Maryam Monsef

[Democratic Reform, February 25th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to see an emerging consensus on this issue where even our Conservative colleagues agree that the status quo must end.

We look forward to engaging in a meaningful conversation with Canadians that will ensure that all voices are heard.

[Democratic Reform, February 4th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, allow me to make something perfectly clear: the reforms we choose must be designed to address the needs of all Canadians and go far beyond addressing the interests of the parties we represent. I urge all members of the House to adopt the same principle and work with us as we enhance our democratic institutions and serve the best interests of Canadians.

[The Senate, February 2nd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I recommend a second look at the website. The deadline for applications is February 15 at noon.

The process we have introduced is more open and more transparent than anything the former government implemented, and we are confident that it will lead to a stronger Senate, establishing the confidence of Canadians in this important democratic institution.

[The Senate, February 2nd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we have committed to a thorough and thoughtful process for appointing senators. We have done so collaborating with different departments, and we are confident that the process we have implemented will enhance the performance of the Senate without compromising the Constitution.

[The Senate, February 2nd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we are confident that the process we have introduced would lead to a stronger Senate. I do appreciate the hon. member's interest in the process here, and I have to ask this. Where was this commitment to good process when his government appointed nearly 60 senators? Was there a process?

Whatever the process, it was flawed. I urge the member to join us as we implement a more open and transparent process for appointing senators.

[Democratic Reform, February 1st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I would hope that the member opposite would work on his attention to detail when reviewing articles with the minister.

Last week, we acknowledged that it was not until 100 years ago that some women in Manitoba got the right to vote, a right that would only be extended to indigenous peoples in 1960. It is in that spirit of evolution and inclusion that we will undertake a process to consult with Canadians in a meaningful and thorough discussion about ways to modernize our democratic institutions.

[The Senate, February 1st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, an independent, non-partisan advisory board has been established to assess Canadians against a list of public criteria that would allow us to enhance the overall functioning of the Senate. I invite the hon. member to review our website for upcoming details and news.

[The Senate, January 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I do not share the hon. member's cynicism, and with good reason.

The new independent, non-partisan, merit-based, open and transparent process we have introduced is in the capable hands of nine of eminent Canadians who make up the advisory board, individuals like Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, president of the Native Women's Association of Canada. We believe that the presence of new non-partisan senators will enhance the effectiveness of this important democratic institution.

[Democratic Reform, January 27th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I am certainly glad that the member opposite was born and I would like to assure him that I will be working hard with my colleague, the government House leader, to convene a parliamentary committee to examine a wide range of electoral reform options, and it is not wise to predetermine the outcome of that consultation process.

[Democratic Reform, January 26th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the member opposite a belated happy birthday for his yesterday.

I remind the members of the House that the conversation we will be having about this very important reform will be more complex than a simple yes or no answer. It is more complex than that.

We have a tremendous opportunity to examine a variety of ways to ensure that Canadians feel fully engaged and are able to participate in our democracy. That is why we have committed—