House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2008, with 40% of the vote.
Employment Insurance November 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I would add, if I may, that a Statistics Canada report released last week indicates that the rate of child poverty continued to improve between 1999 and 2000, to reach—I repeat—one of the lowest levels recorded in the last 20 years.
These are encouraging findings. We are aware, however, that there is still much to be done to reduce the incidence of poverty, and we intend to do what needs doing.
Child Poverty November 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, we welcome the publication by the Canadian Council on Social Development.
We are, however, encouraged to see that, contrary to what the hon. member over there tells us, the rate of child poverty is continuing to drop. The Canadian Council on Social Development report also reports there was a decrease in 1999 in the extent of poverty, and in how far poor families fall below the poverty line.
Canada Career Week November 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, Canada Career Week is taking place from November 3 to 9. This year's theme, “Focus on the Journey”, reminds job seekers to keep their minds open and to seize opportunities as they make their way through life and career.Innovation and apprenticeship opportunities are essential to get a better job and a higher income.
This year, Canada Career Week is all the more important because it is supporting two priorities announced in the Speech from the Throne. These are the innovation strategy of the Government of Canada and the commitment to help Canadians gain the skills and knowledge required to find their place in the job market.
Such a week highlights what can and must be done to allow all Canadians to assume their rightful place in the labour market.
Pierre-Luc Bergeron and Xavier Fugère November 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, recently Pierre-Luc Bergeron and Xavier Fugère were the first and second place winners respectively of the Laval chess league's junior chess tournament.
I would like to draw hon. members' attention to the courage and determination of these young residents of Laval. Their victories did not only involve skill on the chess board, they have also had major victories over illness.
Xavier Fugère has had a lengthy battle with Wilms' tumour and is now in total remission. Pierre-Luc Bergeron has recently survived a battle with flesh-eating disease.
These two miracle children are veterans of a lengthy battle with illness. They have come out of it with the patience and perseverance that are essential to being a champion.
I join with all the residents of Laval in congratulating Pierre-Luc Bergeron and Xavier Fugère on the great things they have accomplished, now that they have been given back their life. They are an example to us all.
Canadian Peacekeepers October 31st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, allow me to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of the Canadians who work every day to help maintain peace around the world.
These people include residents of Laval. Captain Lucie Rosa, Sergeant Mario Gagné, Corporal Francis Lemay and Corporal Angelo Roselli are all many miles away from their families and friends, and are working tirelessly to maintain peace around the world.
Canadian peacekeepers are constantly working to maintain peace, protect people, confiscate illegal weapons and clear large areas still full of landmines that claim new victims every day, all over the world.
I join with all Canadians in congratulating these men and women who fully deserve our recognition for their work. Their task is a considerable one, and it is only through perseverance that, some day, we will succeed in making this situation a thing of the past.
Student Loans October 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I remind the hon. member opposite that the Government of Canada is firmly determined to ensure that all Canadians have access to post-secondary education.
I also remind him that tuition fees for post-secondary education come under the jurisdiction of the provincial and territorial governments. Still, the Government of Canada has invested in post-secondary education through CHST transfers, and particularly an amount of $39.8 billion between now and the year 2005-06.
Literacy October 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank my hon. colleague from Laval West for her excellent question and to inform the House that, each year, we invest no less than $30 million in support of 500 literacy projects throughout Canada.
With this investment, we help develop learning material and help people access learning programs, because the skills of reading, writing and numeracy are essential to social and economic success in Canada. These skills play a key role in the prosperity and quality of life of Canadians.
Softwood Lumber October 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I believe the member opposite is mistaken in his choice of question.
I have already explained to the House what the government has already done, and what it intends to continue to do. I would add that the measures announced by this government will help ensure that workers have the skills they need in order to find and keep a job. I think skills are more important than lending them money; we are giving them the means to find and keep new jobs.
Softwood Lumber October 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the government announced more than $246 million in assistance to help workers, communities and companies affected by this dispute.
I would remind the member opposite that this figure is in addition to the $450 million in employment insurance benefits that have already been paid out to workers in the forest sector, every year.
Access to Internet October 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to see that, once again, programs developed by the Government of Canada will directly benefit the residents of Laval West.
The people of Laval can now visit 69 centres throughout Laval and have access to computers for free to surf the web. This program has been made possible through an initiative by the Réseau Formatclé, a non-profit organization based in Laval, and Industry Canada's Community Access Program.
This will allow more Canadians to search and learn using this wonderful source of information: the Internet.