Statement made on 08 October 2009 by Senator Jean Lapointe (retired)
Hon. Jean Lapointe:
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate, for whom I have a great deal of admiration. I will not deny it. I never miss an opportunity to mention what a wonderful wordsmith and incredible skater she is. She answers questions and skates her way around in such a remarkable way she could join a team and play centre with Alexei Kovalev. She is also an accomplished tap dancer. But I will come back to my question.
Can the Leader of the Government tell us whether her government is aware of the misery, the crimes of all kinds, the divorces and many suicides caused by video lottery terminals found in bars and restaurants in our most disadvantaged neighbourhoods? Why are these infernal machines not found in wealthier neighbourhoods?
I have gone all around Montreal many times and I have asked the question. All these machines are in the poorest neighbourhoods. I did not find a single machine in Westmount.
Hon. Hugh Segal: Nor in Outremont.
Senator Lapointe: I did not go to Outremont, but there are not any in Westmount. I am sure of it.
Is her government aware of the plight of the least fortunate in our society?
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