House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 41% of the vote.
Aboriginal Affairs November 30th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, one of the government's first decisions was to cancel a $5 billion agreement that was negotiated for over a year between the provinces and the federal government, known as the Kelowna accord. It was booked in the financial details of the company—
Aboriginal Affairs November 30th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, we can see how seriously the Prime Minister takes this problem. He is still doing the same thing he did yesterday: investments in health and education are included in the $90 million he is still talking about today. The Auditor General clearly said that the federal government is responsible for the problems with living conditions in Attawapiskat and in all the other communities struggling with the same problems. It must take responsibility.
When will the government take responsibility and resolve these problems?
Aboriginal Affairs November 30th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the government that should be placed under third party management is right across the way. It is right over there. That is what should be under third party management.
It is a classic case. There are dozens of Attawapiskats right across the country. It is not the only community that is facing these conditions and these difficulties. In her last report, the Auditor General of Canada said that the aboriginal people of our country were living in intolerable conditions.
It is the government that has to take responsibility for what has happened and not simply continue to blame the victims. The government is all hat and no cattle when it comes to—
Persons with Disabilities November 30th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, one-quarter of the global population is directly affected by disability. Ensuring that the world we live in is disability inclusive and free from barriers which prevent full participation in all aspects of our society is not only an issue of basic human rights, but also one of citizenship.
To mark the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Liberal Party of Canada is proud to announce changes that make the Liberal Party's websites more accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. These changes have been made in full partnership with eSSENTIAL Accessibility Inc., a Canadian company committed to making online environments instantly accessible to people with physical disabilities.
When we eliminate barriers to information, people are able to participate more fully in social, civic and economic life, and reach their full potential. Our party will continue working with people with physical disabilities to improve their ability to communicate in an inclusive, accessible manner.
I call on the federal government to join other jurisdictions in finding innovative ways of increasing national accessibility to digital information for disabled persons.
Points of Order November 29th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the people who were demonstrating throughout the vote, members of Parliament were encouraging them with respect to their own response to the vote that was taking place.
All we are asking for is that fair is fair with respect to the conduct of votes that take place and what demonstrations are permitted by the Speaker and what demonstrations are not permitted by the Speaker. If there is going to be decorum on one side of the House, there needs to be decorum on every side of the House and that has to be the rule every day.
Points of Order November 29th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I can see the demonstration has not entirely stopped.
Somebody just said, “You got that right”. I think I do have it right and that is why I am asking the question. I would ask, Mr. Speaker, if you would take note of the extent of the demonstration.
I also think it is fair to say that the member for Churchill was excoriated by the members opposite because of the fact that there was one sole demonstrator on the other side of the House with which she had nothing to do. However, the demonstrators--
Points of Order November 29th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, yesterday we all participated in a vote for which there was a very substantial demonstration on the side of the government, as well as a very substantial demonstration in the gallery--
Aboriginal Affairs November 29th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, it is disgraceful for a government to waste money like the Conservatives did to host a party for representatives of visiting countries when there are people with nowhere to live, no heat and no work. They do not have the absolute basic living conditions that everyone in Canada should have.
When will the government accept the responsibilities it has under the Constitution and its moral obligations with regard to the conditions that exist in our country's major cities?
Aboriginal Affairs November 29th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, in fact, the number the Prime Minister is using also includes the cost of all education in Attawapiskat.
It would seem that the implication of what the Prime Minister is saying is that it is the people of Attawapiskat who are responsible for the problems they are facing. That is a disgraceful response from the Government of Canada.
When will the government start taking responsibility for this deplorable situation, which is an embarrassment to the reputation of the entire country?
Aboriginal Affairs November 29th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, there are 19 families living in tents and sheds with no running water. There are 122 families living in condemned housing. There are 96 people living in a large trailer.
The Red Cross has gone up there and is due to arrive in the community. It will be providing generators, heaters, winter clothing and insulated sleeping equipment. The Government of Ontario has sent teams from the emergency management scheme in the province.
I would like to ask the Prime Minister, how does he feel about this complete failure of federal responsibility with respect to the people who are living in Attawapiskat at present?