Irene Mathyssen

[Veterans, June 16th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, just like the Conservatives before them, the Liberals are shamefully denying benefits to veterans. Care is downloaded to the provinces while federal facilities close beds or shut their doors.

Peter Blendheim is a decorated 94-year-old war veteran, but he has been refused space at Camp Hill veterans hospital in Halifax. This is simply a disgrace.

Will the Liberals change course and agree to start investing in long-term care so that all veterans can have access to the care they need and deserve?

[Petitions, June 15th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I have a petition from a number of concerned citizens who worry that we do not have adequate laws to protect animals from cruelty.

Members will recall that in 2008 there was a provision passed, but it did not actually improve protection for animals. The majority of those animal-abuse investigations that are conducted do not end up in criminal prosecution. Therefore, the petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to modernize the animal cruelty positions in the Criminal Code to effectively protect all animals from deliberate acts of cruelty.

[Canada Elections Act, June 15th, 2016]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-295, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (residence of electors).

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to be given this opportunity to introduce this particular bill.

Currently, paragraph 11(d) of the Canada Elections Act prohibits Canadian citizens from voting in federal elections once they have resided outside of Canada for more than five years.

My bill would strike down this part of the act. It is unfair and undemocratic to take away the voting rights of 1.4 million expats, simply because they are engaging in opportunities abroad.

Although this restriction may have had sound policy reasons in the past, today's age of instant information transmission makes this policy archaic. Canadians overseas still have a vested interest in the Canadian government, and how laws impact their families and communities that remain in Canada. The five-year limitation simply does not conform to the 21st century demands of globalization.

Under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian citizens who are 18 years and older have the right to vote and the right to enter, remain in, and leave Canada. Indeed, nowhere is it mentioned—

[Veterans Affairs, June 1st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, when the Liberals promised an increase in benefits for permanently injured veterans, they failed to mention that their plan would benefit higher ranking officials the most, while rank-and-file veterans would see minimal increases. New Democrats believe that veterans, all veterans regardless of rank, deserve to be treated with dignity. The government is humiliating veterans. Why are the Liberals leaving behind those with the least? Why are they treating our nation's most vulnerable veterans so disgracefully?

[Veterans Affairs, June 1st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, may I start again?

[Veterans Affairs, June 1st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, when Liberals promised an increase in benefits for permanently injured veterans, they failed to mention that their plan would benefit higher ranking officials the most—

[Veterans Affairs, May 30th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the current Liberal government promised during the election to restore Canada's historic relationship with our veterans. First and foremost was the pledge to end the Conservatives' court battle that would deprive veterans of the benefits they deserve. The Liberals promised to honour those benefits, but now we learn they are backtracking and again taking our veterans to court.

Why are the Liberals punishing our veterans and forcing them to fight in court for the benefits they deserve and have earned in service to Canada?

[Veterans Affairs, May 18th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, another day, another broken Liberal promise. Liberals are dragging wounded veterans back into court to deny them fair benefits. After Conservatives spent $700,000 fighting our veterans, Liberals are taking another cruel hit at them.

Veterans have earned our respect. They deserve the benefits they are owed. This is a disgrace. It is shameful. The Liberals must recognize Canada's moral, social, legal, and financial covenant with veterans. Why are they breaking their promises and turning their backs on our veterans?

[VIA Rail, May 16th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, VIA Rail is a long way from fulfilling its mandate to provide intercity passenger rail services in Canada. The Auditor General's report on the crown corporation identified flaws in the way that our rail passenger service is managed and delivered. VIA Rail does not have a long-term plan or direction approved by the federal government. This compromises the corporation's viability.

The Auditor General recommends that VIA Rail review its existing governance systems and practices in consultation with the government, and develop a long-term strategic plan so VIA Rail can fulfill its mandate, economically, efficiently, and effectively.

VIA Rail agrees with the Auditor General.

The Minister of Transport says he takes these findings seriously and will address the deficiencies created by government in action.

I hope that the government transforms its sunny ways into real action on VIA Rail. Safe, accessible, affordable, and sustainable passenger rail service is vital for London and area. Our economic future depends on it.

[Business of Supply, May 13th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, on a point of order, I would like to say that we are very disappointed in what is going on in the House regarding Bill C-14. It is very serious legislation. Currently, there are sensitive, ongoing negotiations being conducted in regard to it, and those negotiations should be respected.