Citizenship Act  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to split my time with the hon. member for Fredericton, and to be here to speak in favour of Bill C-6. I would like to acknowledge our presence on this traditional territory of the Algonquin peoples. Indeed, had it not been for all the ways that

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, we intend to undertake a meaningful and inclusive conversation with all Canadians to bring our electoral system into the 21st century. We are doing this because here in Canada we can do better. For us, and for the next generation, we need to do this so that more 14

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to see an emerging consensus on this issue where even our Conservative colleagues agree that the status quo must end. We look forward to engaging in a meaningful conversation with Canadians that will ensure that all voices are heard.

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, allow me to make something perfectly clear: the reforms we choose must be designed to address the needs of all Canadians and go far beyond addressing the interests of the parties we represent. I urge all members of the House to adopt the same principle and work with

The Senate  Mr. Speaker, we are confident that the process we have introduced would lead to a stronger Senate. I do appreciate the hon. member's interest in the process here, and I have to ask this. Where was this commitment to good process when his government appointed nearly 60 senators? W

The Senate  Mr. Speaker, we have committed to a thorough and thoughtful process for appointing senators. We have done so collaborating with different departments, and we are confident that the process we have implemented will enhance the performance of the Senate without compromising the Con

The Senate  Mr. Speaker, I recommend a second look at the website. The deadline for applications is February 15 at noon. The process we have introduced is more open and more transparent than anything the former government implemented, and we are confident that it will lead to a stronger Sen

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, I would hope that the member opposite would work on his attention to detail when reviewing articles with the minister. Last week, we acknowledged that it was not until 100 years ago that some women in Manitoba got the right to vote, a right that would only be exten

The Senate  Mr. Speaker, an independent, non-partisan advisory board has been established to assess Canadians against a list of public criteria that would allow us to enhance the overall functioning of the Senate. I invite the hon. member to review our website for upcoming details and news.

The Senate  Mr. Speaker, I do not share the hon. member's cynicism, and with good reason. The new independent, non-partisan, merit-based, open and transparent process we have introduced is in the capable hands of nine of eminent Canadians who make up the advisory board, individuals like Dr

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, I am certainly glad that the member opposite was born and I would like to assure him that I will be working hard with my colleague, the government House leader, to convene a parliamentary committee to examine a wide range of electoral reform options, and it is not wi

The Senate  Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to announce on January 19 the appointments of the members of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, a critical step as the government begins the process of injecting a new spirit of non-partisanship in the Senate. The advisory board is

The Senate  Mr. Speaker, Canadians mandated us to bring real change to the Senate, and we are doing that without opening up the Constitution. The advisory board will be guided by public, merit-based criteria in order to identify Canadians who would make significant contributions to the work

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the member opposite a belated happy birthday for his yesterday. I remind the members of the House that the conversation we will be having about this very important reform will be more complex than a simple yes or no answ

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to convening a parliamentary committee to study this and to consult broadly with Canadians. I would like to take this opportunity to remind the members of this House that 100 years ago this week, the women of Manitoba secured the right to