Colleagues, I want to speak to you
about events that have transpired recently.

You will not be surprised to hear,
That I am not happy
With the conduct we have witnessed,
Conduct of Parliamentarians,
And the conduct of my own office.

Nous avons travaillé fort, collectivement
comme parti,
comme caucus
et comme gouvernement
afin de renforcer dramatiquement
les règles d’éthique à Ottawa.
et afin d’appliquer ces standards
à nous-mêmes.

We have worked hard, collectively
as a party,
As a caucus,
and as a government,
to dramatically strengthen accountability rules in Ottawa

and to apply those standards
to ourselves.

I need not remind you,
that in 2006, this government
was first elected,
To clean up the Liberal sponsorship scandal,
To ensure the rules are followed,
To ensure there are consequences when they are not.

Since that time we have taken
unprecedented measures to achieve that end.

Notre Loi fédérale sur la responsabilité,
la loi en matière de responsabilité
la plus sévère de l’histoire de notre pays,
a changé à jamais
la façon de faire à Ottawa.

Our Federal Accountability Act,
the toughest accountability legislation
in the history of this country,
forever changed the way
business is done in Ottawa.

We have:
Strengthened the powers of the Auditor General.
Toughened the office of the Ethics Commissioner,
Reformed political party financing.
Dramatically tightened lobbying rules.
And beefed up auditing and accountability
within government departments.

Le Canada a maintenant
l’un des systèmes de gouvernance
parmi les plus responsables et transparents
dans le monde entier.

Canada now has one of the most accountable
and transparent systems of governance
in the world.

This is something of which
Canadians are rightly proud.

It is also something
we can never take
for granted …

because colleagues, as I said
in the room across the hall,
in the fall of 2005,
when we first pledged
to bring in
the Federal Accountability Act: …

no government
will be perfect,
because none of us
are perfect.

We cannot
dream of a system so perfect
that no one
will have to be good.

Par conséquent, alors que nous continuons
à renforcer les règles,
nous devons aussi maintenir à la fois
une culture de responsabilité.

Therefore, just as we continue
to toughen rules,
we must also uphold
a culture of accountability.

And I know that
The people in this room have.

We have reduced our budgets
And travel as a government.

We are the caucus
That finally bit the bullet
And reformed
The M.P. pension plan,
So that we will pay
Our fair share.

Et je sais,
que comme ma famille et moi,
vous vous assurez de payer
vous-mêmes vos dépenses
de nature personnelle.

And I know,
That like me and my family,
You are scrupulous
About paying expenses
Of a personal nature
Yourselves.

But, that said,
let me repeat something else
I said in that same speech,
In 2005,
And let me be very blunt…

…Quiconque…
…Quiconque veut utiliser une charge publique
pour leur propre bénéfice
devraient changer de plans
ou encore mieux,
quitter cette salle!

…Anyone…
…anyone, who wants to use public office
for their own benefit,
should make other plans
- or better yet, leave this room!

Colleagues, let me also address
the issue of Senate reform.

As Canadians know,
it was this party
that put Senate reform
on the national agenda.

C’est ce gouvernement
qui a mis de l’avant un projet de loi,
opposé tant par le NPD que les libéraux,
afin de permettre des élections au Sénat
et une limite sur la durée des mandats.

And in this room
are colleagues from the Senate
who have agreed to sit in that place
in order to support our efforts
to achieve fundamental,
irreversible, reform.

Chers collègues, nous avons entendu
les Canadiens nous le dire haut et fort.

Colleagues, we have heard from Canadians
loud and clear.

They want us
to continue our efforts.

They are asking us
to accelerate those efforts.

Le statut quo au Sénat
n’est pas acceptable.
Les Canadiens. Veulent. Du. Changement!

The Senate status quo is not acceptable.
Canadians. Want. Change!

As you know, earlier this year,
we asked the Supreme Court of Canada
whether the reforms we have proposed
can be accomplished by Parliament alone.

We have also asked
the Court to rule on options
for abolishing the Senate completely.

Nous attendons avec hâte
les réponses de la Cour suprême
sur ces questions.

And as we prepare to receive,
And act on the judgement
of the Supreme Court,
we will also take further steps
in the area of Senate expenditure
and accountability.

