Sadia Groguhé

[Jeanne Martin Painchaud, May 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the birthday of Jeanne Martin Painchaud of Saint-Lambert. She blew out no fewer than 100 candles last Friday and is here with us today. It was a great honour and an immense pleasure for me to mark this memorable event with her, her daughter, Hélène, her granddaughter, Marie-Noëlle, and her son-in-law, Mel, as well as the members of the Association des résidents du Carrefour Victoria.

Ms. Painchaud has lived 100 years, a century, and during that time, she has had a busy life giving back to the community, particularly the Saint-Lambert hospital. She has shared 100 years of experience and happiness. She is an example of perseverance, accomplishment and dedication to her loved ones—

[Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would simply like to ask the minister if he believes that it is a majority government's prerogative to introduce time allocation motions whenever it wants. I find this to be completely undemocratic behaviour that shows utter contempt for this House, parliamentarians and Canadians.

My question is simple. I would like to hear the minister explain to Canadians why he is introducing this time allocation motion.

[Citizenship and Immigration, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our party certainly does not say one thing and then do another.

I can understand that, after he saw the heritage minister's new website, the Minister of Immigration felt the need to do a little self-promotion himself.

However, it is not appropriate to spend $16,000 of taxpayer money on a trip to California to unveil a billboard encouraging skilled workers to come work in Canada. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate among skilled new immigrants is double that of the rest of the population.

How can the minister justify this expense?

[Incorporation by Reference in Regulations Act, May 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to interrupt my colleague's speech, which is completely irrelevant. We are discussing Bill S-12, and he has yet to mention it in his speech. I would ask that you call him to order.

[Incorporation by Reference in Regulations Act, May 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would first like to commend my colleague on his excellent speech, which shed a great deal of light on Bill S-12.

Since the bill raises a huge number of questions and concerns, we want to support it so that it is sent to committee and we can propose amendments.

In November 2012, the hon. Mac Harb shared some of his observations. He said:

...Bill S-12, as presented, undermines democratic principles by eroding Parliament's oversight of legislation, and it will make criminals out of otherwise law-abiding citizens who will not have adequate access to the content of Canadian laws.

Could my colleague comment on that?

[Incorporation by Reference in Regulations Act, May 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech.

This bill is obviously very technical. It seems rather difficult to understand and to apply. My colleague alluded to the extent to which the regulations can be applied. Naturally, he talked about the two official languages, in particular their use in rescue operations.

Could my colleague point to other situations that could possibly pose a problem with respect to the regulations and regulatory provisions to be implemented?

[Safer Witnesses Act, May 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on his speech. He dealt with a number of issues.

I would like to ask him a question. One recommendation that came from the Air India inquiry involved establishing a more transparent and more accountable eligibility process. Simply put, Bill C-51 does not include any provisions in that regard.

What can our colleague tell us about the government's refusal to really commit to making the program more transparent?

[Safer Witnesses Act, May 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, strengthening the witness protection program will improve co-operation between local police forces and the RCMP. In terms of the fight against street gang violence, strengthening the program will make communities safer.

However, according to the RCMP website, there are instances when the costs of witness protection may impede investigations, particularly for smaller law enforcement agencies.

How do the Conservatives plan to increase the funding for enforcement, while also taking into account the insecurity caused by street gangs?

[Extension of Sitting Hours, May 22nd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, right from the beginning and at every turn, the government has not been democratic in the least. It has been controlling on every level, especially when it comes to debates, which it has either extended or imposed closure on. The results are the same. Parliamentarians are muzzled and Canadians do not get straight answers.

I repeat, that is unacceptable. Coming from a majority government, that is even more unacceptable.

[Extension of Sitting Hours, May 22nd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for his question.

The government is being very cynical. If there is one word that describes the Conservatives perfectly, it is hypocrisy. They are hypocrites. They are calling the official opposition hypocrites, but they are the real hypocrites. Once again, they are moving time allocation motions to cut debate short or, as is the case today with Motion No. 17, to extend sitting hours.

We are dealing with a majority government, yes, but a majority government that is excluding opposition members, Canadians, from parliamentary debate. That is truly unacceptable.