Appearance before the Standing Committee on the Status of Women on Resource Development and Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls (May 20, 2022)

Logistics

Date: Friday, May 20, 2022

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Room 025-B, West Block and by videoconference

Subject: Resource Development and Violence Again Indigenous Women and Girls

Notes:

Appearing alongside the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Department Officials will be the Hon. Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and Officials from the Department for Women and Gender Equality.

The Committee has held three prior meetings on this study: April 26, April 29, and May 3, 2022. They have heard from 12 witnesses, including First Nations leaders, provincial Indigenous organizations, and Friendship Centres Transcripts of the previous meetings can be found here:

• Tuesday, April 26, 2022
• Friday, April 29, 2022
• Tuesday, May 3, 2022

The Committee has also received seven briefs, including from the Mining Association of Canada, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and Statistics Canada.

It is anticipated that on May 31, 2022, the Committee will hear from Department Officials at the Impact Assessment Agency (ECCC), Public Safety, and NRCan.

Context

The motion for this study calls for the committee to "undertake a study of resource development and violence against Indigenous women and girls on Tuesday, April 26, 2022; that at least four meetings be held on that issue; that each witness hearing meeting take the form of one two-hour panel; that each panel be composed of six witnesses; that the parties send a list of witnesses to the clerk of the committee no later than 3:00 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 14."

In a follow-up news release of the committee, the study's aim is described as "examining the relationship between resource development and the rise in violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada, in accordance with Calls for Justice‑13.4 and 13.5 of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Committee requests that written briefs focus on these topics and include specific recommendations for the Government of Canada on how to address this problem."

During the April 26 meeting, the committee heard from the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc, BC Association of Friendship Centres, Ending Violence Association of BC, and Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council. MP Kramp-Neumann (CPC) asked questions around balancing economic development, resource extraction, and reducing violence. MP Serré (Lib) about the use safety plan and how federal funding could be best allocated to address these issues. MP Bérubé (BQ) asked for additional information on the links between violence against Indigenous women and girls and resource extraction projects. MP Gazan (NDP) raised the issue of improving access to safe, affordable transportation in remote communities.

During the April 29 meeting, representatives from ConcertAction Femmes Estrie, the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation, Quebec Native Women Inc, and Pamela Palmater appeared. MP Vien (CPC) asked how the government has failed to protect Indigenous women and girls. MP Lambropoulos (Lib) asked about Canada's poor reputation on human rights and resource extraction internationally, and if there were example of countries doing things better. MP Bérubé (BQ) asked if things had improved at all since the release of the Final Report of the Inquiry. MP Gazan (NDP) asked questions about the implementation of UNDRIP and establishing a Guaranteed Livable Income.

During the May 3 meeting, Indigenous Land Defender from Kanehsatà:ke Ellen Gabriel, and representatives from National Family and Survivors Circle and the York Factory First Nation appeared. MP Ferreri (CPC) asked how Indigenous women and girls living close to these sorts of projects could have increased access to shelters to escape violence. MP Sudds (Lib) asked for more information regarding why it would be important that Indigenous views are reflected as resource projects are considered. MP Bérubé (BQ) asked if there was a need to change the Indian Act so Indigenous peoples are at the table and equal amongst Nations. MP Gazan (NDP) asked how human rights and Indigenous laws can be upheld to move forward to keep Indigenous women, girls and SLGBTQQIA+ people safe.

Witnesses have spoken to the history violence against Indigenous women and girls, the Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the role the resource industry plays in perpetuating the violence. Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc said that there is a connection between sexually exploited women and 'man camps' at resource development projects, noting that any time you have transient men with money, you'll find exploitation and violence against Indigenous women and girls. The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship spoke to a lack of accountability that the government and sector had on these issues. ConcertAction Femmes Estrie spoke to current resource extraction projects perpetuating colonialism and patriarchy that exploit both the land and women's bodies. Representatives of the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation outline recommendations for the industry to take to improve the situation. Martina Saunders, Community Engagement Coordinator for the York Factory First Nation, spoke to the history of the organization's work with Manitoba Hydro on the KS resource development project in northern Manitoba.