Senator LeBreton and I have discussed this,
and she has my full support
To accelerate changes
to the Senate’s rules on expenses,
And close any loopholes
in those existing rules.

Chers collègues,
nous avons un agenda actif et important,
sur des enjeux qui importent
pour les familles canadiennes
et nous avons beaucoup de travail à faire.

Colleagues,
We have an active and important agenda,
On the issues that matter
To hard-working Canadian families,
And much work to do.

When distractions arise
– as they inevitably will –
we will deal with them,
firmly.

But we will not lose sight
of our top priority.

The world remains
A deeply uncertain place.

Les Canadiens ont besoin de nous
pour les protéger,
protéger leurs emplois,
leurs familles
et leurs communautés.

C’est ce sur quoi nous nous concentrons
et c’est ce que nous allons continuer à faire…

Canadians are looking to us
to protect them …

their jobs,
their families,
and their communities.

That is what
We must be focused on
And what we will continue to do …

Continue to implement our economic action plan,
Continue our work on expanding trade,
Continue our focus on jobs,
growth,
and long-term prosperity …

and continue to ensure that,
through all the ups and downs
in the world economy,
there is no better place to be
that Canada.

Now, let’s get back to work.

May 14, 2013

Etobicoke — Millions of Somalis are living in crisis due to prolonged conflict and widespread food insecurity, resulting in acute malnutrition and displacement. Today, following a townhall held to discuss the current challenges in Somalia, Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, announced on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, further life-saving assistance in response to humanitarian appeals for the people of Somalia.

“Somalia remains a country in extreme humanitarian crisis,” said Mr. Opitz. “We are ensuring that life-saving humanitarian assistance, including food, water and shelter, is there for the most vulnerable people to help stave off the effects of food insecurity and conflict.”

More than one million people in Somalia require immediate humanitarian assistance, and as many as 1.7 million more remain on the brink of crisis, with all reserves depleted and vulnerable to the slightest shock. Malnutrition rates in many areas of the country remain above the 15 per cent emergency threshold. Over 70 percent of the population is without reliable access to safe water. In addition, more than one million Somalis remain internally displaced, and as many as one million more have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

“Canada is ensuring that Somalis affected by this crisis receive the emergency support they need,” said Minister Fantino. “Canada is responding quickly to this crisis and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Today’s announcement follows Mr. Opitz’s participation at the Conference on Somalia in London, U.K. on May 7, 2013 where he reiterated Canada’s ongoing commitment to helping the most vulnerable people in Somalia, as well as of Somali refugees in Kenya.

Canada provides humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people facing natural disasters and conflict. Economic Action Plan 2013 affirms Canada’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will also maintain the mandate of poverty alleviation and will help Canada achieve greater efficiency, accountability, and focus to continue to improve the lives of people in need around the world.

— 30 —

For more information, media should contact:

Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CIDA_CA

Backgrounder

Each year, Canada responds to the annual appeals issued by international and Canadian humanitarian agencies. These annual appeals outline the planned response to a variety of humanitarian crises due to conflict or food insecurity around the world. Such crises result from prolonged hunger, conflict, insecurity and the breakdown of civil order and they affect huge numbers of people, cause extensive human suffering, and are extremely difficult to resolve.

As outlined below, in response to the 2013 appeals for Somalia and Kenya, Canada is providing over $32 million in humanitarian assistance in response to humanitarian needs both inside Somalia as well as for Somali refugees residing in Kenya. This includes the $3.25 million which Mr. Opitz previously announced at the Conference on Somalia on May 7, 2013 in London, U.K.

Humanitarian needs in Somalia ($23.25 million)

Oxfam Canada – $2 million

Oxfam Canada will improve health and living conditions for an estimated 135,000 drought- and conflict-affected people in 14 communities in Garbaharey and Baardeheere districts, Gedo Region, through:

• the establishment and support of 12 supplementary feeding facilities and two therapeutic feeding centres to prevent and treat acute malnutrition;
• the establishment or rehabilitation of 20 water points;
• the establishment of 16 community latrines (at health facilities) and 140 demonstration latrines (to encourage and assist households in building their own facilities);
• the distribution of essential sanitation and hygiene items (water purification tablets, jerry cans, etc.) to as many as 7,100 households;
• the training of 14 community health workers, six nurses, and 14 water committees; and
• conducting sanitation and hygiene promotion activities targeting an estimated 19,000 households.

