House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2015, with 38% of the vote.
Petitions February 6th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the second petition is basically with respect to children at risk, anaphylactic sufferers.
On May 22, 2013, the members of the House voted unanimously in support of Motion No. 230 with respect to anaphylaxis. The petitioners ask that this initiative be pursued and that Parliament enact a policy to reduce the risk to anaphylactic passengers when travelling on public transport, whether it be by plane, bus or train.
Petitions February 6th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions.
The first petition concerns the reduction in services by Canada Post, whereby 6,000 to 8,000 workers will lose their jobs. These cuts will hurt seniors and disabled Canadians. Canada Post has not had any real consultations with those people affected and is denying it offers a public service that is needed and must be protected.
Therefore, the petitioners ask the Government of Canada to reverse the cuts to services announced by Canada Post and to look instead for ways to innovate in areas such as postal banking.
Interparliamentary Delegations February 6th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1) it is my pleasure to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian Parliamentary Delegation of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association.
This report follows its participation at the meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, held in Helsinki, Finland, from November 19 to 21, 2014.
Child Care February 6th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, for a single working mum, child care means being able to work. For struggling middle-class families, child care costs are breaking their budget.
Conservatives were elected on a promise to create 125,000 child care spaces, but they broke that promise to Canadian parents. Conservatives created zero spaces.
Families who cannot access affordable child care do not have a choice. Why are the Conservatives turning their backs on affordable child care?
Veterans Affairs February 6th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, veterans are still waiting, and they should not be forced every year to prove the obvious, that they are still missing limbs.
It should not take national attention for the government to realize that this burden of proof is wrong. Whether it is spending $700,000 to fight veterans in court or denying that they have a sacred obligation to veterans, the Conservatives still do not get it.
Will the government stop its policy of requiring veterans to perennially prove that they have lost their limbs?
Interparliamentary Delegations February 5th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour today to present, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), in both official languages, the reports of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union respecting its participation at the 131st IPU assembly and related meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 12 to 16, 2014, and at the annual parliamentary hearing at the United Nations in New York, New York, November 19 and 20, 2014.
Seniors February 3rd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, according to a recent report from Laval University, the Conservatives' decision to make seniors wait two more years for OAS will significantly increase poverty. The poverty rate among Canadians aged 65 and 66 will go from 6% to 17%. As Canadians, we cannot allow this travesty. Our seniors deserve to live in dignity instead of struggling to survive.
Why are the Conservatives cynically allowing poverty to increase among seniors?
Petitions February 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, I have a petition from constituents who wish draw the attention of the Minister of Health and the House of Commons to the fact that the federal government does not have but needs a national strategy for dementia and for the care of persons afflicted with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases.
The petitioners call on the Minister of Health and the House of Commons to pass Bill C-356, standing in the name of the MP for Nickel Belt, and to indeed move ahead on a comprehensive national plan to address all aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
New Democratic Party of Canada February 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, if Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there will be two winters in the year. Yes, today is Groundhog Day and despite the flawed prognostications of lesser rodents like Punxsutawney Phil and Shubenacadie Sam, Ontario's Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow at sunrise this morning. Yes, we are going to have an early spring. All the more reason for all of us on both sides of the House to roll up our sleeves, work together for Canadians, ensure they are able to stay warm during the cold winters and have something stored away for hibernation.
The New Democrats support measures to make life affordable for all Canadians and create the conditions for all Canadian seniors to retire with dignity and comfort.
I am sure we can agree that these are values that Wiarton Willie would support. Would it not be lovely if the next time he popped his head out of his den he found a New Democratic government at the helm, working for equality, dignity and fairness for Canadians from coast to coast? We will see Willie next year.
Employment January 28th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, those so-called good policies have led to major plant closures at Electro-Motive Diesel, Kellogg's, and Heinz. A proposal to create 1,500 jobs at the former St. Thomas Ford plant is on the rocks. In the past eight years, under the current Prime Minister, the London region has lost a third of its manufacturing jobs. That is thousands of families placed in jeopardy because they are out of work.
New Democrats will always stand up for jobs and families across this country. When will the Conservatives finally get on board?