Alexandra Mendes

[U.S. Decision Regarding Travel Ban, January 31st, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak to the issue of the so-called cap on privately sponsored refugees currently in place. I am speaking strictly in my capacity as a member from Quebec. As the minister explained so well, with regard to groups of five, the Quebec immigration minister placed a cap on this type of sponsorship due to logistics. The Government of Quebec cannot process these applications at this time. It is having a great deal of difficulty processing current applications. It is strictly a matter of logistics. It is not up to the federal government to impose this on Quebec.

[Chinese New Year, January 31st, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, this is the beginning of the lunar new year. It is also the Chinese new year, one of the most important celebrations for several thousands of my constituents in Brossard—Saint-Lambert. I extend my best wishes for a Year of the Rooster that will be filled with achievements and bring health and joy.

During this week's celebrations, we welcome the arrival of the Year of the Rooster, an animal that symbolizes honesty, brightness, and ambition. Considering my Portuguese origins and how important the rooster is in our folklore, I will add that love, of one another, of family, of community, is also part of the symbolism this year represents.

On this occasion, I hope we will take the time to recognize the incredible contributions to our country made by Chinese Canadians.

I would also like to say that our thoughts are with the families so tragically bereaved in Sainte-Foy on Sunday evening.

In joy, as in sorrow, together we are stronger.

[Violence Against Women, December 6th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, on this 27th anniversary of the Montreal massacre, as we pay tribute to the 14 young women who lost their lives on that awful December 6, it is time to reflect on what progress has been made since. I want to mention here the Coalition for Gun Control, an organization that focuses on preventing gun-related crime.

With the significant legislative changes made by the Liberal government in the 1990s to 2012, gun-related homicides of women dropped, as did gun-related suicides, especially among young people. Unfortunately, there were major setbacks in the final years of the Conservative government, including the number of restricted weapons owned by individuals, which practically doubled. There are now more than 800,000 across the country.

In memory of the 14 young women killed on December 6, 1989, we must do better.

[Petitions, December 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, in order to draw the attention of the House of Commons to the humanitarian tragedy currently unfolding in Syria, I rise today to present a petition to encourage action that promotes peace in that country.

This petition was initiated by members of the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, with many signatures from my riding and neighbouring ones.

[Post-Secondary Education, November 25th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, it can be hard for parents to save for their children's post-secondary education. Day-to-day expenses, including everything from groceries to housing, always come first. However, saving for a child's education can have a huge impact on his or her future.

Can the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour inform this House of the steps the government is taking to help parents save for their children's post-secondary education?

[Moldova, November 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Canada-Moldova Parliamentary Friendship Group, I would like to congratulate the Moldovan people for holding the first presidential election by universal suffrage in 20 years, during the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Moldova.

Like so many fledging democracies, Moldova needs support and encouragement from the more established ones. Canada has a great deal to offer this country that is striving to attain the ambitious goals of good governance, prosperity, and multilateral relationships.

Moldova's geopolitical context makes it an important Canadian ally in eastern Europe.

Furthermore, Moldova is working hard to join the European Union.

It goes without saying that the success of one country on the road to reforms and European integration will have a huge impact and mobilizing effect on others.

I would like to congratulate the people of Moldova for the 25th anniversary of their independence.

[Virginia Cisneros, October 20th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Women's History Month, I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution women have made to building our country and enhancing its presence in the world.

One woman in particular has inspired me for many years: Virginia Cisneros, head of the welcoming, integration, and community life department at the Maison Internationale de la Rive-Sud, which has helped thousands of immigrants successfully settle in our region. For over 25 years, Virginia has been central to the exemplary social and economic integration of newcomers to the south shore. Virginia is absolutely invaluable. She is a leader in promoting the benefits of diversity, one of the undeniable strengths of Brossard—Saint-Lambert. Again, I would like to acknowledge and commend Virginia for her years of devotion to our community.

[Member spoke in Spanish as follows:]

Felicitaciones, Virginia. Te admiro mucho.

[Status of Women, October 6th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

October is Women's History Month in Canada. We are celebrating women's achievements and the obstacles that they have managed to overcome.

However, women still face many obstacles in the business community. The boards of directors of Canadian corporations are not very visibly diverse.

Given that federally regulated companies fall under the minister's jurisdiction, what does he suggest to remedy this situation?

[Standing Orders and Procedure, October 6th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to how much time we spend in committee and the work we do there, if committees are restructured as has been suggested, and if there are fewer committees, each responsible for more subject matter, each committee will have much more work to do.

With respect to bills, I honestly have no opinion on that just now. I should clarify that I am not a committee chair; I am a vice-chair. Nevertheless, I really like the idea of a committee focusing on policy instead of studying a bill and then making a recommendation to the government about a bill at the end of its study. That is definitely something we should consider.

[Standing Orders and Procedure, October 6th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question, which I find very relevant. I would agree that it is quite possible that some parliamentary committees are not always busy studying bills or other legislation.

That is why I think we could use our parliamentary committees much more effectively. I agree that we could reduce the number of standing committees. Some of the topics or departments dealt with by the committees do sometimes overlap and could perhaps be merged with another standing committee that would focus more on policies, rather than legislation. That is something that definitely should be debated.