Jean Augustine

[Persons Day, October 23rd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, Persons Day was chosen as the date of Canada's accession to the optional protocol to the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.

We announced on this day, because of the significance of that protocol, that we would ensure that all women in Canada recognized that they now were enabled as women or groups of women to bring complaints to the committee on the elimination of discrimination against all women, consisting of 23 experts, after they had exhausted all national--

[The Economy, October 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I have just participated in the second ministers' conference on women in the APEC economies. The main theme was advancing women's economic interests and opportunities.

I am pleased that the Speech from the Throne reflected the fact that the government was committed to small and medium sized businesses. Those businesses had barriers, barriers that I hope we will pursue. There are benefits to women in exporting. We hope to remove some of the barriers in international trade and other avenues.

[Justice, October 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the concern expressed. I think all Canadians are horrified by the present situation before us. We sympathize with the families of those women and at the same time we are looking at the process that is occurring in British Columbia. The police and RCMP are involved in that activity.

We are concerned about violence against women and children. We addressed that in several ways. This is a very serious issue that we as Status of Women Canada are reflecting upon.

[Multiculturalism, June 20th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, multiculturalism connects Canadians to one another, builds bridges between us as Canadians and also acknowledges our differences.

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the multiculturalism policy, we want to reaffirm our diverse heritage and see that diverse heritage as our strength.

In the coming years we are looking at enhancing contact and interaction between Canadians and supporting capacity building initiatives in communities.

[Violence against Women, June 18th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the member's question at this point in time is one that concerns us all.

At the same time, it is important to know that we have passed legislation. We have committed $7 million annually to family violence initiatives. The status of women has allocated $250,000 annually to research in the area of violence against women. The federal government has committed $32 million annually to national crime prevention. I think we have done the work.

[Immigration, June 17th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question and also for her concern with the issue.

Foreign credential recognition has become an increasingly urgent problem in Canada, especially among the immigrant population. We outlined in the 2001 Speech from the Throne some areas which we will pursue.

The multiculturalism program has been working with other levels of government and other government bodies to address the challenges that people with foreign credentials face. As well, I announced on the 15th two programs on which we will work with the volunteer sector to address the issue.

[Status of Women, May 29th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I want to take the opportunity to thank to my colleague for giving me the opportunity to answer the first question in my new role.

Canada is committed to preventing and combating the trafficking of women. On May 14 we signed the United Nations protocol to prevent, suppress and punish traffic in persons, especially women and children. The Status of Women has put in a lot of work with communities with responses to that very negative issue.

[Volunteerism, May 23rd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Paul Matthews, a constituent in my riding, for his voluntary work with the Canadian Executive Service Organization.

Mr. Matthews recently returned from an overseas assignment in Romania where he helped a women's clothing manufacturer design a program in human resources development. He assisted in the training of a human resources manager and in devising policies and procedures including recruitment and selection processes, employment advertising, interview techniques, and evaluation of applicants. The training will help to reduce staff turnover and increase plant productivity.

Mr. Matthew's voluntary work is another fine example of the willingness of Canadians to share our expertise with others around the world. I call upon my colleagues to join me in congratulating Paul Matthews for his exceptional work and selfless duty.

[South Africa, May 2nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I accompanied the Prime Minister on his recent trip to Africa. The Prime Minister was questioned on the South African government HIV-AIDS policy. I understand there are recent developments on this issue in South Africa. Could the Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa and la Francophonie give us an update?

[Mary Hennessey, April 23rd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mary Hennessey, a constituent in my riding.

Mary Hennessey is a retired school teacher with a long history of involvement in her community. For many years Mary has given her time and service to various community organizations such as the cancer, heart and stroke foundations; the Salvation Army; the Catholic women's league; and teaching English as a second language at her church.

This active lady worked tirelessly and canvassed the community for support for a community centre today known as LAMP, an agency serving the needs of the people of Etobicoke--Lakeshore. Mary Hennessey was one of the founding members of the New Toronto Women association and to date has served as the longest serving president. Being a non-driver did not slow Mary down. She walked the streets of New Toronto daily in her voluntary efforts. At age 95 she continues to canvas by phone for her current interest and attends community events.

Mary Hennessey is much loved and respected by many in her community. She is a true community lifelong volunteer, and on behalf of the people of Etobicoke--Lakeshore I extend my deep appreciation.