Excerpts from the press release:
GRAND-MÈRE, QC- Liberal Leader Bob Rae today named Lise St-Denis Liberal critic for Early Learning and Childcare.The Liberal Leader made the announcement while visiting the community of Grand-Mère and meeting with constituents in the riding of Saint-Maurice-Champlain.
"It is my great pleasure to announce that our newest MP, Lise St-Denis, will be taking on the role of Liberal critic for Early Learning and Childcare," said Mr. Rae. "I want to thank our critic for Human Resources & Skills Development and Labour, Rodger Cuzner, for the great work he has done on this file to date. Mr. Cuzner will continue in his responsibilities for HRSDC, Employment Insurance and labour, and will pass the torch on early learning and childcare to Mme St-Denis, whose vast experience as an educator and unique perspective as a Member of Parliament from the province of Quebec position her to examine best practices and explore a federal role in early learning and child care that meets the needs of parents while respecting provincial jurisdiction."
Lise St-Denis was a high school teacher for more than 30 years before being elected as Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice-Champlain in 2011. She has been a vocal advocate of the virtues of education, working with teachers, youth and their parents in both professional and voluntary capacities.
"I want to thank Bob Rae and my new Liberal colleagues for the trust they have placed in me via this important responsibility in relation to education. I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute my professional experience to promote childcare and early learning federally," said Ms. St-Denis. "I joined the Liberal Party of Canada because I believe that this is how the interest of my constituents are best served, not least because of our Leader's determination to make education more accessible to all Canadians. I feel privileged to be a part of a caucus that recognizes that the future of our national economy is inseparable from our regional economies, and that is determined to share provincial successes with all regions of Canada. The future of our country goes hand in hand with the hope of our young people and with the sum of our experience."