Canadian Human Rights Act  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have a few minutes today to discuss Bill C-279, an act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code. Quite simply, Bill C-279 seeks to provide human rights protections to a group that remains a significant victim of discrimination in o

Fisheries and Oceans  Mr. Speaker, a batch of weak responses and inappropriate jokes when 1,000 people are being cut from the staff of Department of Fisheries and Oceans. It is unworthy to assault knowledgeable and dedicated former ministers for voicing their real concerns about the plan to weaken h

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I appreciate the comments of the member. In terms of the government's claimed objective of creating jobs, so far it has proven to be a not very successful strategy on its part, with hundreds of thousands fewer full-time jobs today than before the recession. This E

Search and Rescue  Mr. Speaker, closing the Kitsilano search and rescue station will result in people dying. That is according to retired Coast Guard commanders, rescue volunteers and boaters. This Vancouver Coast Guard base is the busiest in Canada. This year it has handled more than 70 life-and

Cycling  Mr. Speaker, Canadian cyclist and Victoria, British Columbia native, Ryder Hesjedal made history this Sunday with a spectacular triumph at the Giro d'Italia. Like many Canadians, I was infused with pride as Mr. Hesjedal rose to the podium and Canada's national anthem was played

Fisheries and Oceans  Mr. Speaker, healthy fish stocks and fisheries are hugely important to British Columbians. Critics of the government's failures in fisheries management and governance get louder every single day. The commercial and recreational fishers, former fisheries ministers, and now even d

Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity Act  Madam Speaker, I was struck by the member's words around old age security and the next generation paying the bills. I agree with those concerns, however, I want to talk about the next generation paying the bills with respect to damaging our environment. We know from Michael Por

Canada Revenue Agency  Mr. Speaker, millions of Canadians volunteer and donate to charities and NGOs to help build a better Canada. The non-profit and charitable sector employs millions and it is worth billions to our economy, at little cost to the taxpayer. Yet the Conservative government is engaged

Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity Act  Mr. Speaker, Prince Edward Island is an important tourism destination, and tourism is an important part of its economy. Many small businesses welcome people from all over the world to see the great things that the island has to offer, including its wonderful environment, the ocea

Public Safety  Mr. Speaker, the chickens are coming home to roost with the government's bad punishment policies. In Canada's overcrowded jails, prison violence has already increased 37% over five years and it will only get worse. That is not only dangerous for staff and guards but it is also

Hunger Awareness Week  Mr. Speaker, yesterday I joined many parliamentarians and staff who fasted in solidarity with the millions of Canadians who wake up not knowing where their next meal is coming from. I want to congratulate everyone who participated. This morning I certainly enjoyed a healthy meal

Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity Act  Madam Speaker, I was pleased to hear my NDP colleague refer to the two approaches. She was clearly referring to the Liberal Party of Canada when she was talking about the party that stands for a thoughtful, careful science-based approach to resource development and environmental

Questions Passed as Orders for Returns  With regard to the Prime Minister’s trip to China that began February 7, 2012: (a) what staff and guests accompanied the Prime Minister and what were (i) their duties on the trip, (ii) the destinations they travelled to, (iii) the total expenses for each person; (b) for all meeti

41st General Election  Mr. Speaker, alleged widespread Conservative election fraud is a grave matter for Canadians and for the future of our democracy. It is appalling that this scandal-ridden government is still in denial. Yesterday the parliamentary secretary continued the falsehoods about the tigh

Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act  Madam Speaker, I thank the member for that correction. In my enthusiasm, I did intend to say “over the two year period”. However, the fact remains that removing $30,000 from the available income for the necessities of life for people who are disabled or who have no other source o