Meeting Proceedings

This appearance will take place for the 1st hour of the scheduled committee meeting time. The 2nd hour will be on a different study (Main Estimates 2022-23: Votes 1 and 5 under Department for Women and Gender Equality), so both the Minister and officials will be excused at 2:00 p.m.

The Minister will be allotted five minutes each to deliver opening remarks.

The committee will then move to questions:

• Round 1 – six minutes per Member (CPC, LPC, BQ, NDP)
• Round 2 - five minutes and two and a half minutes per Member (CPC, LPC, BQ, NDP)
• Round 3 – five minutes per Member (CPC, LPC)

About the independent inquiry

Launch of the National Action Plan and Federal Pathway in response to the MMIWG Inquiry

• On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada alongside Indigenous partners and organizations, families, survivors, and provinces and territories, launched the National Action Plan and the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan, the Federal Pathway.
• The National Action Plan aims to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people.
• The Federal Pathway is a comprehensive approach to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people by committing to take concrete action in four key areas identified by the National Inquiry: culture, health and wellness, human safety and security, and justice.

Actions since forming government

• Since 2017, the Government has passed various legislation, has implemented programs, services and policies and made substantial investments that aim to address the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
• The Federal Government's commitments were made public on June 3, 2021 through the Federal Pathway, the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan.
• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement invested $781.5 million over five years starting in 2021–2022, and $106.3 million ongoing to combat systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples. Budget 2021 announced $2.2 billion over five years and $160.9 million ongoing, to address MMIWG. Budget 2022 provides further investments in priorities related to MMIWG 2SLGBTQQIA+.

MMIWG – Related CIRNAC Investments

• Since 2019, the Government has invested $30 million over five years to support Indigenous-led engagement on the National Action Plan.
• The Government also announced five new CIRNAC-led programs in Budget 2021:
  • $12.5 million over five years with $2.5 million ongoing for families and survivors;
  • $8.5 million over six years for a National Indigenous Data Advisory Body and research projects;
  • $108.8 million over two years for Indigenous cultural spaces;
  • $36.3 million over five years and $8.6 million ongoing for capacity funding for Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations; and,
  • $16.6 million over 6 years to establish a permanent MMIWG Secretariat.

MMIWG – Role of the MMIWG Secretariat

• Budget 2021 invested $16.6 million dollars over 6 years for the establishment of a permanent MMIWG Secretariat.
• The MMIWG Secretariat at CIRNAC is responsible for coordinating the work of all federal government departments in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the work related to MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

If pressed on working groups

• The release of the National Action Plan was accomplished through coordinated efforts of various Indigenous partners, families and survivors that formed respective working groups.
• These working groups, made up of more than 100 Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, formed a governance structure representing various communities and governments: First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban, 2SLGBTQQIA+, data, the Government of Canada, and provincial and territorial governments.
• Many working groups continue to implement their chapters. The Federal Government is working with partners, families and survivors, and other regional and grass-roots organizations on the implementation of the Federal Pathway and the National Action Plan.

If pressed on Budget 2021 supports for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

• Budget 2021 has proposed to invest an additional $2.2 billion over five years, and $160.9 million ongoing, to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people. This Budget has also outlines other significant investments to address the underlying root causes of gender-based violence.
• These investments build on previous investments taken to respond to the National Inquiry, including those in the Interim and Final Reports.
• Over 25 federal departments are working together to implement Budget 2021 investments.

If pressed on Budget 2022

• By building on past investments, Budget 2022 will continue to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
• Related new investments announced in Budget 2022 include funding for education, housing, health and mental wellness for Indigenous peoples.
• Other initiatives related to MMIWG announced are the Gender-Based Violence National Action Plan, the 2SLGBTQI+ Federal Action Plan, and the Anti-Racism Plan.

