International Development  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Brossard—Saint-Lambert for her question. I am proud to announce Canada's support for the Safe Schools Declaration. Safe and peaceful access to schools allows children to obtain an education that will help them reach their full potential without fear of being targeted, especially in conflict areas.

Preclearance Act, 2016  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for her speech and her explanation of this much-needed bill, one that, as she said, would help Canadian travellers as well as businesses. I wonder if she could elaborate further on the provisions in the bill that would ensure that when Canadians travel, they will be protected by Canadian law, and in particular, our human rights law, with the pre-clearance regime.

Slavery  Mr. Speaker, March 25 is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Elmina Castle in Ghana. Seeing where my ancestors were kidnapped, tortured, and enslaved was devastating.

Rwandan Genocide  Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the 23rd anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, which began on April 7, 1994. Approximately one million people lost their lives over a three-month period. Tomorrow's commemoration marks the beginning of one of the darkest chapters in human history and should serve as a constant reminder of the never-again promise that the international community failed to uphold in Rwanda.

Whitby Fire Department  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark a number of milestones for the Whitby fire department. First, the swearing in of 24 new firefighters represents the largest recruitment in the department's history. We appreciate their commitment to serving the increasing needs of our town and to protecting our community for years to come.

Business of Supply  Mr. Chair, I want to thank the minister for her remarks. Obviously, the key message in her intervention was refocusing assistance on the poorest and most vulnerable, and more precisely, on women and girls. The previous government's initiatives focused on mothers, newborns, and child health, MNCH, which I will be referring to in future questions.

Business of Supply  Mr. Chair, I understand that the $650 million directed toward the sexual and reproductive health and rights commitment, or SRHR, will build on and address gaps in the previous MNCH commitment by protecting and promoting SRHR of women and adolescent girls. What does the new funding seek to achieve, and what else is Canada doing to support SRHR?

Business of Supply  Mr. Chair, my question is for the minister. We know that AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria are the leading causes of death in developing countries. These epidemics have a disproportionate impact on the world's poorest, but especially on women and girls, who are still the most affected by new HIV infections.

Business of Supply  Mr. Chair, how is Canada approaching the notion of increasing its partnership to attract new sources of funds for development issues?

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, I am going to give a 10-minute speech, and leave five minutes for questions and answers with the minister. I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak to the committee today about issues that are priorities for the Government of Canada: promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, another part of the minister's responsibilities include the Francophonie. My comments mentioned increased needs, and I believe that many Francophonie countries face important development needs as they are unfortunately among the poorest and most vulnerable to climate change, conflict, and demographic changes.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, I would like to talk about the ongoing crisis in Iraq and Syria, as well as the impact on the region in countries such as Jordan and Lebanon that have dealt with a massive influx of refugees. Early in 2016, we announced a new approach in response to these crises. This approach includes security, diplomatic, humanitarian, and development efforts.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, I want to talk a little about environmental sustainability. We know that this year we have broken a record, with an unprecedented 65.3 million people around the world who have been forced from home. Climate refugees account for one-third of these people. While people try to adapt to natural disasters and drought, many have to move to another place in order to simply survive.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, could the minister briefly touch on what Canada is doing to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis with the famine that is going on in Sudan and Yemen?

Criminal Code  Mr. Speaker, I want to provide a quote. It is this: The government has put forward strong legislation not only focused on impairment by drugs, but also addressing on-going issues related to alcohol impairment. Steps that have been introduced to reform the entire impaired driving scheme are seen as much needed and very positive.