Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his heartfelt speech.
Given that the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland have already decided to change their summary trial processes, why is Canada lagging far behind on this important issue?
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 43% of the vote.
Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act December 6th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his heartfelt speech.
Given that the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland have already decided to change their summary trial processes, why is Canada lagging far behind on this important issue?
The Environment December 4th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, Brome Lake is the jewel of my riding. It is a favourite spot of many recreational boaters. But since the Conservative ministers do not spend their summer vacations there, Brome Lake is not receiving the same favourable treatment in their reform of the protection of navigable waterways. The selection of waterways that will remain protected is random, ill-considered and irresponsible.
Is there not a single Conservative member who is disgusted with the flagrant favouritism shown to the President of the Treasury Board?
Au Diable Vert Outdoor Centre November 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Au Diable Vert, which is located in Glen Sutton, in my riding of Brome—Missisquoi. This eco-lodging facility received the Small or Medium-sized Business of the Year Award on November 20 at the 2012 Canadian Tourism Awards.
Julie Zeitlinger and Jeremy Fontana, the owners of this wonderful outdoor centre, accepted this prestigious award at the gala that I attended.
The tourism industry is a real economic engine that generates many jobs in my riding. This industry is driven mostly by small and medium-sized businesses like Au Diable Vert that demonstrate determination, innovation and initiative.
Congratulations to Au Diable Vert on this wonderful accomplishment.
First Nations Financial Transparency Act November 27th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, why did the Liberals try to pass the First Nations Governance Act against the wishes of the first nations, which were trying to develop their own transparency measures?
First Nations Financial Transparency Act November 27th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for her speech. I have to say that this government's slogan seems to be, “do as I say, not as I do.”
Unfortunately, we are once again being muzzled in the debate on Bill C-27. A time allocation motion was adopted for about the 30th time. I just wanted to point that out.
My first question for the member opposite is the following: the first nations asked the government to work with them to develop better transparency and governance measures on the reserves. Why is the Conservative government ignoring this opportunity to work together?
First Nations Financial Transparency Act November 27th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her speech. I would like to begin by pointing out that I also think it is appalling that Bill C-27 is the object of the 29th time allocation motion.
That being said, I would like to ask my colleague the following question. First of all, first nations governments are among the most transparent and accountable in all of Canada, and they are in favour of continuous improvement with consultation. However, the real problem is that they have suffered decades of paternalism, which has placed first nations chiefs in a position where, under the Indian Act, they are responsible for implementing decisions made by the federal government. Not only is that clearly inappropriate, but it is still a recipe for poor results. I wonder if my colleague could comment on these remarks from a first nations chief.
Protecting Canada's Seniors Act November 5th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel for her very instructive speech.
Unfortunately, I must again burst the Conservatives' bubble and tell them that their solution, that is, Bill C-36, is only a very partial response to a very complex problem. Once again, they are putting the cart before the horse. By focusing on punishment alone, they are not really attacking the problem. We want to minimize the number of victims. A comprehensive strategy is needed.
I would like the member for Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel to tell me how a comprehensive solution could prevent elder abuse.
Protecting Canada's Seniors Act November 5th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague. I will ask her a question.
It is one just sham after another with this government. They respond to complex situations—in this case elder abuse— with simple solutions, like an amendment to the Criminal Code. Would a comprehensive response, based on social justice, for example, not be more appropriate?
Protecting Canada's Seniors Act November 5th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I thank my honourable colleague, the member for Saint-Jean, for his very relevant question.
Indeed, our ridings are spread over hundreds of kilometres. Sometimes, adequate information does not reach the people who need it.
I am not suggesting that this only occurs in the country, because it is a problem in both rural and urban areas. However, there are family secrets and sometimes elder abuse is a closely guarded secret.
Once again, the best way of managing and overcoming this problem is through awareness building, prevention and training, and by increasing the availability of adequate services.
Protecting Canada's Seniors Act November 5th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I thank my honourable colleague for his question.
Unfortunately, caregivers and family members are often to blame for exploiting the elderly, whether consciously or otherwise.
How can this be avoided? There are no magic solutions. It may be helpful to set up a telephone helpline for seniors who are victims of abuse, and to provide adequate funding to raise awareness among both seniors and their abusers. That may be one solution. It might also be helpful to have counsellors who specialize in preventing elder abuse. The Government of Manitoba put in place an initiative along those lines, and that may be another solution. There are many potential solutions to this unique problem.