees of the House February 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the 45th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and I should like to move concurrence at this time.
(Motion agreed to)
Interparliamentary Delegations January 30th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the 10th report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association which represented Canada at the meeting of the subcommittee on future security and defence capabilities of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly held in Romania and Bulgaria from December 9 to December 13, 2001.
Immigration December 11th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I heartily commend the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on her introduction of employment authorization for the spouses of temporary skilled workers in Canada. Spouses and common law partners of skilled workers in professional, technical and skilled trades will now be able to work provided they meet immigration requirements concerning security, criminality and health.
In a global society where Canada is in international competition for skilled workers, allowing spouses to work will give Canadian firms a tremendous recruiting advantage. What is more, the spousal employment authorization program will have a positive effect on the lives of women and families.
The program recognizes the important contribution of spouses, still mostly women, to the corporate as well as the household economy. The program reinforces the government's throne speech priorities of fostering a competitive business environment, creating new jobs and building a higher quality of life for all Canadians.
Interparliamentary Delegations December 5th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34 I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the ninth report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association which represented Canada at the joint meeting of the Defence and Security Political Science and Technology Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly held in Kiev, Ukraine from November 7 to November 9, 2001.
Afghanistan November 22nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, Canada's time honoured role and expertise in peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction will be greatly needed in post-Taliban Afghanistan.
Could the Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific share with the House the significance of a two day conference taking place in Ottawa today?
Occupational Therapy Week October 26th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, this week is Occupational Therapy Week. The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists encourages us to take a moment to set balanced priorities in our lives, plan our activities, establish a healthy pace, and develop a work environment that is well ordered and less stressful.
Occupational therapists have the skills to help people with the job of living. They assist in designing people friendly workplaces and help people to cope with injuries. They also reduce workplace stress by helping to develop realistic and balanced lifestyles.
Reducing stress is an important goal for all Canadians. The Canadian Mental Health Association estimates that workplace stress and related illness cost the Canadian economy $5 billion a year. Stress also affects people outside the workplace including caregivers, children, stay at home parents and the elderly.
Let us all take a moment this week to prioritize, plan, pace and position ourselves to lead happier, less stressful and more productive lives.
Interparliamentary Delegations October 25th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association which represented Canada at the meeting of the subcommittee on future security and defence capabilities of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly held in Germany from June 25 to 29, 2001.
Also pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association which represented Canada at the meeting of the committee of economics and security of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly held in Washington and Boston, U.S.A. from June 11 to 15, 2001.
NATO Parliamentary Assembly October 16th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly held its annual meeting in Ottawa over Thanksgiving weekend. Delegates from all our NATO allies and associate countries were lavish in their praise of all aspects of the conference, including security.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone whose hard work helped create a world class event. I include yourself, Mr. Speaker. Along with your colleague from the upper chamber you were kind enough to host a spectacular reception in the Centre Block which featured Canadian talent and foods.
While many of my colleagues were happy to contribute, I should make special mention of the member for Don Valley East and the member for Toronto Centre--Rosedale. Both made excellent presentations to committees of the assembly. I particularly thank the Prime Minister for opening the plenary session with a powerful and moving speech.
Finally, I thank the employees of the House of Commons and Senate who worked tirelessly on the conference as well as the RCMP and Ottawa police services. It was a proudly Canadian event.