If pressed on Implementation of the Federal Pathway

• As stated in the Speech from the Throne and the new Liberal-NDP agreement, the Government of Canada is committed to accelerating the work to implement both the Federal Pathway and the National Action Plan.
• Many of the commitments in the Federal Pathway and Budget 2021 are well underway to being implemented, with the aim to seeing concrete and tangible results on the ground as soon as possible.
• An implementation plan with over 25 government departments and agencies has been co-developed with partners with a focus to monitor and report on commitments and accountability.

If pressed on Implementation of the whole National Action Plan

• Implementing the National Action Plan will require a concerted effort by all.
• The Government continues to work with Indigenous partners, families and survivors provinces and territories, and other organizations on the implementation of the National Action Plan.
• The Government of Canada is working with partners to complete the first year progress report for the National Action Plan.

Supports for Indigenous Shelters

• Indigenous Services Canada currently funds the operations of emergency shelters to serve Indigenous peoples and their families.
• In June 2021, 12 new shelters were announced, with $85 million committed to build and support their operations over five years and $10.2 million annually. These shelters will bring the total number of ISC-funded shelters to 58.
• In July 2021, $724.1 million was announced to support at least 38 emergency shelters and 50 transition homes across Canada over five years. This includes the expansion of culturally relevant violence prevention activities and $96.6 million annually.

If Pressed to provide further details on Shelters and Second-Stage Housing

• Through the Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, ISC and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working with Indigenous partners to ensure a distinctions-based response to the pressing need for more Indigenous operated shelters.
• Through this Initiative and the 2020 Shelter Initiative, the current network of 46 emergency shelters supported by ISC will increase to 96 with the additional of 50 second-stage housing facilities. 
• ISC and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will continue to work with our Indigenous partners to ensure the continued success of the Initiative.

If pressed on Genocide

• Some actions and policies have directly led to the loss and extinguishment of Indigenous languages, cultures and traditional practices.
• The Government has accepted the Final Report of the National Inquiry and respects their findings.
• The Government is grateful for the work of all partners on the development of a National Action Plan to eliminate violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people.

If pressed on oversight committee for the National Action Plan

• The Government of Canada recognizes the need for an independent oversight committee to monitor the implementation of the National Action Plan, the Calls for Justice and Calls for Miskotahâ. This is echoed in Call for Justice 1.10 and one of the National Action Plan short term priorities.
• Accountability is key in ending the violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, through a trusted mechanism to hold all those who have responsibility for implementation to account.
• The Government of Canada has started to engage with Indigenous partners, families and survivors on this oversight committee. 

If pressed on Ombudsperson / Tribunal

• The National Inquiry's Final Report calls for an Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson and tribunal, as well as for an independent oversight mechanism on the implementation of the Calls for Justice to ensure accountability, redress and advocacy for families, survivors and Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
• The Ombudsperson and oversight committee are priorities identified by Indigenous partners, organizations, families and survivors and are part of the National Action Plan.
• The Government of Canada has committed to engaging with Indigenous partners and, provinces and territories, to explore options on moving forward with these initiatives.

If pressed on the Federal-Provincial-Territorial-Indigenous Table

• The Minister's December 2021 mandate letter directs the Government to work with Indigenous partners and provinces and territories to support the implementation of the National Action Plan.
• MMIWG is a topic of discussion at various FPTI fora led by other federal departments such as Women and Gender Equality Canada and Justice Canada.
• CIRNAC has engaged with provinces and territories, to discuss options for a dedicated FPTI Table on MMIWG. Discussions are ongoing.

If pressed on alignment to other plans

• Through coordination role undertaken by the MMIWG Secretariat, a whole-of-government approach is being taken to  deliver and implement the actions to put an end to this national tragedy. This means working with all related Federal Departments and agencies on strategies and action plans that are addressing the underlying root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

The National Inquiry Final Report

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released "Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls" on June 3, 2019. The Final Report included 231 Calls for Justice. In addition, Les Femmes Michif released Métis Perspectives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2S+ People at the end of June that contained 62 Métis Nation-specific Calls for Change.

