Debates of Nov. 2nd, 2009

Ted Menzies Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the same concern we share about ensuring that financial instruments in our country are fair not only to consumers but to industry and small businesses as well.

In fact, the best way to ensure fair pricing of financial services is to encourage disclosure, competition and choice. We have been working through both the Senate committee and a joint finance and industry committee in the House to ensure that we listen to Canadians and hear what they have to suggest to us for improvements.

Dan McTeague Pickering—Scarborough East, ON

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows that Visa and MasterCard constitute 93% of the debit and credit market in the country. Some competition.

That is not enough. We proposed a number of reasonable solutions to the problem, but the Conservatives have nothing to offer but hollow words. Even their answers are meaningless.

Hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses are hoping for a little help from the government. All they want is a fair and transparent payments market.

Why are the Conservatives turning their backs on consumers and SMEs?

Ted Menzies Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, this reminds me of last week when all of a sudden the opposition Liberals decided that there actually were concerns among Canadians about their pensions. Now in one day they have a meeting. Now today they have a press conference. They are all concerned about Canadians and credit card issues.

We have been listening to Canadians. We have been consulting with Canadians. In fact, the CFIB is suggesting that a code of conduct would be an excellent way to deal with this.

We will be rolling out changes in the very near future. Stay tuned.

Marcel Proulx Hull—Aylmer, QC

Mr. Speaker, Robert Abdallah's name has joined those of Senator Housakos, Dimitri Soudas and Tony Accurso on the list of people at the heart of the scandal that has been rocking Montreal, and indeed, all of Quebec.

The mayor of Montreal said that senior public servant André Delisle had raised serious doubts about Mr. Abdallah. Mr. Delisle tendered his resignation as soon as Mr. Abdallah was hired.

What qualities did the Prime Minister see in Mr. Abdallah to try to impose him on the Port of Montreal?

John Baird Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, another day, another drive-by smear by our friends in the Liberal Party.

What Canadians want to see is a government that would be focused on the health of Canadians, that would be focused on jobs, economic growth and creating opportunities for Canadians and providing support for the unemployed.

If the member opposite has any facts whatsoever he would like to put on the table, I would encourage him to do so here and then have the courage of his convictions to repeat them outside this place.

Marcel Proulx Hull—Aylmer, QC

Mr. Speaker, before his Senate appointment, Leo Housakos was already benefiting from his privileged relationship with the Prime Minister. On December 7, 2007, he was appointed to VIA Rail's board of directors. Now, VIA Rail is preparing to award a major equipment refurbishing contract to an American company. This will cost some 500 Canadians their jobs.

How did Senator Housakos benefit from these job losses?

John Baird Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, I am inclined not to dignify that type of question with a response, but I will say that VIA Rail operates at an arm's-length relation from the government. It recently awarded a contract after an open and transparent process with several bidders.

As I have said in this place, and as others have said in this place, the government, at least at the elected level, does not get involved with who gets contracts with crown corporations.

Joe Preston Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON

Mr. Speaker, Thursday the Ontario legislature will be debating a private member's bill that would see Ontario join other provinces in holding Senate nominee elections.

Alberta has also introduced legislation to extend its process and a bill is currently being considered by the Saskatchewan legislature.

Could the Minister of State for Democratic Reform tell us if the Government of Canada welcomes this idea?

Steven Fletcher Minister of State (Democratic Reform)

Mr. Speaker, our government is welcoming these developments in the provinces. We support the provinces creating processes that allow for the members, the citizens of each province, to select nominees directly.

As the Prime Minister has done in the past, he has respected these results and is willing to continue respecting the results of the will of the Canadian people.

Steven Fletcher Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia, MB

Mr, Speaker, I hear heckling from the other side. I wish they would support Senate reform and enter into the 21st century.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

The hon. Minister of Health.

Leona Aglukkaq Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, six million vaccines have been delivered to provinces and territories. Thousands more and a million more will be sent out to provinces and territories.

Canada currently has more H1N1 vaccine per capita compared to other countries and there will be sufficient H1N1 vaccine for every Canadian by December. This is one way Canadians can protect themselves from H1N1.