Irene's Posts

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, the motion being debated in the House today is nothing less than an attempt to reopen the abortion debate in Canada. This is quite literally a slap in the face to women who have fought long and hard for the right to control their own bodies and their ability to determine for themselves when they wish to have children. Motion No. 312 states:

Opposition Day motion tabled by NDP Leader Tom Mulcair:

“That this House acknowledge that the Canadian economy is facing unprecedented risk and uncertainty; recognize that many regions and industries across Canada have already suffered significant job losses in recent years; urge all levels of government to work together to build a balanced, 21st century Canadian economy; and insist that Canada's Prime Minister meet with his counterparts in Halifax this November at the National Economic Summit being held by the Council of the Federation.”

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP): Mr. Speaker, welcome back to the chair. Unfortunately, while this is a new session, we have the same old problems created by the government.

Because of Conservative cuts to frontline service workers, we see an ever-increasing denial of help for Canadians. Call centres just are not doing the job.

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):  

   Mr. Speaker, first, I want to once again thank the staff and pages for all their hard work last week and indeed throughout the year. Without them this place would not function and we owe them a debt of gratitude. I thank them all.

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):  

    Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to the member's speech and was quite fascinated by her reference to balanced and constructive spending and management of our fiscal realities by the Conservative government.