Susan Truppe

[Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act, October 23rd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, is my colleague aware of the changes that Bill C-15 would bring about with respect to time limits of the laying of charges that are dealt with at the summary trial? The National Defence Act currently provides that an accused person cannot be tried by summary trial unless the summary trial commences within one year after the day on which the service offence is alleged to have been committed.

Bill C-15 would also require that “the charge is laid within six months after the day on which the service offence is alleged to have been committed”, ensuring timeliness for the summary trial process.

Does the member not agree that ensuring a speedy trial for relatively minor offences ensures that less serious matters are dealt with quickly and fairly?

[Ethics, October 19th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I know families in London and, in fact, all Canadians are worried about the very serious allegations that have been made against their former Liberal MP.

We will trust the experienced officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to get to the bottom of this very serious matter and determine whether any taxpayer money was abused by the former senior Liberal cabinet minister. It is up to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to determine whether any criminal charges will be required.

The Liberals have not been in government since 2005 and, if these allegations are true, then they are still stealing.

[Ethics, October 19th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, we trust the experienced officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to get to the bottom of this very serious matter and determine whether any taxpayer money was abused by the former senior Liberal cabinet minister.

[London North Centre, October 19th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our government has continued to deliver for the city of London, Ontario.

Last week, I was pleased to make two landmark announcements that will create jobs and strengthen economic growth in London. The first is a $1.46 million investment, thanks to the federal gas tax fund, toward road improvements and new bike lanes to make commuting safer and more time efficient for drivers and cyclists. Officials from the city of London said that this co-operative effort between governments illustrated how forward thinking and well played funding benefited us all.

Moreover, sixteen new jobs are set to be created at Cyborg Trading Systems, thanks to a FedDev investment of over $380,000. Cyborg founder and CEO James McInnes said: “The FedDev Ontario investment will allow us to rapidly scale our global growth strategy by allowing us to accelerate our plans to hire top Canadian talent”.

Our government is proud to support the efforts of southern Ontario companies that want to grow and compete in the global marketplace. I am proud to represent the people of London North Centre.

[International Day of the Girl, October 5th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I invite Canadians to celebrate the first ever International Day of the Girl on Thursday, October 11. Canada has been a leader in promoting this day at the United Nations. The day is aimed at making a difference in the lives of girls and young women as citizens and as powerful voices of change within their families, their communities and their nations.

Girls throughout the world face higher rates of violence, poverty and discrimination. Becoming aware of the barriers that girls face is the first step to removing those barriers. The International Day of the Girl will ensure that girls get the investment and recognition that they deserve. Equal opportunity for girls is good for all of us.

I have many activities planned in my riding of London North Centre, which will celebrate this great day. Canada can continue to lead by example, as we know that the achievements and successes of girls and young women are a key part of what makes a strong Canada.

[Women's History Month, October 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, this is a great day. October marks Women's History Month. This year's theme “Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders From the Start” focuses on the historic contribution of girls in the same month as the first annual International Day of the Girl.

From Girl Guides to hockey players and from entrepreneurs to artists, girls have truly been and continue to be leaders from the start. There is also a growing recognition around the world that support for girls and their basic human rights is the key for healthy communities. In other words, strong girls will help build a strong Canada that is safe, innovative, economically prosperous and a leader around the world.

During Women's History Month, we honour Canadian girls, past and present, who have done incredible work across all communities, taking on great challenges and opening doors so that others may follow.

I encourage everyone to participate in their communities. There is much to learn about the achievements of Canadian girls, past and present.

[Status of Women, September 28th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, MPs were representing their constituents. The House of Commons voted and it is time to move on.

We are very proud of what our government has done for women and girls and we have made that very clear. As I said, over 550 projects were supported for women and girls from coast to coast to coast, and we have approved the most money for women and girls, over any other government.

[Status of Women, September 28th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, MPs have voted. The House of Commons voted. We now have to get on with other issues.

I am very proud of what our government has done for women and girls. Our government has supported over 550 projects for women and girls from coast to coast to coast. We have increased funding for women and girls to its highest level ever, over any other government.

[Take the Pledge, September 21st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, today in my riding of London North Centre, the employees of Labatt Canada are celebrating the launch of Labatt's third annual Be(er) Responsible Day.

For the third straight year, Be(er) Responsible Day will be tied into Labatt's program called Take the Pledge. This program, aimed primarily at young people, appeals to all Canadians to sign a pledge that they will not drink and drive.

For more than two decades, Labatt has taken a leadership role in building awareness among Canadians through its various campaigns and has engaged them to help spread the word on responsible drinking.

Labatt's employees work throughout the year with a variety of programs to ensure people know that their beer is brewed to be enjoyed responsibly by individuals of drinking age.

There have been far too many tragedies involving drinking and driving. I commend the thousands of employees of Labatt Canada, particularly those working in the Labatt brewery located in my riding of London North Centre, for this initiative.

On behalf of the members of this House, I encourage all Canadians to take the pledge to put an end to drinking and driving.

[Status of Women, June 7th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite said that were claiming to have increased funding for women. We are not claiming to have increased it; we have increased funding for women to its highest level ever.

Since 2007, we have approved more than 500 projects that help women and girls all across Canada. We are working hard with Canadians every day across the country to promote greater economic prosperity for, end violence against and encourage the leadership of women and girls all across the country. As I said before, more and more groups are applying for funding because it helps women and girls in Canada.