Save the Children Canada – $1.7 million

Through this project, Save the Children Canada will improve health and living conditions for up to 100,000 displaced and conflict-affected people in Mogadishu through:

• support to four community health centres (through the provision of training, drugs, and equipment) and one outpatient feeding centre (for the treatment of malnutrition);
• the establishment or rehabilitation of two boreholes (serving more than 14,000 households);
• the provision of improved shelter and basic items (e.g., fuel-efficient stoves, hygiene supplies) for more than 200 displaced households; and
• training for 30 community health workers and 80 community nutrition workers to provide outreach services and disseminate knowledge of proper health, hygiene and nutrition practices.

World Vision Canada – $2 million

Through this project, World Vision Canada will improve health and living conditions for as many as 27,000 drought- and conflict-affected people in Luuq District, Gedo Region, through:

• the operation of four mobile health clinics;
• the establishment or rehabilitation of five water points;
• the establishment of 150 community latrines with hand-washing facilities;
• the establishment and operation of two child-friendly spaces to promote child protection;
• the provision of training to medical practitioners and community outreach workers; and
• conducting 110 community training sessions covering topics such as health, hygiene and sanitation.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – $1 million

This support will contribute to improved health, living conditions and protection for internally-displaced and other crisis-affected people, through the provision of:

• emergency shelter to as many as 20,000 internally displaced households;
• essential household items to as many as 90,000 households;
• protection and support provided to internally-displaced survivors of sexual and gender-based violence; and
• support to as many as 100,000 displaced households to voluntarily return to their areas of origin.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – $4 million

CIDA’s support will contribute to the improved health, well-being and protection of children, women and their families, through the provision of:

• treatment of malnutrition for as many as 106,000 children under the age of five;
• essential vaccinations for approximately 2.6 million women and children;
• access to essential health services for approximately 2.4 million people;
• improved access to water for as many as 675,000 people and new access to sanitation to up to 42,000;
• community-based care and support for as many as 6,000 child victims of gender-based violence or military recruitment;
• access to quality education for as many as 300,000 children; and
• necessary inputs for protection of livelihoods for as many as 30,000 crisis-affected families.

United Nations World Food Programme – $9.5 million

CIDA’s support will contribute to the provision of food and nutrition assistance through the provision of:

• food rations or cash grants for more than one million people in households suffering from crisis or emergency-level food insecurity;
• therapeutic or supplementary feeding and nutritional support for an estimated 1.3 million pregnant and lactating women, malnourished children under the age of five, and members of other vulnerable groups;
• livelihood protection and/or support (e.g., food for work) for as many as 320,000 people; and
• food rations to promote education for as many as 250,000 people, particularly girls.

United Nations World Food Programme-Humanitarian Air Service – $800,000

CIDA’s support will contribute to ensuring that relief efforts reach beneficiaries through the provision of:

• safe and reliable in-country passenger air service for humanitarian organizations;
• transportation of light cargo (e.g., medicines) for humanitarian agencies; and
• timely medical and security evacuations for humanitarian staff.

Other Humanitarian Partners – $2.25 million

This support will contribute to improved health and livelihoods of crisis-affected people through:

• the distribution of general food rations and other essential items for up to 120,000 crisis-affected people for 3-4 months;
• improved access to safe potable water for up to 384,000 people;
• medical treatment of up to 22,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition; and
• agricultural and livestock support for up to 360,000 people.

Humanitarian needs for Somali refugees in Kenya ($9.5 million)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – $5.5 million

CIDA’s support will contribute to improved health, living conditions and protection for Somali refugees through the provision of basic services (including shelter, water and sanitation, and medical care) and protection for more than 500,000 Somali refugees living in Kenya.

United Nations World Food Programme – $4 million

CIDA’s support will contribute to the provision of food and nutrition assistance to crisis-affected and food-insecure people through general food distribution for more than 500,000 Somali refugees.

“The Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification is on track to meet the goals of cutting in half the backlog and wait times in the Parent and Grandparent program,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “It is very important that we continue to make progress and not return to the old broken system with wait times as long as a decade—that would be unfair to families.”

