Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Marie-Jewell made these remarks while dealing with the Nursing Profession Act, and I quote, "There have been comments that the timing is right for this bill because it's International Women's Day. I found those comments to be a little bit chauvinistic."
I admit, Mr. Speaker, I was one of those Members guilty of pushing to deal with this bill yesterday. Although I have not been accused of being chauvinistic, I admit to making the comment that we should accomplish something concrete and practical as a Legislature on International Women's Day. My comment may have sounded chauvinistic. However, there are 28 women in a program right now who depend on the passage of the Nursing Profession Act. Ten of those women are living in my constituency, Mr. Speaker. They wrote me a letter urging me to push for quick passage of this bill and they are: Sharon Nahanni, Olga Mercredi, Debra Wilson, Christine Brewster, Jason Nault, Della Napayok-Ell, Lucy Tulugarjuk, Margaret Baker, Jennifer Menzies and Catherine Lauzon.
---Applause
Mr. Speaker, every day we hear criticism of our parliamentary system of government; it's no good, it can't do anything. I think yesterday will show that we are a very responsive Legislature. If it simply needs to be done, we can get it done in a speedy and responsible manner. I don't believe it matters to our students what process or what arguments are ever used to achieve the passage of a bill that people would like to have. And if it takes chauvinism to make 28 women happy, it's a very small price to pay.
The 28 students can now relax and give their full attention to their studies and not have to worry any more about what we do in this House...