House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2011, with 37% of the vote.
Canadian Human Rights Act February 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, in my colleague's remarks he talked about the importance of addressing root causes. He views, as I do, a human rights violation as an important issue. However, human rights violations often come about because of root causes, like the lack of housing, the lack of water, the lack of a bed to sleep in and the lack of an appropriate educational facility.
Could my colleague opposite talk about root causes as they apply to human rights violations?
Petitions February 7th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour today to present a petition signed by many members of my community.
My community members are concerned that the Raza family, which consists of six children under the age of 13, two of whom are Canadian citizens, and who have sought sanctuary in Crescent Fort Rouge Church in Winnipeg since August 2006, that their claim for refugee status has been denied and are waiting to hear for a humanitarian and compassionate application response.
The petitioners call upon the House of Commons to take action to prevent the deportation of the Raza family on these same humanitarian and compassionate grounds and ask the immigration minister to grant the outstanding permit that would allow them to do so.
Aboriginal Affairs February 6th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, currently more aboriginal children are living away from their homes in care than at any time during the residential schools era. Yet this does not provide enough motivation for the Conservative government to act.
The minister chooses to nitpick at the details rather than confront the situation. The national chief, and I can quote him too, was right in calling the minister's comments unconscionable.
When will the minister stop the petty buck passing and when will he give the situation the attention it deserves? Children's lives depend on it.
Aboriginal Affairs February 6th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Indian Affairs was given an opportunity to address the problem of the number of aboriginal children in care. He could have said that he would immediately examine the abysmal situation. He could have said that it was inexcusable. He could have pledged to find a solution for this blight on Canadian society. Instead he chose to blame the victim.
Could the minister explain why, instead of trying to rally support for a solution, he has decided that the status quo is acceptable?
Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy February 6th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to draw to the attention of all members the presence in Ottawa of members of the Jewish community from all across Canada. The members of the community are in Ottawa for the biennial parliamentary dinner and advocacy day of the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy.
Yesterday and today, the participants have been treated to a program featuring discussions and speakers related to such issues as a question period with visiting members of the Knesset, dealing with the threat of a nuclear Iran, and confronting the UN challenge. They are being tutored as to how to advocate and communicate with MPs, how to and why one should get involved in the political process, and the complexities of dealing with the media.
Tonight the program concludes with a parliamentary dinner with members of Parliament and senators from all parties.
I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming the participants of the conference and sharing the wisdom of their experience.
Canadian Wheat Board February 1st, 2007
Mr. Speaker, some support.
The Minister of Agriculture has the audacity of saying that others, including the Wheat Board, are to blame for the new rating. This is an outrageous example of blaming the victim.
Multiple reports, including the minister's own rogue task force, have made it clear that the Wheat Board cannot survive in a dual marketing role. Yet the government, wearing its ideological blinders, refuses to acknowledge the fact.
How much more damage does the government plan to inflict on the Wheat Board and its international reputation?
Canadian Wheat Board February 1st, 2007
Mr. Speaker, this week as a result of the government's actions Standard and Poor's downgraded the credit rating of the Canadian What Board.
Of course, the Minister of Agriculture shouldered no responsibility, although, and I quote, “Standard and Poor's expects the government support of the Canadian Wheat Board will continue to deteriorate as long as the current government lasts”.
I challenge the minister to stand in his place and point to a single phrase from Standard and Poor's that blames anyone other than this government for what is happening.
Health January 30th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, “Out of the Shadows at Last”, is an appropriate title for the Senate report dealing with the important issues of mental health, mental illness and addiction. The time has come for these issues to move to the front of the agenda of Canadian health concerns.
The Senate report calls for three key recommendations to be implemented: the establishment of a Canadian mental health commission; the establishment of a mental health transition fund; and increased support for research funding. The report also spends much time examining the issues specific to the mental health status of women, aboriginal people, children and youth, seniors and Canadian Forces members.
I add my voice to those of the Canadian Psychological Association, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health in applauding the recommendations included in this report.
I urge the government to act on the report and, indeed, move the issue of mental health out of the shadows and into the light.
Passports January 29th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I would say too little, too late. People lining up at 3:40 a.m. at the Edmonton passport office is simply not acceptable.
Joanne Scott was trying to take her family to Disneyland. “It is horrific,” she said of the government's efforts. She does not believe Canada's minority government when it says that everything is going great.
Why was the Conservative government so incompetent that nothing more was done to prepare for a passport crunch that everybody saw coming?
Passports January 29th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, Conservative incompetence has left thousands of Canadians unable to get a Canadian passport in a timely manner. Everyone knew about the American passport deadline, yet nothing was done to prepare.
Of course the Prime Minister does not care. Way back in March, he got his red passport in four days.
Why did the Minister of Foreign Affairs spend January travelling overseas without doing something, anything, to ensure Canadians got the travel documents they needed urgently?