“With backlog and wait times for the PGP program being cut in half, our government is working hard to make sure families are reunited with their loved ones,” said MP Opitz. “Because of Liberal neglect and empty promises, a massive backlog accumulated. Our Government is working to fix this program and has an action plan that will lead to a faster, fairer, and more efficient family immigration program.”

Phase II of the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification will provide even faster processing times, reduce the backlog further, prevent future backlogs, ensure that families have the financial means to support those they sponsor, and protect the interests of taxpayers.

First – In 2012 and 2013, Canada will admit 50,000 parents and grandparents as permanent residents. This represents the highest level of parents and grandparents admitted in 20 years. In 2014, Canada will maintain high levels of admissions for parents and grandparents.

Second – The Super Visa will become permanent and will continue to provide flexibility for families who access the 10-year multiple-entry visa, allowing visa holders to remain in Canada up to two years at a time. Over 15,000 Super Visas have been issued since the program’s launch in December 2011 with approval rates averaging 86 percent.

Third – New qualifying criteria for permanent residency sponsorship of parents and grandparents will increase the financial responsibility of sponsors to ensure they have the means to support those they sponsor, while limiting the program’s cost to taxpayers and Canada’s strained health and social programs.

Fourth – 5,000 new sponsorship applications will be accepted in the program in 2014. By accepting 5,000 applications in 2014 while maintaining high levels, the government will be able to further reduce the remaining backlog so that families can be reunited more quickly.

“These new criteria ensure sponsored family members are well supported by their sponsors throughout their time in Canada,” said Minister Kenney. “The redesigned Parent and Grandparent program reunites families faster while respecting Canadian taxpayers and the limited resources for health and social programs.”

Canada has one of the most generous family reunification programs in the world. The United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand do not allow grandparents to be sponsored at all or only in very limited circumstances, and they have very restrictive criteria for the sponsorship of parents.

The amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that are being proposed will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette (Part I) and the public will be able to comment for a 30-day period.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

Click here to read full article

“Today Canadians join the international community in celebrating the 68^th anniversary of our Allied victory inEurope over Nazi Germany —  a regime rooted in racism,  anti-Semitism and grotesque violence.

“On this day, let us remember the heroic achievements and sacrifices of the more than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders who put their lives on the line in the Second World War to help end the tyranny in Europe and fight for the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law that we enjoy today.

“Let us recall with pride the numerous cities, towns and other locations where Canadians so distinguished themselves in battle; places like Sicily, Ortona, Juno Beach, Caen, the Falaise Gap, Dieppe and the Scheldt whose citizens still honour and deeply respect the sacrifices made. Canadians also rendered exemplary service in the air war overEuropeand in the battles at sea which ensured that vital supplies and munitions kept flowing.

“Let us pay the utmost tribute to the more than 45,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who made the ultimate sacrifice in these far off places, never to be seen by their loved ones again.

“The remarkable contributions by Canada in the war, in terms of the grit, spirit and ingenuity of all those who served and the equipment and technology provided, generated immense international respect for our country as well as immense national pride that united us as never before, allowing us to reach new heights as a nation.

“On this V-E Day, let us reflect on the enormous and proud contributions by those Canadians and Newfoundlanders who fought so bravely inEuropeas well as the sacrifices of the Allies who fought alongside them.

“Let us also remember the members of our Canadian Armed Forces who continue to honour our country in the same proud tradition, standing up for what is right in the world, ashore and at sea, in places such asAfghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, including most recently inLibyaandMali.”

- 30 -

PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

INVITES YOU TO ATTEND

AN INFORMATION NIGHT

Where:          Plast Huculak Centre, Gymnasium 

516 The Kingsway,

Etobicoke, ON M9A 3W6

Corner of Kipling and The Kingsway.

When:           Tuesday, May 14^th, 7:00 pm

Why:             MP Ted Opitz attended the “Conference on Somalia”, held in London England, last Monday May 6^th, representing the Hon. John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs.  MP Opitz wishes to update the Somali Community about the issues discussed at the Conference, and current situation in Somalia.

“Canada is lending a helping hand to address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable people in Somalia, as well as of Somali refugees in Kenya,” said Mr. Opitz. “Canadian values of compassion and concern for those facing acute malnutrition and displacement are expressed in this urgent assistance.”

