House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2015, with 38% of the vote.
Afghanistan December 12th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, late on Friday the secretive Conservative government suddenly announced a new Afghan detainee transfer agreement with the United States.
Canadians expect a lot more transparency on these issues, and they want a few simple questions answered. Could the minister confirm that no Canadian-captured detainees remain in the custody of the Afghan national directorate of security, and if so, when did the transfer occur?
The Economy December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, to take just one example, we could certainly do a lot more for seniors.
We are all for a healthy, well-regulated financial sector in this country, but that does not mean we should pamper the banks. The Royal Bank of Canada made $6.7 billion last year. The Conservatives saw fit to contribute almost $400 million to that profit in tax giveaways. How does that make sense?
Why are the Conservatives putting the Royal Bank before out-of-work Canadians?
The Economy December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the six biggest banks in Canada made $25.5 billion in profit this year. To reward them, the Conservatives are giving them $1.4 billion in tax cuts. We know for a fact that these gifts do nothing. No jobs will be created.
In other words, while families are having difficulty making ends meet, they are paying taxes to give gifts to banks. What exactly does this do for Canadians?
Poverty December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the gap between the rich and the poor in Canada is growing. According to the OECD, 10% of Canadians have an income of less than $10,000. In my riding, homeless shelters are full to overflowing. These people do not have a voice. They are helpless in the face of the government's inaction.
While the big banks are reaping record profits, the poor are becoming increasingly poor. How can the government justify this injustice?
Canada-U.S. Relations December 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, all these answers are not reassuring to Canadian families. We are talking about an agreement that may cost billions of dollars, in addition to having enormous repercussions on Canadian travellers and an impact on individuals' right to privacy. However, we do not know what the repercussions will be because the government decided, once again, to bypass Parliament.
Why will the Prime Minister not allow Parliament and members to do their job and examine this agreement?
Foreign Affairs December 7th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, with this government, corrupt foreign dignitaries living in Canada can sleep soundly at night. Legislation enabling Canada to freeze their assets was passed nine months ago, but the Tunisian community is still waiting to know whether the Ben Ali family's assets were frozen. The Tunisian government asked Canada to freeze this family's assets.
Can the minister tell us what the government has done to respect Tunisia's request and Canadian law?
Foreign Affairs December 5th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the partnership also provides loads of funds to the Syrian regime.
The United Nations has confirmed that over 4,000 people have been killed since March and over 14,000 are being detained, according to estimates. It is time this government took serious action and increased pressure on the Assad regime.
Will the government follow the European Union's lead and increase sanctions against Syria, including the state-owned oil company?
Foreign Affairs December 5th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the EU has imposed new sanctions on Syria targeting the state-owned General Petroleum Corporation, Suncor's business partner in Syria. Last week the minister admitted he had no idea how much money the Assad regime makes off Suncor's work, yet the Conservatives are happy to exempt Suncor's partner from Canadian sanctions.
Why is the government letting a Canadian company help provide large profits to the Assad regime?
Foreign Affairs November 30th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, it is not good enough to say that the minister cannot speak publicly. What we have learned today is too serious. This is not the first time that personal information about Canadian citizens has been sent to foreign governments, and often in very problematic situations. The RCMP did not even advise Mr. Tepper that it was providing his personal information to a foreign country.
What does this government intend to do to address this situation and return Mr. Tepper to Canada?
Yemen November 24th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Yemen, whose peaceful revolution has resulted in a deal that will see President Saleh finally step down after nine months of protests.
The struggle for peace in Yemen is not over. The president's family members are still in key positions in the government and the military, and Saleh himself has been granted immunity. The regime still stands, yet an important first step has been taken. We call on all parties to respect the agreement.
On Tuesday I met with members of Yemen's opposition, who noted that Yemen is entering a new political chapter, and they will need the help of Canada. Canada must now work to promote democracy in Yemen.
New Democrats stand in solidarity with the people of Yemen and offer them our best wishes as they continue their non-violent struggle for peace and justice.