Sylvie Boucher

[Older Workers, December 7th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the minister has always worked for the regions, unlike the Bloc, which has never been able to do anything. The minister announced six measures that demonstrate his vision and concrete commitment to economic development in the regions. These measures will support community vitality and enhance business competitiveness.

The Bloc members do not have the responsibility that comes with wielding power, so they can say whatever they want.

[Manufacturing and Forestry Industries, December 7th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, we, too, are concerned about what is happening in Shawinigan. I would like to describe some of what the minister announced yesterday in Shawinigan.

First of all, to support Shawinigan, the government will assign an advisor in a business office in Mauricie to this sector full time. We will also fund the hiring of a development officer for three years. We are making a $1 million fund available to Shawinigan to help start up and expand small and medium-sized businesses.

These are real steps that the Bloc—

[Richard Pound, December 7th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to Richard Pound, who, after nine years as chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency, will officially retire from the position at the end of the year.

As vice-president of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Pound coordinated the creation of the World Anti-Doping Agency and has been the chairman of the organization, which is headquartered in Montreal, since 1999. He made a unique contribution to the world of international sport. For the first time, the Olympic movement and governments were working together as part of one organization to fight doping in sport around the world.

Mr. Pound epitomizes the fight against doping in sports and has become a passionate spokesperson and international champion of this important cause.

Please join me in thanking Richard Pound for his leadership and his exceptional contribution to integrity in sport and the advancement of the anti-doping movement—

[National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, December 6th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, December 6 is National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

In 1989, 14 young women lost their lives to an outrageous act of violence at the École polytechnique in Montreal. These young women with a promising future were targeted and killed because of their sex. As we commemorate this tragedy, we remember that we need to keep up our efforts, since violence against women is still a serious problem in Canada today.

This government has adopted measures to fight violence against women. For example, $7 million a year will go to the family violence initiative. In memory of the 14 young women killed in Montreal on December 6, 1989, let us continue our commitment to put an end to violence against women.

[Status of Women, November 30th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, this week, the Bloc sent Quebeckers a brochure about what we are doing for women, and once again, the Bloc Québécois is making false accusations about our government. In particular, it criticized our actions to fight violence against women. Let me set the record straight.

Every year this government sets aside $7 million for the family violence initiative.

Furthermore, 34 of the 60 projects approved as part of the women's community fund deal with violence against women, and that is only from the first call for proposals. The total amount approved for these projects is $4,465,962.

This government announced close to $56 million in funding over five years for programs and services to prevent violence on first nations reserves.

Our government is taking action and directly helping women. The Bloc has shown its clear contempt for women, since it has not suggested any positive solutions—

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, November 27th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all remaining questions be allowed to stand.

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, November 27th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, if Questions Nos. 18 and 76 could be made orders for returns, these returns would be tabled immediately.

[International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 23rd, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, November 25 has been declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Violence against women affects every one of us. It destroys families and communities and weakens our social fabric. It knows no bounds: age, race, income, geographic location or social status. Who among us has never been affected by violence against women in some way?

On the eve of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let our thoughts go out to these girls and women, too many to count, who throughout history and still today, in Canada and in the rest of the world, are victims of this terrible sickness plaguing our society.

Let us vow to take tangible action, in our personal lives and in our communities, to put and end to all forms of violence against women, girls, and young girls in particular, once and for all.

[Economic Update, October 31st, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, Bloc Québécois members should be ashamed of themselves for having opposed the economic update, thereby refusing to invest in our families and our future.

For the past 20 months, we have been providing families with strong leadership for a better Canada, and our record speaks for itself. One and a half million families and 2 million young children are now benefiting from the monthly $100 child tax benefit. A permanent cut to the GST, reducing it to just 5%, will take effect in January 2008, in addition to lower personal income tax rates for all Quebeckers, thereby reducing the burden on families. And what about the registered disability savings plan, which helps parents save money to ensure the long-term financial security of their severely disabled children? It is the first program of its kind in Canada.

Talking for the sake of talking is not part of the Conservative way. We leave that to the Bloc. In contrast to the perpetual impotence of their empty rhetoric, we offer strong leadership and we keep our word.

[Andrée Boucher, October 19th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, when Mayor Boucher passed away in August, the Quebec City region lost a great woman. Today, I would like to pay tribute to her.

She was a wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, friend, schoolteacher, city councillor and mayor. She left an indelible mark on the Quebec City region. She went beyond politics to become a model for women who, like her, want to change things. She chose a path that, until recently, has been trodden mostly by men.

Today, we should pay tribute to this woman who was a pioneer in municipal politics. By turns funny and severe, she navigated challenging waters with great dignity. I will remember this captivating woman for her respect for the citizens of Quebec City and for being who she was with integrity and without apology. Farewell, Andrée Boucher.