Dec 14
From Céline Hervieux-Payette in
Social
My speech in the Senate on Bill C-10, Safe Streets and Communities Act
Honourable senators, the Conservative government is proving once again, by introducing Bill C-10, which it calls the Safe Streets and Communities Act, that in matters of justice, it is only motivated by ideology and fear-mongering. There is no rational basis worthy of the name to explain the Conservative initiative to increase the number of automatic sentences, as our leader mentioned, and make the Youth Criminal Justice Act more repressive.
Instead of relying on studies by experts on issues related to Bill C-10, the Conservative government prefers, in a spirit more partisan than ever, to move forward with its omnibus bill. In keeping its electoral promise to introduce this rather voluminous bill in the first 100 days following its election, the Conservative regime knew full well that legal, social and medical stakeholders would have very little time to submit written opinions and less than five minutes to present them.
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Dec 13
From Céline Hervieux-Payette in
Politics, Public spending, Social
Ottawa, December 13th, 2011 - Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette welcomes the decision of the Quebec government to sue the Conservative government for wanting to destroy the gun registry`s data for ideological reasons that are contrary to public safety and the recommendations of law enforcement.
”The Quebec government has acted responsibly by wanting to protect its citizens and for standing up for the victims of violent crimes”, said Senator Hervieux-Payette.
Since its creation, the gun registry has been used daily by the police officers to insure their safety and that of all Canadians.
”The Conservative government wants to impose the culture of violence that is prevalent in the United States and results in almost 3 times as many gun deaths than in Canada”, continued the Senator.
”Unfortunately, the Prime Minister`s policy of scorched earth has forced Quebec to pursue legal action against Ottawa`s ideological decision. Open federalism has become a federalism of deceit”, said the Senator.
”I hope that other provinces and territories will join Quebec in saving the gun registry`s data, after all it belongs to Canadians”, concluded the Senator.
Dec 08
From Céline Hervieux-Payette in
Economy
Ottawa, December 8th, 2011 – Yesterday, the Vice-President of the Senate Banking, Trade and Commerce Committee, Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette, questioned the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jim Flaherty on the flaws contained in Bill S-5: the Financial System Review Act.
”What I deplore is that the so-called public consultations were done online at the last minute and that the reports submitted to the Minister will not be released to the public,” stated Senator Hervieux-Payette. read more…
Nov 25
From Céline Hervieux-Payette in
Economy, Politics
Hon. Céline Hervieux-Payette: Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate, and to speed up our communication, I will ask the question in her first language.
This morning, I came across an article in the famous — my own adjective — Globe and Mail entitled “New Zealand disputes Harper’s stand on tariff walls.” There was a good picture of him, I must say.
The article discusses how the New Zealand trade minister, Tim Groser, used his speech at the opening of a dairy factory in New Zealand to raise questions about Canada’s application to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. He emphasized that existing Trans-Pacific member countries will vet applications from Canada, Mexico and Japan very carefully, seeking clear evidence that they are committed to liberalizing trade. He said admittance to the talks requires this. read more…
Nov 17
From Céline Hervieux-Payette in
Economy, Politics
Yesterday, I asked the following question in the Senate.
Hon. Céline Hervieux-Payette: Honourable senators, Canadian farmers are hard-working people who often fail to receive the necessary congratulations for their hard work and dedication to providing safe and delicious food to families here in Canada and around the world.
Despite this, the Conservative government seems intent on demonizing farming as a way of life and any chance for farmers to make a fair living. The Prime Minister recently said in Honolulu that Canada would be joining APEC, an organization fiercely opposed to our system of supply management. It would come as no surprise that this system is next in line to be axed by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Mr. Gerry Ritz.
Considering that farmers have invested billions of dollars in quotas as a way of securing production and ensuring their retirement, will the government compensate Canadian farmers for the loss of value of their quotas and ensure their investments guarantee them a safe and comfortable retirement?
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