Community consultations and information sessions
It’s always a pleasure for me to organize consultations around a given topic, for information purposes.
As your federal representative, I have met with a number of groups of voters who have told me about their concerns and about the issues that matter to them most. They have raised a variety of questions on different subjects, such as Canada’s commitment abroad, especially in Haiti and Lebanon, and government policy on the recognition of foreign credentials, to name just two.
Among the panellists and guest speakers I have invited to the riding are the Honourable Denis Coderre, then Special Advisor on Haiti to the Prime Minister (Paul Martin); the Honourable Dan McTeague, then Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the civil servants responsible for these issues.
I would be happy to organize similar consultations around topics of interest to you; please let me know what you would like to discuss.
Ottawa-Vanier schools
Throughout the school year, I am delighted to visit the many schools of the riding. Those visits have given me the opportunity to meet with students and discuss matters that are of interest to them, such as the youth vote, civic duty and political engagement. At the request of the teaching staff, I have taught civics classes and took part in a Question and Answer period with the students. I continue to be impressed by the level of enthusiasm and the opinions our leaders of tomorrow hold.
I look forward to continuing this exercise.
Visit of the senior homes
Our seniors are valuable members of our community as they represent an important, diverse and dynamic segment of the population. I have toured many senior residences in Ottawa-Vanier, addressing the questions and matters that affect the lives of senior constituents.
I am particularly pleased with the wealth of resources that seniors possess, in skills, experience and wisdom. It is strength to be shared with others to help build vibrant and inclusive communities.
I invite you to visit Seniors Canada On-line. This website brings together information for seniors on services from the Government of Canada, a number of provinces and nongovernment organizations, from health information and travel advice to information for veterans.
I have lately had the pleasure to visit most of Ottawa-Vanier’s senior homes.