Shelly Glover

[Telecommunications, May 11th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome that member to the issue. We have been saying over and over again that there is a serious change in the broadcasting industry, in the media environment, that requires adaptation. This is, in fact, one of those decisions made by a private broadcaster because of the changes in the media environment.

We sympathize very much with those who have been affected by this decision, but our government will continue to support languages and those cultural communities through some of our programs through Canadian Heritage, like our building communities through arts and heritage program that supports many of the festivals, et cetera, that provide these opportunities across the country.

[Telecommunications, May 11th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, of course, our hearts go out to those who are affected by this decision, but this is a decision made by a private broadcaster. When it comes to the government, we have demonstrated time and time again our support for many of the languages across this country. We will continue to that, but I would suggest that this member pose that question to the private broadcaster.

[Copyright, April 30th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of what we have done for artists in our 2015 budget.

We have had all sorts of feedback, and with the indulgence of the House, I would like to quote some of it.

To start with, Graham Henderson from Music Canada said the following:

By proposing to extend the term of copyright in recorded music, [the] Prime Minister...and the Government of Canada have demonstrated a real understanding of music’s importance to the Canadian economy.

Randy Bachman said that the Prime Minister was “taking care of business”. We will take no advice from the NDP—

[Business of Supply, April 27th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to correct the record on a couple of things that were said, being that they were so important to Canadians and it was probably the explanation that was most required in the House.

Advertisements actually do correct the record when inappropriate things are said or misleading things are said in the House, so I will take that opportunity without advertising it but just stating it.

First nations people, aboriginal people, are very important to this government. We have displayed that time and time again, through an apology for the residential schools, through the matrimonial real property act, which was voted down by some of our opposition. Thankfully, we were able to get it through so all aboriginal women across the country finally have the same rights as other Canadian women.

It has been absolutely crucial to this government to move first nations education forward. Therefore, when the opposition member says that there is no funding available in this budget, that just simply is not true. On top of the $1.7 billion made available to pay for education on reserve every year, we have announced $200 million more in the budget and in November the Prime Minister announced $500 million more for the construction of new schools on first nation reserves.

[Status of Women, April 21st, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame is simply housed at the museum. The nomination process and the selection committee operate independently of the government and work based on nominations from the public. I wanted to be clear that the museum does not make the nominations.

We are very proud of the women in the sciences and we encourage them to continue.

[Canadian Heritage, April 20th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times in the House, our country's 150th anniversary will include all Canadians, including Quebeckers. We have already had discussions with them. As I have already said, we already provided funding for a pilot project for the tall ships in road to 2017.

We will continue to enjoy planning our 2017 celebrations with all Canadians in all provinces and territories.

[Canadian Heritage, April 1st, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, the suggestion just made by that member is absolute nonsense. We absolutely respect what veterans have to say about a number of things, including this bill. As the member well knows, this is a committee decision, and committees are masters of their own plans.

While I am on my feet, as the granddaughter of three World War II veterans, please allow me to thank all veterans for their service in a number of areas. We are very proud as Canadians of all that they have done.

[Telecommunications Industry, March 23rd, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for that great question. Our government has said all along that Canadians should not have to pay for channels they do not want in order to get the ones they do. As we stated in our Speech From the Throne, we promised to provide consumers with more choice in channels, and we have, in fact, delivered. This will not only give more choice to consumers but will also help Canadian families make the best decisions on how to spend their hard-earned dollars.

This is a win-win, and we are very proud on this side of the House to have delivered this wonderful news.

[Official Languages, March 11th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said repeatedly, our government is very proud of its record on official languages. They are our country's national languages, and we have invested a record $1.1 billion across 14 departments, which are managing their files properly. I therefore suggest that my colleague contact the appropriate department directly.

[CBC/Radio-Canada, March 9th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times, we are protecting the CBC with an investment of over $1 billion a year.

We are aware that the industry is facing some challenges right now. The president of the CBC has said so himself. That being said, once again, we are providing the crown corporation with enough funding to fulfill its mandate in English and in French across the country.