House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2015, with 70% of the vote.
Aboriginal Affairs November 16th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, let me repeat this: aboriginal women in northern Quebec are 37 times more likely to be victims of violence. Yet we know that aboriginal women's shelters in Quebec are underfunded by nearly $200,000. The women in these northern communities have been abandoned and they need our help now.
When will the government take its responsibility seriously and provide the needed funding for aboriginal women's shelters?
Aboriginal Affairs November 16th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, this morning, we learned that aboriginal women in northern Quebec are 37 times more likely than non-aboriginal women to be victims of rape.
Why is this government refusing to help aboriginal women in need?
Taxation November 15th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, this Liberal government continues to deny the existence of the fiscal imbalance and does not hesitate to use its surplus funds for Liberal Party priorities and buying votes, while leaving the provinces unable to pay for health care and education.
When will the minister follow the lead of the Conservative Party, and commit to transferring tax points to the provinces so they can meet the needs of Canadians, not the needs of the Liberals?
Diabetes Awareness Month November 14th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, November is Diabetes Awareness Month and today is World Diabetes Day in honour of the birth of Canadian Sir Frederick Banting who, along with Dr. Charles Best, discovered insulin.
Diabetes affects more than two million Canadians. By 2010 that number will rise to more than three million. Rising obesity and a lack of physical activity have resulted in an increase in the number of Canadians with diabetes.
The young Conservative caucus is proud to be working with the Canadian Diabetes Association to discuss the role that preventative health measures can play in the fight against diabetes. This month the CDA will be sharing important information about the seriousness of diabetes and encouraging Canadians to eat well and be physically active.
The CDA is recognized as a world leader in raising awareness for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. It offers support and services to people affected by diabetes in over 150 communities across Canada.
Please join with me in congratulating the Canadian Diabetes Association for its tireless efforts on behalf of all those affected with this terrible disease. I would urge all Canadians to get serious about diabetes.
Social Development November 1st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the government continues to ignore the millions of families across this country who are demanding choice in child care. New Brunswick is asking for the flexibility to offer a child care program that best suits the needs of its citizens. This includes supporting stay at home parents.
The Liberal government will not give New Brunswick the deal it wants because the Liberals only support regulated, institutionalized day care. When will the government offer New Brunswick the child care plan that families are demanding?
Social Development November 1st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, New Brunswick is asking the federal government to be more flexible on child care, but this Liberal government insists on imposing conditions. It rejects the idea of New Brunswick giving money to parents who choose to stay at home with their children. As a result, there is still no agreement.
Why is this government punishing New Brunswick for wanting to give parents more options?
Spruce Grove October 5th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, on October 1 I had the pleasure of participating in the city of Spruce Grove's Jubilee Celebration, marking its 50th year of incorporation as a municipality.
The village was originally settled in 1891 by French and Scottish families and was named for the groves of spruce trees that surrounded the area. The community became a grain trading centre when the railroad was established in 1908 and in 1955 it was incorporated as a village.
By 1971 Spruce Grove was a town and in 1986 it became a city. Spruce Grove's population is currently estimated at 18,000 plus and is considered one of western Canada's fastest growing communities. The jubilee celebration included a fun-filled day with a free pancake breakfast, a celebration at the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre and a children's nickel carnival.
I would like to congratulate Mayor Ken Scott, as well as Spruce Grove's council and the team of dedicated organizers for putting on such a wonderful celebration. Finally, I would like to congratulate the citizens and the city of Spruce Grove on its 50th birthday.
Justice September 27th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the families came to Ottawa for action and change and they should be commended for their passion and commitment to the memory of their murdered sons. They came here full of first-hand experience and ideas to share with Parliament, the Prime Minister and Canadians.
What specific action is the Prime Minister taking to help prevent this type of tragedy from happening again?
Justice September 27th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, this is not about politics. I just got off the phone with one of the families. I was with the families yesterday all day long. I brought them to question period and they sat in the gallery. They heard the Prime Minister say that he met with them at their most difficult hour and had long discussions with them. He did not have any long discussions with them.
Yesterday the families were very hurt by the Prime Minister's words. Will the Prime Minister apologize to the families?
Anthony Gordon, Leo Johnston, Brock Myrol and Peter Schiemann September 26th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, today the family members of the murdered RCMP officers, Constables Anthony Gordon, Leo Johnston, Brock Myrol and Peter Schiemann, made the following statement:
Today our families call upon Parliament...to begin crafting an effective national drug strategy... This strategy would involve committing far greater resources to law enforcement agencies at both provincial and federal levels in the war against drugs.
The families went on to say:
Our politicians also need to see that Canadians want change. We therefore ask all Canadians on October 3--one week from today and exactly seven months since our sons were murdered--to turn on their front lights from 8-10 p.m. Whether it be a front porch light, a garage light, a light in your living room apartment--please turn it on. We want to see a wave of light move across Canada's time zones from east to west as a show of unity on these issues. Let it be a wave of light and a surge of energy for change. So the appeal from our four families to all Canadians is that you join us in this referendum of lights.