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S'enregistrer au Flux RSS Le Sénat du Canada

Post under ‘Senate of Canada’ tag

My last stand against Bill C-38 before the final vote!

29 June 2021 at 15h53

 Honourable senators, before sharing my thoughts on the budget with you, I would like to remind the Senate of certain facts — not propaganda — about the Liberal government’s last three budgets.

In 2003, Canada enjoyed a $9.1 billion surplus; in 2004, a $1.5 billion surplus; and in 2005, a $13.2 billion surplus. I am talking about the facts, the reality and responsible people who managed the country’s affairs.

Let us now look at the last three budgets of the Conservative Party. In 2009, Canada was running a $55.6 billion deficit; in 2010, a $40.5 billion deficit; and in 2011, when we did a little better, a $29.6 billion deficit. All of that is to say, honourable senators, that Canada now has a national debt totalling $586 billion. Before this bill is passed, it is important to understand the direction Canada is heading in and what the current trend is. I think these numbers give us something to think about: the difference between a responsible government and one that does not know where it is headed.

It might also be worthwhile to point out the real title of the bill: An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 29, 2021 and other measures.

The part I have a problem with is the “and other measures.” As my colleagues mentioned, this bill amends 70 laws. It is 425 pages long and contains 753 clauses that require close inspection. The government would have us believe that this bill is about jobs, growth and prosperity.

I will show how the government’s lack of transparency, lack of integrity, and lack of consultation and collaboration with the provinces and the people are threatening Canada’s national unity, economic future and international reputation.

I believe that Bill C-38 is a virulent attack on provincial jurisdiction. Consider employment insurance. For all intents and purposes, the government is introducing subjective rules about suitable employment and what workers will be required to do. Of course, this will not typically affect workers earning $100,000 or more per year. During my speech, I will refer to conversations I have had with Canadians who have shared their concerns with us. (more…)

Goodbye Equity: Conservatives eliminate employment equity obligations for federal government contractors

5 June 2021 at 14h25

OTTAWA, June 5th, 2012 – Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette denounces article 602 of the Conservative omnibus budget Bill C-38 which removes a clause in the Employment Equity Act (EEA), requiring contractors to comply with employment equity in the Federal Contractors Program (FCP).

This will have a negative impact on the employment access of women, the disabled, Aboriginals and visible minorities and demonstrates the conservatives’ desire to destroy any progress gained by these groups since Confederation.

“With their majority in the House of Commons and the Senate, the Conservatives have both hands on the wheel, their foot on the gas pedal and the transmission stuck in reverse” said Senator Hervieux-Payette. “We will lose 25 years of economic and social progress. This is a regressive and archaic decision that goes against common sense,” continued the Senator.

(more…)

Long Live the Free Press

3 May 2021 at 20h29

OTTAWA, May 3, 2021 – On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Senator Hervieux-Payette is grateful to Canadian journalists and to all those who practice a profession vital to democracy and human rights. She also pays tribute to those who lost their lives defending this ideal.

“There can be no liberty and no justice without an independent and free press. All Heads of States, all governments, all politicians who defend individual freedom and justice must guarantee the freedom and independence of this pillar of democracy, “said Senator Hervieux-Payette.

On April 2nd 2012, the Conservative government imposed on CBC journalists a so-called code of values ​​and ethics for journalists employed by public radio and television broadcasters.

“They are asking CBC journalists to pledge allegiance to the government. This political interference aimed at controlling the media is extremely serious. Prime Minister Harper clearly demonstrated that his discourse on transparency and accountability was vote pandering and manipulation”, she stated.

The new “code of conduct” warns that any serious breach is considered “wrongdoing” and that the offending person “is liable to disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.” However, under the Broadcasting Act, employees of the CBC are not subject to this code of ethics and values. Although the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is a government institution, the Broadcasting Act clearly states in paragraph 44(3) that employees are not officers or servants of Her Majesty.

“After tabling Bill C-30 to spy on Canadians’ electronic communications, the Conservative government has demonstrated that their conception of freedom is limited only to the free-market. The consumer is free. The citizen is under control. The journalist is muzzled “concluded the Senator.

Harper scraps the Women’s Health Contribution Program

27 April 2021 at 16h42

Honourable senators, it is with immense sadness that I speak to deplore the end of the Women’s Health Contribution Program.

The program supported community-academic partnerships in the development and dissemination of policy research and information for women’s health. The program was managed by the Bureau of Women’s Health and Gender Analysis. Let us not forget that clinical drug trials are now done separately for men and women, which is something new that began a few years ago. The program contributed approximately $2.95 million annually to eligible recipients. It supported the Centres of Excellence for Women’s Health, Canadian Women’s Health Network, working groups and other initiatives that address specific policy issues in women’s health. The following organizations received support for their research: the Réseau québécois d’action pour la santé des femmes, the Canadian Women’s Health Network, the Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, the Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence, and the National Network on Environments and Women’s Health, located across the country from Vancouver to Halifax. (more…)

Abolition of the gun registry - Bill C-19, April 4, 2021

5 April 2021 at 18h02

Yesterday was a sad day for women who are victims of  violence, a disastrous day for Canadians suffering from depression and who are at risk of committing suicide, a dark day for the police officers who keep our communities safe, a day of shame for Canadians who want Canada to comply with international conventions on gun control. But a day of great celebration for the National Rifle Association.

Bill C-19 is a murderous law. Unfortunately it could kill more than just the gun registry. The Harper government will have to assume the consequences of this unjust law and the deaths that will result from its adoption.

Senator Celine Hervieux Payette, P.C.
Official spokesperson of the Liberal Party of Canada on C-19 in the Senate

 

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