House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2019, with 60% of the vote.
Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles September 22nd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, as is the tradition of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, he has been stonewalling and Canadians will not stand for it.
The government has not done any favours for immigrants. It should practise what it preaches and stand by a zero tolerance policy against racism and those who perpetuate it.
When will the Prime Minister of the minority government fire the Quebec MP who spewed these absurd, prejudice and irresponsible remarks?
Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles September 22nd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, we often hear members of that minority government say that Canada was built by immigrants. It is now obvious the Prime Minister does not have the courage to stand up for immigrants, particularly those who have chosen Quebec as their home. This is scandalous and it must be addressed.
When will the Prime Minister fire the MP for the riding of Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles and send a clear message that racism will not be tolerated?
Government Accountability September 20th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, Canadians were not impressed yesterday with the antics of the President of the Treasury Board.
The holier than thou minister was caught at the trough last spring, forking out a fat cheque to the Prime Minister's friend, Marie-Josée Lapointe, of all things for PR on his so-called accountability act.
Not to worry, Mr. Accountability told the House, the contract was cancelled. However, Canadians found out yesterday he did not quite bother to also cancel the cheque to the PM's friend, and paid her the $13,000 anyway.
So long accountability, hello hypocrisy, with the added pleasure of another sermon from a minister under pressure.
Maybe today, instead of another arrogant lecture, the minister will cancel the cheque to the Prime Minister's friend and repay all the misgotten money to Canadian taxpayers.
Canada Elections Act September 19th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, in theory, fixed election dates are very good. However, Bill C-16 has not taken into consideration what constitutes confidence. If we look at the general history we know that confidence motions are on the Speech from the Throne or a finance bill. Within the current environment, the Prime Minister, whenever it does not suit him, calls everything confidence. How does the bill help in ensuring the Prime Minister will not use that power and not create more cynicism among voters to call a snap election?
The bill is also a mishmash with the U.S. congressional model. Could you give me your thoughts on how we could improve on accountability?
National Aboriginal Day June 21st, 2006
Mr. Speaker, in recognition of National Aboriginal Day I wish to take this opportunity to remind the Conservative government of its moral obligation to the first nations in this country and to uphold the historic Kelowna accord that was reached last fall between our aboriginal people and 14 governments across Canada.
Unfortunately, this Conservative government and the current Prime Minister have chosen to turn their backs on the first nations by failing to uphold the Kelowna accord.
The former Prime Minister, the right hon. member for LaSalle—Émard, has taken the unprecedented step of introducing a private member's bill in this House in order to keep hope alive for our aboriginal people. The Kelowna accord is a comprehensive 10 year $5.1 billion plan to achieve a clear set of goals and targets.
The Conservatives inherited a very healthy fiscal balance sheet from the previous Liberal government. There is simply no excuse in this day and age to deliberately ignore the plight of our aboriginal people.
Firearms Registry June 20th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, in spite of the misinformation being spread by the minister, the fact is the gun registry works.
Why is the minister continuing to ignore the advice of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Professional Police Association, victims' organizations, faith-based groups, social conservative groups and labour and community organizations? Do they not matter?
Firearms Registry June 20th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, data from Statistics Canada indicates that 85% of spousal homicides occur in private residences and a shocking 71% of the firearms used in spousal homicides are, in fact, long guns.
Why is the Minister of Public Safety removing long guns from the firearm registry? Will the government listen to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and back down from a program that has the support of law enforcement, stakeholders and the Canadian public?
Government Policies June 14th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, here is a list of additional Liberal ideas that the Conservatives have endorsed:
Tabling Bill C-14, an act to amend the Citizenship Act with respect to adoption, a Liberal bill.
Launching the off campus work permit program for foreign students, based on the successful Liberal pilot project originally launched in April 2005.
Introducing Bill C-12, the Liberal emergency management act.
Introducing a Liberal bill to amend the National Defence Act.
Introducing Bill C-6, which builds on three years of Liberal consultations.
And integrating Liberal whistleblower legislation into Bill C-2, which makes up the bulk of this new legislation.
These are six more Liberal policies adopted by the Conservatives and not a word of thanks.
Criminal Code June 12th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is right. Statistics from the justice department indicate that 71% of spousal homicides involved rifles and long guns.
As I stated, Bill C-10 is a hastily crafted bill. It has not been well thought through. It has the sniff of politics rather than good policy. It is important that we understand that good politics do not make good policies. Hence, it is very important to revisit this bill to ensure that the appropriate measures are taken, that we do not take away from the judiciary its right to make decisions.
Criminal Code June 12th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, mandatory minimum sentences are already in existence and Bill C-10 is a haphazard attempt to bring in politics rather than good policy. My constituents and the area of Toronto are very concerned about how we address the issue of crime, youth being involved in violent acts and hence, how we make our streets safe. The root cause of violence most times has focused on youth being unemployed, underemployed, and not having the ability to participate in extracurricular activities.
In Ontario under Mike Harris, the after school programs were cut and there has been a real correlation between the amount of gang violence and after school programs being cut. Therefore, we must look at the root cause, and get youth employed and involved in other recreational areas. In my riding that is what the youth are demanding.
It was unfortunate that the NDP also worked with the Conservatives in bringing down the government which had the strategy for youth unemployment, and youth and gang violence.