During the last election campaign our party committed to establishing an "Office of Religious Freedom.” Last month I joined Prime Minister Harper for the official launch of the Office and to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew Bennet as Ambassador .
This week I had the first hour of debate on my Private Member's Motion (M-382) which will serve to complement the ORF by promoting religious freedom in our foreign policy. It’s our government’s position to continue to speak out against persecution, and against all acts of violence towards religious groups. The second hour of debate is yet to come on May 3 rd with a final vote to follow.
You can watch the video from my presentation at www.bevshipley.ca or on my Facebook page.
International Women’s Day
Today is International Women’s Day. It’s a day set aside to recognize and honour the great women in our lives.
I believe it’s important that we, as a government have taken significant steps to eliminate violence against women and girls. This very serious issue is the focus of International Women’s Day with the theme this year being Working Together: Engaging Men to End Violence against Women.
Some actions taken by our government to end violence against women and girls include:
- Increasing funding to the women's program to its highest level in Canadian history.
- Funding over 550 projects across Canada since 2007.
- Launching a comprehensive National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking to ensure the safety and security of women and girls who are being targeted for sexual exploitation by violent traffickers.
- Developing a five year national strategy aimed at enhancing the response of law enforcement and the justice system to cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls and supporting culturally appropriate victim's services.
- Tabling legislation to give aboriginal women equal rights and access to their matrimonial property.
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Our Government announced 21 projects across Canada to address sexual assault on university and college campuses.
Some Good National Employment Numbers
We received some good news about the economy this morning. The Canadian economy has now created over 950,000 net new jobs since the 2009 recession. 90% were full time, and 80% were in the private sector. That’s the best of all 7 top industrialized countries.
Changes Coming to the Wireless Sector
Our government has announced new measures that will increase competition in the wireless sector, providing us with more choices and access to the latest technology at better prices. It’s been something that the majority of consumers have been asking us for. We’re working to build a more competitive wireless sector. We are also tightening the rules to increase cell tower sharing thereby helping to limit the construction of new cell towers.
A True Inspiration
I was so pleased to meet Dylan Eisner last weekend, as he accepted the Student Award from the Lakesmith Conservationists. Dylan has overcome some incredible obstacles and gave an inspirational and heartfelt speech at the event. All the best, Dylan!
Until next time.
Bev Shipley, M.P., Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
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