The National Action Plan

On June 3, 2021, the Government of Canada alongside Indigenous partners and organizations, families, survivors, and provinces and territories, virtually launched the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan: Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People and the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Action Plan, the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. The National Action Plan is a whole of Canada effort and requires sustained and ongoing efforts from all levels of Government, federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous, Indigenous partners and organizations, and civil society. 

The 2021 National Action Plan focuses on ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2-Spirit Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning Intersex and Asexual + (2SLGBTQQIA+) people. It is meant to honour and respect Indigenous and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples' values, philosophies, knowledge systems, and agencies through the prioritization of Indigenous-led solutions and services. The National Action Plan is evergreen, recognizing the urgency for immediate action, but also the importance of continuing to cultivate transformative change over time.

The National Action Plan was developed in several working groups made up of more than 100 Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, representing various communities and governments: families and survivors, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, urban, 2SLGBTQQIA+, data, the Government of Canada, and provincial and territorial governments. These partners contributed to the National Action Plan and also published their own chapters and plans, to make the necessary changes to ensure that Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are safe wherever they are, now and in the future.

With the integral involvement of the family and survivors, the National Action Plan is built with a focus on the principle "nothing about us, without us." This upholds and prioritizes their voices and truths and places them at the centre of co-development.

National Action Plan Vision:

The vision of the National Action Plan is:

"[…] A transformed Canada where Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, wherever they are, live free from violence, and are celebrated, honoured, respected, valued, treated equitably, safe, and secure."

The National Action Plan emphasizes the following guiding principles:

1. Honour the strength of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and support them in reclaiming their sacred roles and responsibilities.
2. Include families and survivors throughout the implementation of the National Action Plan. The lived experience of families and survivors provide critical insight, perspectives, and solutions for transformative change - they are the heart of this change.
3. Focus on substantive equality and Indigenous human rights that include inherent, Treaty, and Constitutional rights, and responsibilities of Indigenous Peoples.
4. Support a distinctions-based approach to ensure that the unique rights, interests and circumstances of First Nations, Métis and Inuit are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented.
5. Respect intersectional and diverse perspectives, and be inclusive of all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people no matter where they are.
6. Base the National Action Plan on the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' right to self-determination.
7. Utilize a decolonizing approach, including being culturally informed and culturally safe.
8. Co-develop, co-implement, and co-manage the National Action Plan.

The National Action Plan identifies seven common goals with associated immediate priorities:

1. Achieving transformative changes in attitudes and behaviours in Canadian society;
2. Keeping families and survivors at the heart of the process and providing them with concrete supports;
3. Supporting the delivery of programs and services by Indigenous organizations;
4. Addressing the broader root causes of violence;
5. Developing an Indigenous human rights accountability mechanism;
6. Supporting a paradigm shift in policies and systems; and,
7. Establishing a culturally appropriate Indigenous data infrastructure.

Next steps for the National Action Plan

Indigenous partners, families, survivors and governments at all levels, Indigenous, federal, provincial and territorial, are co-developing a Progress Report on the National Action Plan to be released on June 3, 2022. This report is anticipated to include input from all contributing partners that outlines what progress has been made in the implementation of the National Action Plan.

The National Action Plan requires sustained and ongoing efforts from all levels of Government, federal, provincial and Indigenous (FPTI). Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is a priority at various FPTI fora, such as the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women and the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety. In addition, the Government of Canada has engaged with provinces and territories to discuss options for a dedicated FPTI Table on MMIWG 2SLGBTQQIA+. Every level of government has a responsibility for implementing the National Action Plan and the Calls for Justice to end the violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

The National Action Plan is a whole of Canada effort and requires sustained and ongoing efforts from all levels of Government, federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous, Indigenous partners and organizations and civil society. Accountability and oversight are key in ensuring that everyone takes responsibility for the systemic changes needed to end this national tragedy. The Federal Government is beginning to engage with Indigenous partners and organizations, including the National Family and Survivor Circle, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Urban groups, national and regional Indigenous organizations on oversight and reporting. This work is expected to inform the response to Calls for Justice 1.10 and the National Action Plan short-term priority of establishing independent oversight committee.

