Debates of Nov. 21st, 2008

Siobhan Coady St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, instead of real action, the Minister of Finance wrote a meaningless letter to the banks. His small gesture will only help seniors with large cash reserves, a select few. His letter will not help seniors on fixed pension income or with limited RRSPs.

What about the majority of seniors? Where is the plan?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is new to the House and she is probably not aware of the many other things that we have done and continue to do for seniors.

Not only did we increase the guaranteed income supplement for seniors who needed it, but we also made sure they would get less clawback. We increased by 500% the allowance that they can claim and still qualify for GIS. We introduced pension splitting for seniors to reduce their taxes so they would have more of the money they would need to spend their way.

Siobhan Coady St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL

Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of what the Conservative government has done. Nor are the rest of Canadians aware of what the Conservative government has done.

In this economic crisis, seniors across my riding have seen their savings and pensions wiped out. Seniors face real uncertainty about how to pay their bills. Conservative dithering and bad management will only prolong their anxiety.

Seniors deserve a real answer. Where is the plan for seniors?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, we have been working the plan. We have been for two and half years now.

I invite the member opposite to keep pace with all the good things that we have been doing for seniors. We have introduced pension splitting. That has made a huge difference to many families. In fact, several people in my riding approached me this spring after they calculated their income tax and said that it meant up to $7,000 in perks for them at the end of the year.

The Liberals can talk all they want about having a plan. We are making it happen.

Dean Del Mastro Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage

Mr. Speaker, this being the first opportunity to rise in this fashion in the House, I would like to thank the people of the electorate city region of Peterborough for once again returning me to the House.

No government in history has provided as much funding and support to the Department of Canadian Heritage as this government has, an 8% increase over the previous government, some almost $200 million.

We support the arts in Canada. We also support arts and culture. I am proud that the government has provided so much support to this critical department.

Jean Dorion Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, QC

Mr. Speaker, this government made a big deal out of its decision to recognize the Quebec nation.

If the government wants to put its money where its mouth is, here, why does it not transfer power over all cultural matters to Quebec?

Dean Del Mastro Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage

Once again, Mr. Speaker, we see the Department of Canadian Heritage as a critical institution within government. We see the role that it plays in defining Canadians and representing Canadian values. It is critical. That is why we put so much funding support behind it. We have increased the funding and support it broadly right across Canada.

We see this as part of being Canadian, part of the Canadian identity. We are proud of our record. We are proud that we are providing a level of support that we are.

Josée Beaudin Saint-Lambert, QC

Mr. Speaker, in the Speech from the Throne, the government clearly announced that it intended to raise the issue of harsher measures for young offenders, despite Quebec's objections.

Will the minister create a special system for Quebec, as called for unanimously by the Quebec National Assembly, and will he recognize the Quebec model for rehabilitating young offenders on its territory?

Rob Nicholson Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to a balanced approach. We have been very clear that those individuals who commit serious offences in this country, whether they be young persons or adults, can expect serious consequences.

When it comes to fighting crime, Canadians know they can count on this government.

Josée Beaudin Saint-Lambert, QC

Mr. Speaker, Quebeckers all agree that the model for rehabilitating young offenders is a proven model that gives results. Recognizing a nation also means recognizing its way of dealing with young people.

Will the minister create a special system, as all Quebeckers are calling for?

Rob Nicholson Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, we are absolutely committed to an effective criminal justice system that applies to all Canadians, young and old. We indicated that during the election and previous to that.

From my consultations right across the country, people have concerns with the level of youth violence in Canada.

We will come forward with a measured, balanced approach to fighting crime in this country.

Mark Holland Ajax—Pickering, ON

Mr. Speaker, as Canada's auto sector continues to suffer from years of the Conservative government's dismal economic mismanagement and as families lose their jobs and worry about their futures, the Minister of Industry returns from Washington with no results. In a time of crisis, all he brings back are business cards.

When will the government stop sitting on its hands, stop crossing its fingers and finally come up with a plan that would really help Canadian auto workers and their families?

Mike Lake Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Mr. Speaker, we have heard time and time again from members on the other side of the House their proposals for a knee-jerk reaction to this complex global situation involving the auto sector.

The minister has said that he will listen to stakeholders and to the industry on both sides of the border because it is an integrated industry. He will make a well thought out decision in due course in the best interest of Canadian workers, Canadian businesses, Canadian consumers and Canadian taxpayers.