House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2025, with 62% of the vote.
Cannabis Act November 24th, 2017
Madam Speaker, I wonder if my colleague realizes that those numbers went up because now the authorities can act, which they cannot do if the drug is illegal.
Furthermore, what was done in terms of prevention when alcohol and cigarettes came to market? Nothing.
Pensions October 30th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, we often hear the official opposition ask for a minister responsible for seniors. It is rather surprising to see them fight so hard for seniors, because when they were in government, they did the complete opposite. They increased the age of eligibility for old age security and the guaranteed income supplement, which would have put many people in a vulnerable position. They also ignored all suggestions to improve the Canada Pension Plan.
Could the minister responsible remind the House of what our government has done to ensure our seniors can live in dignity?
International Day of the Girl October 17th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, October 11 is International Day of the Girl, a day of celebration proclaimed by the United Nations. Canada has joined other countries in making the issue of the rights of girls front and centre. Canadians recognize the importance of empowering girls and giving them opportunities for real growth.
Empowering girls empowers our communities. Globally, equality for girls starts with access to clean water, education, and health care. It also means ensuring that girls lead lives free of violence, oppression, and discrimination.
The International Day of the Girl is an opportunity to celebrate our country's energetic young women and the positive change they initiate.
Last week, on October 11, I had the great privilege of hosting a discussion with students of Champlain College Saint-Lambert. Their enthusiasm, participation, and insights reiterated that girls' rights and the empowerment of younger generations are as crucial today as ever.
I want to say a big thank you to the students, professors and directors at Champlain College Saint-Lambert for welcoming me so warmly on the International Day of the Girl.
Co-op Week October 5th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the week of October 15 is Co-op Week, an opportunity to celebrate Canadian co-operatives and their members. Co-op Week happens to coincide with International Credit Union Day, which is always the third Thursday of October.
Last April, the House recognized the importance of co-operatives by unanimously adopting my motion to promote and support Canada's co-operatives. The purpose of Motion No. 100 is to provide for the development and implementation of a strategy enhancing this sector so important for our economic growth.
It was with great emotion and pride that I received the unanimous support of my colleagues for this motion, inspired by the outstanding work of my former colleague, the Hon. Mauril Bélanger. I firmly believe that co-operatives also play an important role in the betterment of our communities.
Co-operatives can support a number of government priorities, including the inclusive innovation agenda, the social economy, and the transition to a lower-carbon economy.
Happy Co-op Week to all Canadian co-operatives.
Ismaili CIVIC 150 September 21st, 2017
Mr. Speaker, Ismaili Civic 150 is an initiative engaging members of Canada's Ismaili community to pledge one million volunteer service hours across Canada to improve the lives of their fellow citizens.
Ismaili Civic 150 celebrates the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, Montreal's 375th anniversary, and the diamond jubilee of the Ismaili spiritual leader, His Highness the Aga Khan.
Canada has been home to nearly 100,000 Ismailis since the mid-1960s, and about 3,000 of them live in Brossard—Saint-Lambert. Ismailis everywhere are known for their deep commitment to volunteerism and their support of humanitarian causes. Ismaili Civic 150 affirms the Ismaili Muslim community's volunteer service ethic and its commitment to making people's lives better in the countries they call home.
I would like to congratulate the Canadian Ismaili Shia Muslim community on this admirable initiative.
Forest Fires in Portugal June 19th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise in the House to express my most heartfelt condolences to the Portuguese people and the entire Portuguese-Canadian community to which I belong, who suffer despite the distance.
Yesterday morning we woke up to a nightmarish tragedy. I can hardly imagine how devastated the families who lost 62 loved ones in that exceptionally fierce forest fire are feeling.
The European Union responded quickly with the moral and logistical support warranted by the situation. The diaspora is stepping up to provide support and assistance to all the villages that were destroyed.
I would ask my colleagues whose constituents include Portuguese Canadians to reach out to them and offer some comfort.
Portugal will be a happy country once again, but for now, in the hearts of 16 million souls there is only fado and saudade.
Main Estimates, 2017-18 June 14th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, my colleague's question is very much what we hear constituents telling us: that they appreciate this new process, they appreciate the transparency with which we are doing it, and they appreciate the fact that the senators who have been named so far really do prove to have incredible merits and represent very well the successes of our country.
Main Estimates, 2017-18 June 14th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I do not even know how to begin to answer that question. I never said that I am waiting for cabinet to tell me how to vote. I have proven in this House that I vote as I see fit, and I will vote in the estimates as I see fit . That is not the question.
I did say that it is up to cabinet to decide what amendments to accept to a bill. It is not for me to decide whether I accept an amendment; that is the cabinet's role. Again, if the independent senators were not so independent, they would not be bringing back amendments that we do not necessarily agree with. I think that proves their independence.
Main Estimates, 2017-18 June 14th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I believe the process that has been put in place by the Prime Minister has resulted in an extremely non-partisan chamber that is fulfilling its main role, which is to provide us with a sober second thought on legislation. By choosing people who have achieved great success in their careers and their lives, we are precisely voicing what Canadians have done with their lives and what has made this country so magnificent and admirable throughout the world. Therefore, yes, I think the process is the right one, and it has taken away a lot of the partisanship in naming senators.
Main Estimates, 2017-18 June 14th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I do not know why the member thinks we are not taking the process seriously. This is part of the estimates that we are discussing.
With regard to the Senate, I am not reciting a speech by rote. I believe what I just said. I believe in our Senate. I believe it has a very important role to play in our Parliament. It is a part of our Parliament. I believe we have extremely qualified senators on all sides of the chamber. Independent, Liberal, and Conservative senators do a wonderful amount of work and have a very important position in our Parliament.