The Federal Pathway

On June 3rd, 2021, the Government of Canada published the Federal Pathway, which is the Federal contribution to the Nation Action Plan that provides the commitments of the federal government towards ending the violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The Federal Pathway is a comprehensive approach that includes initiatives and commitments from 25 federal departments and agencies to take concrete action and address the root causes of this violence in four key areas identified by the National Inquiry: culture, health and wellness, human safety and security, and justice.

Next Steps and Accelerating the Federal Pathway

The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous partners to ensure that appropriate monitoring mechanisms are in place to measure progress and keep the Government of Canada accountable now and in the future.

Federal departments have been working to finalize an implementation plan that outlines the key actions and milestones to be taken to implement the Pathway. In addition, annual progress reports will be published that provide information on the work and progress of the federal government towards the milestones. The first annual report on the Federal Pathway will be published on June 3, 2022.

Departments and agencies are also continuing to work on the implementation of their Budget 2021 and Fall Economic Statement 2020 investments related to the Federal Pathway, with the aim to ensure concrete and tangible results on the ground as soon as possible for families and survivors, and Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The work includes legislative changes (e.g., the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act), policies (e.g., the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy), and new and expanded programs and investments (e.g., additional shelters and transitional housing for Indigenous people and their children who face violence, and support for family members and survivors of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people).

Karen Vecchio, Chair and Returning Member (Conservative)

Biographical Information

Karen Vecchio was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London in 2015.

She was raised on a turkey and hog farm in Sparta, Ontario and remains connected to her rural roots in Southern Ontario. Prior to entering politics, she owned and operated a small business in London, Ontario and worked alongside MP Joe Preston as his Executive Assistant for 11 years.

Ms. Vecchio is married to Mike and they have 5 children.

She currently serves as the Deputy House Leader for the Official Opposition.

She participates regularly in the All-Party Agricultural Caucus, the All-Party Anti-Poverty Caucus, the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Caucus, and the All-Party Parliamentary Group to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

In her capacity as Member of Parliament, Ms. Vecchio has served as Critic for Women and Gender Equality (2019-2020); Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2017-2020); Critic for Families, Children and Social Development; Chair of the Conservative Social Development Caucus (2016-2019) and the Conservative Caucus Liaison to the LGBTQ2+ community.

Interests:

• Agriculture
• LGBTQ2+
• Women's Issues
• Human trafficking

Sonia Sidhu – Vice-Chair and Returning Member (Liberal)

Biographical Information

Satinderpal "Sonia" Sidhu was first elected Member of Parliament for Brampton South in 2015.

Born in India, Ms. Sidhu immigrated to Winnipeg in 1992, where she worked as a small business owner, entrepreneur, and Cardiac Technologist in Victoria Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a certificate in Diabetes Education from The Michener Institute. Ms. Sidhu worked in the healthcare profession in Brampton South for fifteen years, focusing on diabetes research and education.

Since entering the House in 2015, Ms. Sidhu has strongly advocated for healthcare.

She was a member of the Standing Committee on Health and advised on eighteen different reports, including the report recommending the implementation of a national pharmacare plan and the report on drinking water standards.

Her report "Defeating Diabetes," for which she crossed the country to consult with experts, was presented to the Minister of Health in 2019. Ms. Sidhu also frequently speaks about the issues faced by seniors and has worked to improve the infrastructure and employment rates in her riding.

In the 42nd parliament, Ms. Sidhu sat on the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. She was also a member of the Special Committee on Pay Equity. In Committee meetings, in the House of Commons, and through her social media, Ms. Sidhu has expressed particular interest in senior women, women in politics, pay equity, and women's health. She has highlighted the need for intersectionality when discussing women's issues and empowerment. During the 43rd parliament, Ms. Sidhu worked on the FEWO reports on pay equity and impacts of COVID-19 on women.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Sidhu has continued to focus on health, including long-term care homes and healthcare accessibility. She has also spoken about investments in organizations that support the homeless, specifically women fleeing domestic violence who are now being housed in hotels.

