House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2011, with 32% of the vote.
International Cooperation March 10th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, Canada is already struggling to meet its international aid commitments and now the budget indicates that aid will be frozen. The only budget that will continue to increase over the next few years, although with a few restrictions, is the National Defence budget.
Are we to surmise that this government's policy is more army and less development?
International Trade December 10th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, another Canadian mining company, Blackfire Exploration, is being blamed for reprehensible conduct in Mexico. It is accused of contaminating rivers and destroying livestock and crops. The local authorities also suspect that the company is linked to the assassination of an environmentalist.
When will this government put in place a legal framework to make Canadian companies working abroad accountable, as proposed by the Bloc Québécois for years?
International Co-operation December 8th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, NGOs are asking the Conservative government today to maintain funding for KAIROS.
For 35 years, this organization has worked with CIDA to promote human rights. The cuts to KAIROS and the threats hanging over Alternatives come as we learn that the Prime Minister is preparing to create his own organization to promote sound governance, thus adding to the organizations already working in this field.
Why is the government scuttling organizations that have a proven track record?
International Cooperation December 7th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has funded these NGOs for many years, because of the important services they provide and the values they promote.
Why does the Minister of International Cooperation want to prevent them from continuing their work, if not to punish them for the positions they are taking in Canada?
International Cooperation December 7th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, we were dismayed to learn that the Minister of International Cooperation is getting ready to cut funding for two NGOs: KAIROS and Alternatives. KAIROS has been working with CIDA for 35 years, and Alternatives is a major NGO in Quebec that has been active in international cooperation since 1994.
Can the minister tell us why she wants to cut funding for these NGOs, which work in the areas of human rights, social justice, democracy and poverty reduction? Could it be because of their progressive ideas?
Democracy December 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister intends to create a new government agency to promote democracy in the world. There already is an agency, Rights and Democracy, which was created in 1988 by an act of Parliament with a mandate to “promote, develop and strengthen democratic and human rights institutions and programs”.
Will the Prime Minister agree that his plan is intended to undermine Rights and Democracy and create an agency devoted to spreading his ultra- conservative ideology?
Climate Change December 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, today, the “Make your mark, change the world!” petition, signed by more than 55,000 people, was presented to the Canadian government.
The purpose of this protest campaign is to urge the governments of rich countries to adopt measures to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions and work together to reach an agreement that is fair to developing countries and takes the needs of vulnerable populations into account.
Climate change largely affects the poor in southern countries, and they will increasingly be forced to make changes in their way of life.
The Canadian government must make financial commitments to support initiatives to fight climate change in poor countries, and, before leaving for Copenhagen, the Prime Minister must agree to support a binding agreement on climate change.
Young People in the Regions November 26th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, my colleague from Chicoutimi—Le Fjord and I delivered 3,000 postcards in support of Bill C-288 to the office of the Minister of State responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
Bill C-288 proposes the introduction of a tax credit to encourage the return of young graduates to designated regions, and allow the development of secondary and tertiary processing industries by giving our entrepreneurs access to qualified workers.
In the last parliament, only the Conservative government refused to put in place these measures that would benefit both our young people and the regions.
With Bill C-288 soon heading to committee, we hope that the Liberals and the New Democrats will continue to support this Bloc Québécois initiative and that the Conservatives will set aside their partisan ideology and act in the interests of young graduates and the regions.
International Aid November 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, in her report released yesterday, the Auditor General confirmed the government's mismanagement in the area of international aid. She noted that this government has no long-term vision, and that the frequent changes in the agency's policy direction are undermining the effectiveness of its development assistance.
When will this government come up with a coherent, long-term international aid plan?
Honduras October 7th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the coup d'état carried out in Honduras by President Zelaya's adversaries was in strict violation of the Constitution. This coup d'état has also had disastrous consequences for the people of Honduras. It has prevented the introduction of important, necessary reforms, such as the planned increase of the minimum wage, in a country plagued by serious economic and social inequalities where all the power is concentrated in the hands of a dominant oligarchy.
The people support the legitimate president, Mr. Zelaya, who has made some notable improvements, despite Honduras' disastrous economic situation. Honduras was ranked the third poorest among South American countries. The situation there right now is extremely worrisome, not to say explosive. Repressions are becoming increasingly violent, while human rights and constitutional violations are becoming more and more frequent. Freedom of the press has been suspended, and the presence of paramilitaries from Colombia, El Salvador and Guatemala leaves us fearing the worst. It is crucial that the situation return to normal in this usually peaceful country.
The Bloc Québécois supports the federal government's initiative to act as a mediator in an attempt to resolve the political crisis. We must at all costs prevent the conflict from becoming mired in violence. It is the responsibility of the Canadian government to do its part to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Canada can and must do more than just intervene at the Organization of American States (OAS) and show support for the San Jose accord.
First, it must show firm and resolute support for the legitimate government of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya. The minister must consider that no country has given de facto recognition to the government of Honduras and clearly reiterate Canada's support for the legitimate government of President Manuel Zelaya as well as applying pressure for the quick return of democracy in Honduras.
We learned last week that Canada, the United States, Peru and Costa Rica were opposed, at the OAS, to the return of Zelaya as a condition for new elections. That is totally unacceptable.
In addition, just like the European Union and the United States, the Canadian government must agree to freeze aid to the Honduran government until Zelaya returns as president. This demand is particularly pertinent in light of the fact that Canada currently holds the presidency of the G-16 group of donors in Honduras and that it contributes $17 million per year to Honduras.
The Government of Canada must take immediate action to defend democracy in this country given that elections are planned for November.