Humanitarian emergencies caused by conflict affect large numbers of people, cause extensive human suffering, are extremely difficult to resolve and undermine long-term development efforts. Canada’s assistance will help provide food, water and shelter, will go to those most in need.

Canada provides humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people facing natural disasters and conflict. The Harper Government’s Economic Action Plan 2013 affirms Canada’s commitment to international development investments and humanitarian assistance. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain the mandate of poverty alleviation. The amalgamation will help Canada achieve greater efficiency, accountability, and focus to continue to improve the lives of people in need around the world.

For more information, please visit CIDA’s website.

- 30 -

For more information, media should contact:

Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CIDA_CA

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Backgrounder

Canada provides support to Somalis

Canada is providing $3.25 million to assist Somalis facing acute malnutrition and displacement, due to prolonged conflict and widespread food insecurity.

Canada will provide $1 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to help improve the health, living conditions and protection of internally displaced and other crisis- affected people. These funds will help provide:

• Emergency shelter to approximately 20,000 internally displaced households;
• Essential household items to some 90,000 households;
• Protection and support to internally displaced survivors of sexual and gender based violence; and
• Support to approximately 100,000 displaced households to voluntarily return to areas of origin.

Canada will also provide $2.25 million to help improve the health and livelihoods of crisis-affected people. These funds will help provide:

• General food rations and other essential items for up to 120,000 people;
• Improved access to safe potable water for up to 384,000 people;
• Medical treatment to some 22,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition; and
• Agricultural and livestock support for up to 360,000 people.

Humanitarian Situation

An estimated 2.1 million people (or 25 percent of the population) require immediate humanitarian assistance, and a further 1.7 million people remain on the brink of crisis, with all reserves depleted and vulnerable to the slightest shock. Malnutrition rates in many areas of the country remain above the 15 percent emergency threshold. More than 70 percent of the population is without reliable access to safe water. In addition, more than one million Somalis remain internally displaced, and a further one million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

Click here to read full article

“Our Government fully recognizes the devastating impact that violent crime has on victims and their families, both in the immediate and long term: the physical and psychological damage, the economic challenges posed by not being able to go to work, as well as the health costs.

“I hope that this week, Canadians are reminded of the multiple hardships that victims face and I encourage them to learn more about what they can do to support victims of crime and their families. This year’s theme – We All Have a Role – shines a light on the tremendous work being done by a wide range of dedicated professionals and volunteers to help alleviate the suffering of victims of crime.

“Victims and their families have repeatedly told us that they need stronger and more coordinated support from the justice, corrections, labour and health systems to facilitate their recovery. In response, we have taken important steps to help them get back on their feet and give them a more significant role in the justice and correctional systems, giving their voice the respect it deserves.

“Government of Canada initiatives have helped fund projects and services across the country that benefit victims of crime, minimize the economic burdens of parents of murdered or missing children, increase the efficiency of the justice system, strengthen laws against perpetrators, and, ensure child and youth victims and non-offending family members have access to child advocacy centers that they can turn to for help.

“In the years to come, we will continue to fight for victims’ rights by working to create a Victims Bill of Rights and make meaningful changes so that every victim knows that their concerns are felt, heard and acted upon.”

For more information about the government’s accomplishments in fighting crime and supporting victims, please visit: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=5279

- 30 -

PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

“The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising was a significant and memorable act of Jewish resistance in Nazi-occupied Poland. Jewish men, women and children were forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to the ghetto where they lived in deplorable conditions before their transport to death camps. Disease and starvation were rampant, yet the Jewish fighters courageously rose up against the murderous Nazis, and defended themselves for nearly a month.” said MP Opitz. “We must remember those who sacrificed their lives to fight tyranny against impossible odds, and we must pay tribute to those who survived the Uprising and the Holocaust, and were instrumental in the founding of the Jewish State of Israel 65 years ago. The brave actions of those in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising inspire us all to continue the global fight against anti-Semitism.”

-30-

For media enquires please contact:

Nahielly Fernandez Denys

Executive Assistant

Office of Ted Opitz, MP

Etobicoke Centre

(613) 947-5000

Ted.Opitz@parl.gc.ca