House of Commons photo

Crucial Fact

  • Her favourite word was quebec.

Last in Parliament March 2011, as Liberal MP for Laval—Les Îles (Québec)

Won her last election, in 2008, with 40% of the vote.

employment insuranceofficial languagesquebeclaval les îleshuman resources developmentcitizenship and immigrationwomenworkerscourt challenges programpersons with disabilitieschildrenlabour marketcountriesimmigrantsbenefitsfrenchrightssocietyinternationalcitizenslanguageskillsincomeyoungfamiliesprogramschairmanrefugeefamilyrefugeesgroupsthereforesocialfrancophoniestatuspovertyenglishpossibleoppositereceivecongratulateageminorityspeechminorities

Statements in the House

Irini Margetis April 5th, 2000

Mr. Speaker, on February 26, the Navy League of Canada awarded the title of sea cadet of the year 1998 to Irini Margetis, a young woman from the riding of Laval West, who has been a model of exemplary behaviour for the cadets in her charge.

Through her perseverance, self control and leadership, she inspired the young people in her charge and carried on the mandate of the sea cadet movement with young Canadians.

Thanks to the initiative and work of people like Irini Margetis, young people become Canadians better prepared to take an active role in our country.

Biochem Pharma Inc. April 4th, 2000

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Industry announced a repayable investment of $80 million in Laval-based BioChem Pharma Inc. for a major R and D project.

Could the minister tell us what the project involves and how an area such as the riding of Laval West will benefit?

Quebec Minister Of International Relations March 29th, 2000

Mr. Speaker, the Quebec minister of international relations, Louise Beaudoin, chose criticism over diplomacy in taking Air France to task over its imposition of English as the language of communication between its pilots and its air traffic controllers citing safety as the reason.

Minister Beaudoin should have instead pointed out that Canada is one of the countries that best protects its two official languages and uses them in all public services. She would have better defended French in the world by showing what we do here in protecting and promoting the French language and culture in Canada.

In short, we say yes to defending French, we say yes to promoting it worldwide, but we say no to raising a ruckus overseas in an effort to revive federal-provincial quarrels yet again.

Arts And Culture March 27th, 2000

Mr. Speaker, last night was the time for cultural awards.

First of all, I must congratulate the artists receiving awards and honourable mentions at the Métrostar gala. During the gala, a touching and well-deserved tribute was paid to Gilles Latulippe, who has made the decision to retire after 33 years.

There was another memorable event, the film Oscars, where Canada was honoured. A Canadian production by the National Film Board, “The Old Man and the Sea”, and Quebecer François Girard's “The Red Violin”, also received awards.

Although all of this recognition and presentation of awards takes place in glamorous surroundings, let us remember that anyone wishing to make artistic and creative endeavours his or her career often faces a huge struggle.

Culture transcends borders. Each artistic endeavour is one more manifestation of the freedom of expression and creativity whose objective is the full realization of a society.

Rendez-Vous With Our French-Canadian Heritage March 15th, 2000

Mr. Speaker, I wish to draw hon. member's attention today to Rendez-vous with our French-Canadian Heritage in connection with International Francophonie Day. It is an opportunity for all francophones and francophiles in Canada to express their love of the French language and culture. This celebration of the French fact in our country is clear evidence of the vitality of the Francophonie.

Rendez-vous with our French-Canadian Heritage is a showcase not only of our francophone heritage, but also of a dynamic Francophonie in which strong ties are increasingly being forged.

This year's theme, “Notre francophonie en personne”, is an invitation to acquaint or reacquaint ourselves with those instrumental in the expansion of the Francophonie.

Educational Level March 1st, 2000

Mr. Speaker, on February 22, a report by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada revealed that the educational level in Canada, which already enjoys a very decent standing among the member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the OECD, has risen considerably over the last decade.

In 1990, 43% of Canadians between the ages of 25 and 54 had completed post-secondary education, while in 1998 this figure had risen to 54%. The percentage of Canadians who had completed post-secondary education in 1996 was 48%, while the average in member countries was 23%.

The Canadian government is involved in the development and training of our youth. Whether through training or placement programs, we are aware of the importance of focusing energies and resources on equipping Canada for the challenges of the 2000s.

Fight Against Racism February 28th, 2000

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Canadian government launched a Canada-wide tour as part of the Action Canada 2000 “Racism. Stop It!” initiative.

This special millennium event will build on the growing success of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination held annually on March 21 by inviting young people in Canada and throughout the world to fight against racism.

Canada is recognized world wide as a model of non-violent and respectful cultural integration.

Young Canadians have an important role to play in Canada's future. As part of this year's campaign, young Canadians will get together with other young people from Australia, Austria, Brazil, the Caribbean, the Philippines, the U.K. and the United States.

We wish them good luck and reiterate our support for this movement, which is to the credit of all Canadians.

International Women's Day February 23rd, 2000

Mr. Speaker, the theme for this year's International Women's Day is “Canadian Women taking Action to Make a Difference!”

International Women's Day is an occasion to reflect on the progress made to advance women's equality and an opportunity to assess the challenges facing women in contemporary society.

This year's theme was chosen to honour the initiatives and actions of women's organizations to fight violence and poverty in Canada, two priority issues for Status of Women Canada.

The government wishes to remind us that we all have a role to play in reaching this goal, and we will all benefit from these efforts.

Supply February 17th, 2000

This is further evidence of the fact that even among Quebecers, in all activities, 50% plus one is unacceptable.

Supply February 17th, 2000

Mr. Speaker, I am going to answer the question. It is because I respect both official languages, and my hon. colleague spoke to me in the other official language, and I feel I have a responsibility, in order to respect both languages, to answer him in his language. Sadly, I do not speak that language well enough.

That being said, let us come back to the question. My hon. colleague asked the question “If Quebec wins”. For my part, I say that, in 1995, when Quebecers said that they wanted to stay within the Canadian Confederation, Quebec won. That is what happens when Quebec wins.

Now, I would like to answer the first question of my hon. colleague on figures. I would like to mention Quebec's caisses populaires.

Nothing is more important for Quebecers, men and women, than the caisses populaires. It is a success story for Quebec. The caisses populaires, which are now merging need, in order to merge, not 50% plus one, but 65% and more.