Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question. Our government is moving very quickly to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court and will be doing so very soon.
House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 39% of the vote.
Justice May 16th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question. Our government is moving very quickly to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court and will be doing so very soon.
Aboriginal Affairs May 16th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, as that member will learn when she reads the RCMP report, it has actually come to some conclusions about the reasons for violence against indigenous women, and that is domestic violence.
Ninety per cent of the cases have been solved. We know what the problem was. We are taking action now to address that problem, and these members should support us in doing that.
Aboriginal Affairs May 16th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, the member fails to point out that people he cited did not read the RCMP report. They are doing that now, and they will find out that 90% of the homicides have been solved. It is the same resolution rate as in the non-aboriginal population.
One of the most significant causes of violence against aboriginal women is domestic violence. Our government is taking action now. The RCMP report is clear. There is not really a need for more study, but there is a need for action. Our government is taking action and the hon. member should support it.
Aboriginal Affairs May 16th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, it is clear from the RCMP report that the number is high. It is shocking. It is a tragedy. Something needs to be done about it and it needs to be done right now. That is why we are taking action to reduce violence against women on reserves.
The RCMP report is very clear that 62% of these homicides were the result of domestic violence. That is why our government is taking action now to try to reduce domestic violence on reserves. That member should support our government in taking that action.
Aboriginal Affairs May 16th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, it appears the member has not yet read the report. I understand that. It has just been released. I think she will take some time over the weekend to read it. What she will find is that 90% of the murders have been solved. It is the same resolution rate as in the non-aboriginal population, and 62% of those murders were domestic violence.
From our perspective, now is not the time for further study; it is a time for action, and we have done many things. For example, in our recent budget there is renewed funding for the aboriginal justice strategy. We are reducing victimization and crime overall in aboriginal communities through our strategies. We are also funding community projects specifically geared toward reducing violence against aboriginal women.
Aboriginal Affairs May 16th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I would respectfully suggest that the member read the report in detail. If she does, she will find that the report addressed the issue of violence against indigenous women and suggested that 62% of the homicides were the result of domestic violence.
She will also know that in economic action plan 2013, the government committed new funding for the family violence prevention program, which supports shelters for women, children, and families living on reserve. Regrettably, she and her party voted against that.
Aboriginal Affairs May 16th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, in fact, the report did indicate one of the most significant causes of violence against aboriginal women, and that is domestic violence.
The government has taken substantial steps to address that. Now is the time to take action, not to continue to study the issue. For example, in economic action plan 2013, the government committed new funding for the family violence prevention program, which supports shelters for women, children, and families living on reserves.
Aboriginal Affairs May 16th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the RCMP for the report. One missing person is too many.
We expect the RCMP to investigate every single missing persons case, including any that were discovered while compiling the report.
The report was quite informative about some of the root causes of violence against indigenous women. The RCMP's findings were clear. According to the data, 62% of the homicides of aboriginal women were committed by a family member who had previously abused the victim, 40% of aboriginal women were killed as the result of an argument, and nearly 90% of the homicides were solved, which is a resolution rate the same as in the non-aboriginal population.
Justice May 15th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32, I have the honour to table in the House, in both official languages, a document entitled “Proposals to correct certain anomalies, inconsistencies and errors and to deal with other matters of a non-controversial and uncomplicated nature in the Statutes of Canada and to repeal certain provisions that have expired, lapsed or otherwise ceased to have effect”.
I understand that this document is deemed to be referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for study.
Sikh Heritage Month April 28th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, Sat Sri Akal. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure to join almost 100,000 Sikhs at the 29th annual Khalsa Day parade in Toronto. People of the Sikh faith donned their traditional multicoloured robes to share their distinct culture, including music, prayers, and traditional foods, on the streets of Toronto.
With April being the first ever Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario, it is a good time for all of us to celebrate the many successes of the Sikh community in Canada and around the world.
While one organization has regrettably chosen to use its resources to fearmonger and spread hate by circulating a racist flyer to Brampton residents, I encourage all Canadians to take this month to reflect upon and celebrate the many contributions that Indo-Canadians have made to our vibrant communities.