May 23, 2013 | Honourable senators, I would like to say that I have the pleasure of speaking on Bill C-42 on third reading, but I cannot say that it is actually a pleasure. I have some serious concerns about this bill. I have serious concerns about what this bill is intended to address, and particularly I have a serious concern because, in the final analysis, or maybe not even so final, it will not address that and it may actually make the situation worse.
May 23, 2013 | Given the problems surrounding this whole issue, and particularly in light of the fact that we now know $90,000 changed hands, do you think it would be appropriate for Senator Tkachuk to step aside as chair for this review process to be seen as open, clear and honest by the whole of the Canadian population?
May 23, 2013 | Following the exchange yesterday in the chamber on the report concerning Senator Duffy, I prepared a joint letter to be sent by Senator LeBreton and me to the chair and vice-chair of Internal Economy. Senator LeBreton has declined to sign the letter.
May 23, 2013 | I suggest to you that the overwhelming majority of Canadians share your Prime Minister's frustration and anger. Does all of this make you frustrated and angry?
May 23, 2013 | Will you now support my request, which I have sent to the committee, to hold these proceedings in public?
May 23, 2013 | Honourable senators, today we are welcoming Canada's doctors for their annual day on Parliament Hill.
May 23, 2013 | Honourable senators, on May 8, I hosted the ninth annual Era 21 Networking Breakfast for Young Canadians on Parliament Hill. This event was started by the Honourable Vivienne Poy. After her retirement last year, I was humbled to be asked to serve as the patron of this wonderful event.
May 23, 2013 | Honourable senators, two weeks ago, Statistics Canada released the results of its voluntary National Household Survey — the survey that replaced the very objective and very reliable mandatory long-form census.
May 23, 2013 | Honourable senators, today is the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. More than 2 million women and girls in developing countries are living with obstetric fistula, a hole in the vagina or rectum caused by labour that is prolonged, often for days, without treatment. Usually the baby dies. Since the fistula leaves women leaking urine or feces, it typically results in social isolation, depression and deepening poverty.
May 22, 2013 | I do not plan to speak long, honourable senators, but I do think it is worth mentioning that the changes to the travel policy are going to limit the ability of many senators to do the good work that they do for the people of Canada.