Interests :

• Communities
• Infrastructure
• Youth

Andréanne Larouche – Vice-Chair, BQ Critic, and Returning Member

Biographical Information

Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament for the riding of Shefford, Andréanne Larouche, was elected in the 2019 federal election.

Ms. Larouche studied art and media technology at Cégep de Jonquière and has always been engaged locally, sitting on the board of directors for the Ecosphere Group and the Sutton Museum of Communications and History. While this is her first time in the House of Commons, Ms. Larouche holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Sherbrooke in applied politics, and worked for the former Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Christian Ouellet and Member of Quebec's National Assembly, Marie Bouillé.

She was also a project manager for Alternative Justice and Mediation, raising awareness on elder abuse.

Ms. Larouche was appointed as the Bloc Québécois Critic for Women and Gender Equality and Critic for Seniors. Ms. Larouche's first speech in the House of Commons was on the topic of the anti-feminist attack at École Polytechnique, advocating for stricter gun control to protect women against such violence.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Larouche has focused on senior women, women in essential services, and the ability for women to access help. Like other members of the Bloc Québécois, she has advocated for increased health and social transfers to Quebec as she believes many of these issues are best resolved by the province. She has also advocated for an increase to GIS/OAS for seniors under seventy-five.

Interests :

• Seniors
• Gender Equality
• Poverty
• Arts and culture

Dominique Vien – Conservative Critic and New Member

Biographical Information

Dominique Vien was elected Member of Parliament for the riding of Bellechasse-Les Etchemins-Lévis in 2021.

Ms. Vien was born in Lévis and completed her secondary studies at the Collège de Saint-Damien and the Collège Jésus-Marie in Sillery. She finished her college at Collège de Lévis and subsequently obtained a bachelor's degree in public communication from Laval University.

Recognized for her hard work, determination and results-based management, Ms. Vien has many achievements to her credit, including the construction of a four-lane road between Saint-Henri and Saint- Anselme, the supply of natural gas, the safeguard of Mont-Orignal, the granting of an unprecedented budget to the MRC des Etchemins and the maintenance in Saint-Anselme of the Exceldor plant.

Ms. Vien has worked in many community organizations. She is the mother of a young adult.

A journalist for ten years on community radio Passion FM (Radio-Bellechasse) and on Radio-Canada radio, Ms. Vien was elected Member of Parliament for Bellechasse under the banner of the Liberal Party of Quebec for nearly 15 years.

During this period, Ms. Vien headed 4 ministries including the Ministry of Labor. Until recently, Ms. Vien was the general manager of the MRC des Etchemins.

Interests :

• Communities
• Infrastructure
• Youth

Shelby Kramp-Neuman – New Member (Conservative)

Biographical Information

Shelby Kramp-Neuman was elected Member of Parliament for Hastings-Lennox and Addington in 2021. She is the critic for Seniors.

Born and raised in Hastings County, Ms. Kramp-Neuman has lived most of her life in Madoc, Ontario. She has been happily married to Tadum Neuman for 15 years. They have two school aged daughters, Tori and Reese.

A graduate of the University of Ottawa, where she studied Communications and Political Science, Shelby Kramp-Neuman has worked in government, public service, and the private sector.

Before being elected to office, Ms. Kramp-Neuman spent 12 years working for Sun Life Financial as an award-winning Financial Advisor.

She has been a parliamentary assistant to the late Jim Prentice and worked for Senator Con Dinino. This experience was followed by employment with Global Affairs Canada where she was selected to become a Canadian representative in Seattle, Washington.

She has spent almost six years as a teacher, including time with the Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board and at Loyalist College. She has served on the Centre Hastings Municipal Council for 15 years, being re-elected three times and serving for four years as Deputy Mayor.

Interests:

• Affordable Housing
• Mental Health
• Seniors
• Cost of living

Michelle Ferreri – New Member (Conservative)

Biographical Information

Michelle Ferreri was elected Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha in 2021.

She is a proud mother of three children, between the ages of 12 and 17, and shares her life with her supportive partner, Ryan, and his three daughters.

Prior to being elected, Ms. Ferreri was a well-known community advocate, an award-winning entrepreneur, a committed volunteer, and a sought-after public speaker and social media marketer.

