House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 50% of the vote.
Elections Canada April 2nd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, for a government that claims it has nothing to hide on the election fraud scandal, Conservative members at committee last week spent a lot of time attacking the competence of Elections Canada. The member for Peterborough even baselessly accused Elections Canada of leaking details of its investigation.
Why is the government cutting $7.5 million from the budget of Elections Canada right when it is conducting its biggest investigation ever?
Youth March 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are doing away with Katimavik.
They claim it costs too much, but their own recent assessment found that this youth program is relevant, important and valuable. This program also benefits thousands of Canadians through more than 80,000 days of work a year at more than 500 community agencies across the country.
Claiming that a few exchange programs in Toronto or Quebec City will be better is insulting to our young people and their desire to be leaders—not leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today.
Will the minister reverse this foolish decision?
Youth March 28th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, for the first time in seven years, the government will talk about young people in its budget. Unfortunately, that is because it is shutting down Katimavik, our biggest youth service program.
We know that the Conservative government does not care about empowering or investing in our youth, but does the minister realize that by cutting Katimavik he is also hurting thousands of community organizations in hundreds of towns across the country?
Every year because of Katimavik thousands of young Canadians get to serve their country, get to learn how to build a better Canada one community at a time. Apparently, that does not matter.
Will the minister be honest enough to admit that the government does not care about young people?
Petitions March 26th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a petition today asking for a royal commission on the environment and health given the chemicals and dangers to human health present in our environment now. The petitioners feel it would be worth looking into.
41st General Election March 12th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, in many ridings, including Eglinton—Lawrence, Etobicoke Centre, York Centre and Nipissing, hundreds if not thousands of people voted without being on the voters list and without presenting valid proof of residence.
The Conservatives are blaming Elections Canada and saying that Elections Canada is ultimately at fault for not being able to prevent Conservative organizers from engaging in such hijinks.
What will the government do to protect the integrity of Canadian democracy and ensure that no one stuffed the ballot boxes?
41st General Election March 2nd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, last year the Conservatives pleaded guilty to election fraud for sketchy accounting practices. They just do not learn. The Guelph campaign filing reports no relationship with RackNine, but on the very day of the fraudulent Pierre Poutine robocalls, their campaign repeatedly called RackNine.
When are the Conservatives going to come clean with Elections Canada, with the RCMP, and with Canadians who deserve the truth?
Ending the Long-gun Registry Act February 7th, 2012
Oh, come on.
Pensions February 6th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, once again, during an interview this past weekend, the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development could not explain the changes this government plans to make to old age security to the many worried Canadians.
What is now very clear is that the Conservatives want to balance their budget at the expense of the poorest workers. Nine out of 10 of the 4 million Canadians who will turn 65 in the next decade will be entitled to old age security, over half of them having an annual income of less than $25,000.
How can this government justify attacking our poorest seniors?
North Bay Winter Carnival February 6th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, our former colleague, the former member for North Bay, Anthony Rota, asked me to talk about the largest francophone festival held outside Quebec. The 49th annual Carnaval des Compagnons, which takes place every year in North Bay, will be held from February 3 to 12. This cultural and social activity is a major event that has been bringing the region's francophone community together since 1963. For 10 days in a row, all sorts of shows, sporting events, plays, traditional meals and a wide range of family activities take place. For many, the carnival's main attraction is the mascot, Bonhomme Carnaval, whose identity is never revealed until the last day.
The North Bay Carnaval des Compagnons is a magnificent festival that celebrates francophone culture. I want to congratulate this year's organizers and encourage all Canadians to put on their toques and mittens and come enjoy the carnival in North Bay.
Employment Insurance February 2nd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, as we can see, the employment insurance situation continues to get worse. More than 30% of claimants do not receive their benefits and approval of their application within a 28-day deadline. My constituency office in Papineau is full of people like Mrs. Dupré-Roussel, who came because her claim still has not been approved after three months. This government is reducing pensions and the public service.
When will the minister stand up and start using her department to serve the public?