Bev Oda

[Aboriginal Affairs, December 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, as we know, that member is lacking in accuracy. In fact, the money was not there.

What I have done is that I have met with the aboriginal leaders. I am pleased to say that we participated in their rally today.

I met with them yesterday. They have put before us a plan, which we are looking at. We have a commitment from Chief Fontaine and his leadership that they will work with us to develop a plan that is really going to be effective in preserving their important languages.

[Canadian Heritage, December 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I want to remind all Canadians that Canada does not have a portrait gallery. However, this government is committed to ensuring there is a portrait gallery and that it will be the best for Canadians.

Yes, we would consider outside of Ottawa, and, in fact, we see some benefits to that consideration, but we also would welcome private sector contributions and partnerships.

As long as we can do the best for Canadians, we want to do it responsibly and accountably.

[Volunteerism, December 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, we know that volunteers are out there every day helping in their communities. We also know that taxpayers honour volunteers, which is why we want to support those volunteers who are really doing the work, not volunteer organizations that hold conferences.

We stand behind the volunteers in their community and we stand behind the work that they are doing for all Canadians.

[Canada Volunteerism Initiative, December 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, this government is proud of the volunteers in Canada. We believe they are the backbone of every community. We want to ensure that the money is spent directly to assist the front line volunteer organizations, the volunteer organizations like Volunteer Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Canadian Parents for French and the Victorian Order of Nurses.

Our priority, and we have been consistent in this, is to help individuals and families in their communities.

[Status of Women, December 5th, 2006]

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

If that means closing offices but still being able to support organizations that help women in the community, that is what this government will do.

[Status of Women, December 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I want to be clear and say that the money saved in administration is going directly to help women in the community.

For greater clarity, that means an additional $5 million allocated to projects for women.

It is more money for women in the community.

[Canadian Heritage, December 4th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, once again we want to make sure we have accuracy. As I have told the House before, we are looking at the options before the government to make sure that our portrait gallery is accessible to as many Canadians as possible. We will also make sure that federal funds are used responsibly and accountably.

[Status of Women, December 4th, 2006]

Once again, Mr. Speaker, I think it is unfortunate for women in Canada when we have a member of the NDP who exaggerates beyond belief. We have not made any changes to our social services. We are working with the provinces and municipalities. We ensure that the resources that are needed are going to be there.

What we have done is that we have said we will save $5 million in administration. That is paying phone bills so that some organizations that work on the ground can help women directly

[Canadian Heritage, December 4th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the member is quite right that after a decade of Liberal neglect our museums have been deteriorating. In fact, the Auditor General recognized that the preservation of our national treasures and the health and safety of the staff and volunteers was at risk.

Today I announced nearly $100 million to meet the infrastructure needs of our five federal cultural and heritage institutions. This is the first step for the new government that takes action. This government is committed to work with Canada's museums today and for the future.

[Status of Women, December 4th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, we will be clear. The entire amount of $5 million will be available to organizations in every community across the country to help women directly in their communities. In fact, we know that these organizations that work on a day to day basis with women will know their needs, not a bureaucracy in Ottawa.