During her time as a reporter, one of Michelle's most memorable experiences was when she had the opportunity to visit the Canadian Forces Base, Alert and fly to the station on a C-17 Globemaster. 

She is a graduate of Trent University (Biology/Anthropology) and Loyalist College (Biotechnology). Her education in science has led her to be a passionate advocate for physical and mental health.

Interests:

• Physical and mental health
• Housing
• Economy
• Food security

Jenna Sudds – Parliamentary Secretary and New Member (Liberal - Non-voting member)

Biographical Information

Jenna Sudds was elected Member of Parliament for Kanata in 2021. Ms. Sudds is a long-time Kanata resident, economist, former city councillor, and community advocate. She and her husband Tim have raised their three daughters in Kanata—Carleton since moving to the community two decades ago. Since 2013, Ms. Sudds has been an integral part of the development of Kanata North, from serving as a founding director of the Kanata North Business Association to representing the community at City Hall as the City Councillor for Kanata North.

She has been highly engaged in her community since moving to Kanata—Carleton in 2001. She grew up in Niagara Falls, attended Brock University in St. Catharines, and moved to the National Capital Region to complete her Master's of Economics at Carleton University.

She spent the first twelve years of her career working as an economist in the Federal Government. She left her role in the Federal Government in 2013 to pursue directorship opportunities within Kanata—Carleton's world-class technology sector.

Ms. Sudds became the founding President and Executive Director of the newly formed Kanata North Business Association in 2013. After four years of supporting Kanata businesses, she became the Executive Director of the CIO Strategy Council, a national technology council.

In 2015, Jenna was named one of "Forty under 40" who would lead Ottawa into the future by the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. Two years later, Jenna was named one of the world's "Top 40 under 40" International Economic Development Professionals.

Interests:

• Economy
• Food security
• Small businesses support
• Employment

Emmanuella Lambropoulos – Returning Member (Liberal)

Biographical Information

Emmanuella Lambropoulos was first elected Member of Parliament for Saint-Laurent in 2017.

Ms. Lambropoulos was raised in the Saint-Laurent borough of Montréal. She attended Vanier College, where she received the Program Award upon graduation, awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in the Social Science (Psychology Major) Program. During her time at Vanier, Ms. Lambropoulos was a member of the Vanier Key Society, a group composed of a talented group of students chosen for their high academic standing, strong communication skills and demonstrated leadership abilities.

She then graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Education in 2013, where she was the president of the McGill Hellenic Students Association. 

She then became a teacher at Rosemount High School, where she taught French and history. Most recently, she completed her Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from McGill University.

Ms. Lambropoulos has served on the parliamentary committees for Veterans Affairs (May 2017-Sept 2018), Status of Women (Sept 2017-Sept 2019), and Official Languages (Sept 2018-Sept 2019).

As part of her work for the Status of Women committee, she has studied such issues as shelters and transition homes for women who are seeking to escape domestic violence, and barriers to women entering politics.

Interests:

• Status of Women
• Disabilities

Anita Vandenbeld – Returning Member (Liberal)

Biographical Information

Anita Vandenbeld was first elected Member of Parliament for Ottawa-West Nepean in 2015.

Ms. Vandenbeld was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence. 

During her previous mandate, she chaired the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights and sat on the Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee and the Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics.

She also served on the Committee on the Status of Women and the Procedure and House Affairs committee and was chair of the Special Committee on Pay Equity. From 2015 to September 2018, Ms. Vandenbeld chaired the Parliamentary Women's Caucus.

She also founding chair of the all-party Democracy caucus. Prior to her election to the Canadian House of Commons, she worked for over a decade in international democratic development and women's political participation, having worked in over 20 countries on inclusive governance and women's leadership. She managed a global, multi-partner online network to promote women's political rights and participation, called iKNOWpolitics.org. Ms. Vandenbeld was a parliamentary advisor with the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh, and Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of the Central Assembly and Political Parties Section of the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo. She coordinated an anti-corruption campaign with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as the resident director of the National Democratic Institute's office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ms. Vandenbeld established a political party program during the 2011 elections. Anita has also led women's campaign and leadership training in several countries, including Haiti, and she authored a UNDP study on women's political participation in Vietnam.

