Bev Oda

[Status of Women, February 27th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, while the previous government kept 17 offices open, Canada was put on a watch list for human trafficking. The report of the United Nations said that Canada was not doing enough about violence against women, particularly aboriginal women.

In fact, in one year this government has done more for women. Real action has been taken. We are addressing matrimonial property rights for aboriginal women. We have toughened legislation dealing with sexual predators. We have many pieces of legislation, which I ask the party opposite to support.

[Status of Women, February 27th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as we have reiterated, this government believes that we have to help women directly in their daily lives. Therefore, any application for funding and support that will do that in every community through organizations will be supported if they qualify.

[Status of Women, February 27th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I want to reiterate that the government has decided to reshape its delivery of services to women. Keeping offices open is not necessarily helping women directly in every community, small, rural and medium size communities across Canada. Therefore, as stated before, as of April 1, the $5 million will be available for women in the communities.

[Status of Women, February 26th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I totally disagree. In fact, $5 million will go to women directly in their communities, which means more money and more services right in their communities. This will make a difference in the lives of Canadian women.

[Status of Women, February 26th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, unlike the previous government, this government will redistribute these administrative savings to projects that help women directly.

[Youth, February 19th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, youth exchanges between young Canadians across Canada is one of the many ways that our government is supporting youth participation in Canadian society. Activities such as the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada program helps young people to better understand Canada's diversity.

Last weekend Canada's new government announced $9.1 million over three years for the YMCA of greater Toronto. This will allow up to 6,500 participants to take part in two way exchanges across Canada through to 2009.

[Canadian Television Fund, February 19th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is committed to Canadian content.

Last week, I asked Vidéotron and Shaw to resume their payments. I am happy that Vidéotron has resumed payments. Shaw has indicated that it is willing to work with the CRTC and the government to improve the system.

I am happy that all the parties are working together to make the system better.

[Status of Women, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the women in Canada know that they will achieve full participation in Canadian society when they continue to support the government.

This government is a government that does not just talk about equality. It is offering opportunity for women to realize their equality in every aspect of Canadian life. Women in Canada realize this. That is why this party is the government now and will be for a long time to come.

[Status of Women, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as the House knows, we have committed $5 million to serve women directly in their communities.

Women will work ahead because in every community across the country there are organizations that are now applying for support so they can help their neighbours, their neighbours' families and their neighbours' children.

[Canadian Television Fund, February 13th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, it was pointed out this morning that the best way to move a resolution to this very serious situation forward is for all parties to work constructively and in cooperation.

As I said before, this is a serious situation and we must respect the laws. The first action that must be taken is for everyone to respect the rules and the laws, which is why I have asked Shaw and Vidéotron to resume their monthly payments.