Debates of Nov. 27th, 2009

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order please, there is a lot of noise going on and the Speaker is having difficulty hearing.

The hon. parliamentary secretary.

Mark Warawa Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, the fact is Canadians know the only party in the House that takes climate change seriously, that is actively working against climate change with our international partners, is this party right here. The Prime Minister has been very clear and the--

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order, order. The hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment has the floor.

Mark Warawa Langley, BC

Mr. Speaker, the minister has said repeatedly that Canada supports an international binding treaty that will balance environmental protection and economic prosperity, maintain a long-term focus, support the development of clean technologies, and support constructive and ambitious goals. We are getting it done.

Mike Lake Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult when a Canadian is laid off due to what is going on in the global economic environment.

That said, our government's long-term approach to the aerospace sector and our long-term dedication to improving this sector is unquestionable. We have put $350 million toward Bombardier's CSeries program. We have put $329 million toward an innovative flight simulator program with CAE. As I mentioned earlier, just a couple of months ago we announced a $200 million additional investment in the strategic aerospace defence initiative.

We are committed to creating a rich environment--

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order. The hon. member for Hochelaga.

Daniel Paillé Hochelaga, QC

Mr. Speaker, our aeronautics companies are competing against international players that benefit from state support. A proper industrial policy would support research and development, sales and financing. Contrary to what the Minister of Finance believes, we need new measures.

Will the government introduce an emergency short-term plan to help Quebeckers?

Mike Lake Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry

Mr. Speaker, as I just mentioned, the government has taken significant measures to ensure the long-term success and viability of our aerospace sector.

From a larger economic standpoint, commentators around the world have commented on the strength of the Canadian situation. Just a couple of months ago France's finance minister, coming out of the G20 finance ministers meeting, said, “I think we can be inspired by the Canadian situation”. There were some people who said, “I want to be Canadian”.

I just wish all members of the House felt the same way.

Joyce Murray Vancouver Quadra, BC

Mr. Speaker, there are 77 days before Vancouver's Olympic Games begin. We learned that the government has only now awarded its $9 million contract to build Canada's Olympic pavilion.

All of the provinces and territories are finished or close to finishing their pavilions, pavilions to showcase their regions to visitors, media, world leaders and potential investors, the marketing opportunity of the decade.

How can Canadians be getting the best possible Canada pavilion with only 77 days to design and build it?

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

The hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Scott Brison Kings—Hants, NS

There's the pavilion.