House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2015, with 21% of the vote.
Older Workers June 15th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, older workers cannot wait several more months, and that is what is likely to happen if the minister has one feasibility study after the other to justify doing nothing. This is a humanitarian issue affecting older workers in all regions, including those in Huntingdon, Montmagny, Sherbrooke, Waterville, Drummondville, who cannot find other jobs in spite of their efforts.
Does the minister intend to show compassion and announce a support program for older workers?
Compton June 13th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the village of Compton is throwing a year-long party in 2006. Why? Because the people of Compton appreciate the good things in life and they have decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Saint-Thomas d'Aquin parish.
In fact, the township was settled earlier than that and the name of Compton had been appearing on maps for a little longer, but the parish was officially founded in 1856.
Compton is one of the friendliest municipalities in the region. This certainly has to do with the varied origins of settlers. During their celebrations, the people of Compton are promoting the sense of celebration, family participation, parish and community life, history as well as local heritage.
Until August, the organizing committee is inviting everyone to come and discover a beautiful village and wonderful people. Welcome all to the 150th anniversary of the Compton parish of Saint-Thomas d'Aquin.
Business of Supply June 8th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I listened to my Liberal friend criticize us for not supporting Bill C-48, the budget implementation bill.
I wonder where he has been for the past 13 years. During his 13 years as a member of the ruling party, he never recognized the fiscal imbalance. He never agreed to protect the aircraft industry on which Quebec relies heavily. All he has done is protect the automotive industry in Ontario. As a government member, he never tried to save our industries in the manufacturing sector, including those in the Eastern Townships, where 5,200 jobs were lost in a single year.
The member is really in no position to lecture me today.
He did not lift a finger either when we asked that the government unconditionally transfer the $800 million for day care, since we have our own system which is working very well.
The Bloc Québécois will be opposing this motion. I would like to ask the member this. How will the motion put forward by the Liberal Party today prevent the centralizing government from interfering in Quebec's areas of jurisdiction? I would like an answer.
Rights and Democracy Network June 2nd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, a special event called “Sur la piste des réfugiés” was held at the Université de Sherbrooke from May 1 to 3, 2006. In partnership with the Rights and Democracy Network, approximately 15 BA students in applied political science organized an outdoor simulation of a refugee camp.
The purpose of the simulation was to raise peoples' awareness about the plight and living conditions of refugees. There were four parts to the event: the creation of the camp and opening it to the public, an information forum, seminars, and a play.
The event was a resounding success and other universities who belong to the Rights and Democracy Network would like to see it reproduced on their campuses.
I would like to congratulate the organizers and the 50 or so participants who braved the cold and the rain to share in this instructive experience.
Clothing and Textile Industry May 19th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, since being elected, the government has not yet done anything for the clothing and textile industry, even though the needs facing these sectors are just as dire as when the current government was in opposition.
Last week, the failure of the Conservatives to take action once again cost approximately 50 jobs, and what is more, in a riding that they represent, Mégantic—L'Érable.
The closing of Confection Lapierre in Saint-Ludger represents another blow for the Mégantic region, which was already reeling from the closing of the Canadelle factory last March.
Conservative members and ministers have spouted plenty of rhetoric about these industries, yet they do nothing. The government must commit to saving the clothing and textile industry.
The Bloc Québécois has proposed several measures, including POWA, to help this vulnerable manufacturing sector. The federal government should use it as a model to save thousands of jobs in our regions.
Le Haut-Saint-François Newspaper May 10th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, a regional community newspaper in my riding, Le Haut-Saint-François, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1986, the newspaper was born of the common desire of all the municipalities in the RCM of Haut-Saint-François to have a regional information vehicle. We owe the paper to a collaborative effort by the area municipalities which, 20 years later, continue voluntarily to support it financially.
Distributed free of charge twice a month to every household in the RCM, this newspaper is recognized for the quality of its information. Over the years, its team has won many awards from the Quebec community newspaper association. This determination typical of the region's people .
The Bloc Québécois wishes a long life to Le Haut-Saint-François newspaper.
The Budget May 9th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, my question is about child care. The government intends to give all families $1,200, which corresponds to a monthly amount of $100. Has the Conservative government tallied all the administrative costs of this measure, compared to the costs associated with the Bloc Québécois suggestion of a refundable tax credit which would be given once per year? What is the government estimate of the administrative costs of this monthly $100 payment?
The Budget May 9th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, after hearing the speech by my colleague from Drummond, I sympathize with her very much. In the past two years in my riding of Compton—Stanstead and elsewhere in the Eastern Townships we have lost 5,400 jobs in the textile, shoe and furniture sectors.
I want to know why the government is refusing to reinstate the POWA for older workers over 50. What is the government's vision for the future of these people who risk facing poverty? As hon. members know, at age 50 it is not easy to find a new job. What is the government waiting for to reinstate POWA?
Business of Supply May 4th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the $805 million the Quebec government will receive in the agreement for this year has already been invested in one way or another in the early childhood centre policy.
The Bloc will continue to fight to get the $800 million back in order to correct the fiscal imbalance. It is true that people are still waiting for spaces in early childhood centres. So the fight to settle the fiscal imbalance must go on, as must the fight for all Quebec families and for our very generous early childhood centres, to keep them generous as they are now.
Business of Supply May 4th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure I have understood correctly because of the corporation. However, the early childhood centres remain under provincial jurisdiction. We will continue to work on this point.