House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2011, with 55% of the vote.
Canadian Heritage April 26th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, in fulfilling my duties I am always willing to meet with any organization or representative group.
We have a request that is being analyzed and reviewed by the department. I will meet with the representatives as soon as that analysis has been completed.
Canadian Heritage April 26th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, this government wants to meet the real needs of our communities. This government believes that with full and robust consultations we will establish a program that will meet the real needs of those communities in celebrating their arts and heritage.
I have asked all members of the House to give me their input because we want to ensure we get input and ensure the process is accountable and transparent.
Canadian Heritage April 26th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, we receive a number of requests for festival funding. We recognize that there is a community need there, which is why we announced our intent in our budget to create a program. The criteria has yet to be established, which is why we are asking all MPs for their input.
We want to ensure we are a government that meets community needs, as has been outlined by all members, but we will do it through a transparent and accountable process.
Canadian Heritage April 25th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I reiterate the program does not yet exist. The criteria have not been established. We are in a consultation phase. I welcome input from the member. I think that he should be contributing in a positive manner. I welcome input from all members in this House to serve our communities.
Canadian Heritage April 25th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the program does not yet exist. The criteria have not been set. We are only in the consultation phase. I invite all parties to provide their input in the consultation. In fact, I have already received input from members from other parties in this consultation phase.
However, guess who has already requested funding for a festival in his riding? The member for Windsor West from the NDP.
Arts and Culture April 25th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the program does not yet exist. We announced our intent in the last budget, but it still has to be created. The criteria have not been established. All MPs are invited to provide input. The Conservative caucus received a questionnaire and all members of the opposition parties will receive it in the upcoming days.
The government wants to address the real needs of our communities and we will do it through a fully accountable and transparent process.
Quebec City April 19th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, no invitation has been sent to Her Majesty the Queen.
Quebec City’s 400th Anniversary April 18th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, today I say the same thing as I said yesterday, namely that, as far as I know, no invitation has been sent by the committee to Her Majesty the Queen.
Quebec City's 400th Anniversary April 17th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, as far as I know, no invitation has been sent by the committee to Her Majesty the Queen.
Status of Women April 17th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise this morning to speak to the importance of encouraging the greater participation of women in our democratic system of government.
In a democratic country, the governing body must endeavour to reflect the population that it is elected to represent, and Canada's diversity can best be served with the same diversity in the House. We will be enriched by the contribution of a true mix of the unique experiences, backgrounds and skills that our citizens possess.
Recognizing the contribution to be made by women in government must be promoted and encouraged. Canadian women have contributed to the building of our country in countless ways. They have had a significant role to play in our history and must have a key role in determining our future.
Consequently, today we stand to support the efforts to promote the increased participation of women in elected office. We must work together through non-partisan measures to ensure that women have an equal opportunity when it comes to serving in public life.
Canadian women have the skills and insight to make a meaningful contribution to the work of government at every level. They deserve the same opportunity to earn a seat in the House, not through special dispensation, but on merit.
The government does support every earnest effort to increase women's representation and their participation in politics. Because we recognize and welcome the contribution of women in this role, it was the Conservative Party that elected the first woman in the House of Commons as well as the first woman prime minister.
As we work together and continue our efforts to encourage more women to run for elected office, we must also ensure all Canadians that as a government we recognize our responsibility to address their issues and needs.
That is why our Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is working to provide matrimonial property rights to aboriginal women and to have their rights recognized under the charter. That is why our Minister of Health provided $300 million in our budget to support a national vaccine program to protect Canadian women from cervical cancer. That is why the women's programming budget at the Status of Women has been increased to $20 million, the highest ever since its inception.
As we work to promote the increased participation of Canadian women in government, we must always recognize that it is the responsibility across all government, and the responsibility of every elected member, to serve every Canadian, men and women.