Sylvie Boucher

[Violence Against Women, December 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my NDP colleague for this question.

As we know, the Minister of State has continued her support for women and yesterday announced a partnership with provincial shelter organizations throughout the country to strengthen their capacity to provide adequate services to victims of domestic violence, especially immigrants, aboriginal women and the handicapped. That is action; this government is taking action for women.

[Firearms Registry, December 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we think a great deal about violence against women. That is why we have introduced a number of bills to keep our communities safe, including legislation to eliminate conditional sentences for serious crimes such as sexual offences.

On this side of the House, we are standing up for the women of Canada.

[Firearms Registry, December 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the members of the opposition should be ashamed of playing politics on subject of the death of women. Violence against women is unacceptable. We must break the silence and break the chain of violence in all its forms. Whether physical, verbal or psychological, violence is unacceptable in any form and we are working with all women in Canada and Quebec to ensure that women are able to stand up—

[Economic Action Plan, December 3rd, 2009]

Madam Speaker, yesterday, our government presented its fourth report on the implementation of the economic action plan. Just 10 months after the implementation of the economic action plan, the government has already committed 97% of the funds announced, for a total of 12,000 projects throughout the country, including 8,000 that are already underway.

Our government is taking action for Quebeckers and Canadians. From coast to coast, projects are underway, jobs are being created, and communities are reaping the benefits. Here are some more measures from the economic action plan: we have lowered taxes for Canadian families and businesses; we have helped workers with additional employment insurance benefits and training; we have invested in research and higher education.

The effects are positive and encouraging. Canada's economy is stabilizing and has started to recover.

We are continuing to move full steam ahead with our economic plan.

[Gilles Carle, November 30th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we were saddened to learn of the death on Saturday of Gilles Carle, who passed away in Granby at the age of 81 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

A member of the Order of Canada since 1999, Mr. Carle is seen as a pioneer in Quebec cinema. This true cultural ambassador made more than 60 films, including La mort d'un bûcheron and Les Plouffe.

Mr. Carle represented Quebec a number of times in Cannes, a sure sign of the calibre of his work.

We will never forget Mr. Carle, whose films represent a rich legacy for Quebec.

We offer our condolences to his devoted partner, Chloé Sainte-Marie, to his family and to the friends who stood by him faithfully during his illness.

I would like to thank Gilles Carle for his incredible contribution to Quebec cinema, and for the lasting impression he made on Quebec culture.

[Status of Women, November 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, our government has been clear on this subject: all members of Parliament have the right to their own opinion. What is my opinion? I am in favour of freedom of choice.

[TV5, November 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, today, Canada is chairing the 21st conference of ministers responsible for TV5, in Ottawa.

We can be proud to host this important conference, especially in a year when TV5 Monde is celebrating its 25th anniversary and when TV5 Québec Canada is celebrating its 20th.

We can also be proud of the leadership role Canada has played in the past two years as chair of the TV5 partnership, investing $25 million over five years.

Canada has once again demonstrated its commitment not only to TV5 Québec Canada and TV5 Monde, but also to the Canadian and international Francophonie.

[Marcel Prud'homme, November 26th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a great Canadian parliamentarian, Senator Marcel Prud'homme, who is retiring from the Senate.

After first being elected to the House of Commons in 1964, he was re-elected eight more times. He was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney on May 26, 1993, and has now devoted a total of 45 years to parliamentary life.

Senator Prud'homme represents a true institutional memory for Canada. He is known for his openness towards every country in the world and for emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue.

He believes that Canada should play a unique, original and positive role in the world, and suggests that we put more time and effort into dealing with international issues.

Senator Prud'homme, today, all of Canada thanks you for passionately defending the country and for representing us with integrity all over the world.

[Status of Women, November 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, ending violence against women is the responsibility of all governments, civil society and other partners. Our government is working hard to end violence against women here and abroad.

It is important to realize that violence against women takes many forms. Above all it is important to break the silence so that we can finally eradicate this violence.

That is why our government is introducing certain bills so that criminals, and not victims, pay for their crimes.

Let us take a moment to remember all those women who have lost their lives and all those who have lost their self-confidence, and let us give ourselves the tools to change things once and for all.

[Status of Women, November 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, ending violence against women—