She has a Masters Degree in Constitutional and Political History from York University. Shortly after leaving graduate school she spent 6 years as a staff member in the Canadian Parliament, including as a policy analyst in the National Liberal Caucus Research Bureau, as Director of Parliamentary Affairs in the office of the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister Responsible for Democratic Reform, and as Chief of Staff to a Senator.

Ms. Vandenbeld is a recipient of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal for her work in Kosovo. She has also received the Leading Women, Leading Girls Award for her community service. Vandenbeld is a contributing author to the 'Oxford Handbook on Transnational Feminist Movements' and wrote a chapter in a book about Canadian parliamentary democracy called 'Turning Parliament Inside Out'.

Interests:

• Canadian Armed Forces
• Women
• International relations

Marc Serré – Returning Member (Liberal)

Biographical Information

Marc Serré was first elected Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt in 2015.

Son of former Liberal Member of Parliament Gaetan Serré and nephew of former Liberal Member of Parliament Ben Serré, Marc Serré was born into a family tradition of politics. He is a proud member of the Algonquin First Nation in Mattawa/North Bay and a proud francophone. Before joining the House of Commons, Mr. Serré graduated from Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor in Commerce with a specialization in Human Resources and Marketing. He is an award-winning telecom technologist specializing in research and development who founded the family-run Internet provider PhoneNet and received the Canadian CANARIE IWAY Award in recognition of his innovative and outstanding achievements in Internet adaptive technology.

He was also the Northern Eastern Ontario Regional Director of the Canadian Hearing Society, a staff and faculty member at Collège Boréal and Cambrian College, and the North Eastern Ontario Managing Director at Eastlink. Mr. Serré served as a trustee at the Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) and was also a Municipal Counsellor in West Nipissing. In Parliament, he has been involved in several Standing Committees, Caucus and Parliamentary Associations including: the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Chair of the National Rural Liberal Caucus, and Chair of Northern Ontario Liberal Caucus. Mr. Serré has demonstrated his advocacy for increased rural infrastructure, affordable housing, accessibility, and seniors in and outside the House of Commons. His motion M-106, calling on the federal government to develop Canada's first National Senior Strategy, was successfully passed in the House of Commons in May 2017.

Mr. Serré was a member of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women during the 42nd and 43rd parliament.

Interests:

• Women in STEM
• Indigenous Women
• Senior women
• Rural women

Leah Gazan – New Member (New Democratic Party)

Biographical Information

Leah Gazan was elected as the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre in 2019.

As an educator, advisor, and media contributor, Ms. Gazan has been deeply engaged with issues and organizing in Winnipeg's core for nearly three decades.

She has spent her life working for human rights on the local, national, and international stage. As president of the Social Planning Council between 2011- 2015, she organized and pushed policy in support of an end to poverty, addressing violence against women and girls, finding solutions for housing insecurity and homelessness, ensuring fair wages, community-based actions addressing addictions and proper supports for mental health.

Ms. Gazan was a prominent Winnipeg lead during Idle No More, articulating the movement to the Winnipeg public. She also co-founded the #WeCare campaign aimed at building public will to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. She is a member of Wood Mountain Lakota Nation, located in Saskatchewan, Treaty 4 territory.

She is currently the NDP Critic for Women and Gender Equality; Families, Children and Social Development and Deputy Critic for Housing. In the last session she was a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament.

In 2019, she introduced a private member's bill, Bill C-232, The Climate Emergency Action Act, which recognizes the right to a healthy environment as a human right. In August 2020, she submitted M-46, which calls on the federal government to convert the Canada Emergency Response Benefit into a permanent Guaranteed Livable Basic Income. She was recently named in Maclean's 2021 Power List.

Interests:

• Indigenous Affairs
• Violence against women and girls
• Poverty
• Housing
• Communities
• Mental health and drug addictions