Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet

[Democratic Reform, May 12th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, if the Liberals were really willing to work with the opposition, they would not be ramming bills through the House and giving themselves false majorities on a committee.

How can they claim that they want to end first past the post, and then strike a committee that models itself on first past the post?

We are talking about a once-in-a-generation voting reform. Will the minister reconsider her decision to give Liberals the power to unilaterally change our voting system?

[Democratic Reform, May 12th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, this makes absolutely no sense.

The Liberals say they want to make our system more democratic, and yet they give themselves a majority on the committee. They want to include the Green Party and the Bloc Québécois, but they do not give those parties the right to vote.

How can Canadians be sure that the process is not rigged from the start? Clearly, this reform is not off to a good start.

Will the government admit its mistake and give all parties the right to vote in committee?

[Public Service Labour Relations Act, May 11th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP agrees to apply the vote, but will be voting no this time, with the addition of the hon. member for Beloeil—Chambly.

[Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 1, May 10th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP agrees to apply the vote and will be voting against the motion.

[Homophobia, May 10th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, incredibly violent acts of homophobia occur in my riding and elsewhere.

On April 30, a gay couple was physically assaulted near a bar in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood. The couple was violently beaten for holding hands and kissing in public.

I am proud of operation kiss-in, which was held last night near where the two young men were attacked. Hundreds of people gathered to peacefully denounce this act of brutality. Kisses, accolades, and messages of solidarity were an admirable response to hate.

Over the past year and a half, Gai Écoute has recorded nearly 1,000 acts of homophobia, 43% of which were criminal in nature. Although the LGBTQ community has won rights, it has a long way to go to win social acceptance. That is why it is important for Canadian representatives to continue to fight against homophobia.

Love has no gender. Let us stand in solidarity.

[Housing, May 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, 65% of federal funding to fight homelessness is allocated to the housing first approach. That leaves only 35% of the funding for the homelessness partnering strategy for other types of intervention, including prevention.

Crisis centres are having to close beds for lack of funding. Quebec is pleading for a return to a general homelessness strategy. This week, I introduced two bills; the first is on recognizing the right to housing, and the second aims to establish a national housing strategy.

Will the government support these bills so that people no longer end up in the street? Will the government respect Quebec's wishes?

[Petitions, May 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I have in my hands a petition calling on the government to continue its long-term commitment to social housing. I am talking about “social” housing and not necessarily just affordable housing.

I noticed that the second person to sign the petition is Ms. Godard, a resident of my riding who does a lot for her neighbours in her low-income housing community. She prepares breakfasts and invites people to Christmas parties. She cares about people and looks after her neighbours.

This petition is in that same spirit. It calls on the government to also look after the most vulnerable, who need housing and are generally disadvantaged, and who could use some help, which could be provided through housing subsidies, among other things.

[Criminal Code, May 3rd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, if I understand correctly, the motion is that the question be now put. I want to know if there are specific concerns because we had agreed to continue the debate this evening and tomorrow evening. What changed?

[Petitions, May 3rd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, you will not be surprised to learn that I have a petition on housing calling on the Government of Canada, in collaboration with the provinces, territories, municipalities, community partners, and other players to maintain and expand the right to housing and the federal investment in social housing. This would include renewing the funding for long-term agreements. Some agreements have already expired, and people are in need. I have hundreds of signatures of people calling on the government to pay special attention to this.

[Secure, Adequate, Accessible and Affordable Housing Act, May 3rd, 2016]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-265, An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible, and affordable housing for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, this time I would like to thank my colleague from North Island—Powell River, who is seconding this important bill.

The bill calls on the government to develop a national housing strategy. Canada is the only G8 country that does not have one.

The current government talks about a strategy, but the process to implement such a strategy is crucial. It is not enough to simply consult the provinces, territories, municipalities, aboriginal communities, and housing groups. It is too easy to consult them, but then completely ignore the recommendations that are not to the government's liking.

Instead, the government must work in partnership with all stakeholders to reach a satisfactory agreement that is flexible enough to meet the varied needs of our distinct regions.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)