Debates of Nov. 22nd, 2010

John Duncan Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Speaker, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is not a blank cheque to open up for every issue.

However, this government has also invested very seriously in housing for first nations and aboriginal peoples. We have spent almost $1 billion on reserves since coming to government in 2006. We have created an annual average of 2,300 new units and 3,300 renovations. We have also supported social housing and aboriginal capacity development.

Ted Menzies Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, we have put in place a public-private partnership called PPP Canada Inc. That is an independent crown corporation that operates in an objective arm's-length manner. In fact, it has received a request to review this project for partnership funding. PPP Canada will review that, and any decisions will be based on merit.

Paule Brunelle Trois-Rivières, QC

Mr. Speaker, helping fund the construction of an underwater cable would be the first step towards creating a trans-Canada electricity distribution network without Quebec's consent.

Can the Minister of Natural Resources assure us that they will not directly or indirectly fund a trans-Canada electricity distribution network without Quebec's consent?

Ted Menzies Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, one thing this government does is ensure it is fair to all provinces. All provinces have the opportunity to apply for funding under the P3 Canada fund. We would encourage any projects out there that might fit the criteria to do that. They will be reviewed on the basis of merit. We will see where it goes from there.

Bob Rae Toronto Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, I want to ask a question of the government House leader, given his answers on Friday with respect to the closure of Camp Mirage.

There has been a lot of discussion about extravagant and wasteful schemes. I would like to ask the minister, very directly, this. If spending $500 million on the unnecessary closure of a base, which costs will be even greater because of the extension of our troops being in Afghanistan post-2011, could he explain if that is not an extravagant waste of money, just what is?

Peter Kent Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)

Mr. Speaker, I will answer that question for my hon. colleague. As we have said any number of times in the House in recent weeks, the Government of Canada chooses arrangements that are in the best interests of Canada and the best value for Canadians. What the UAE was offering was simply not in the best interests of Canada and would have cost Canadian jobs.

Bob Rae Toronto Centre, ON

Mr. Speaker, in his response on Friday, the minister spoke of 10,000 jobs, or even more. We are seeing the real cost of what happened at Camp Mirage. It will cost the government more than $500 million. That is the number we know.

If the Government of Canada does not feel this is a colossal waste of money, what is its definition of a colossal waste of money?

Peter Kent Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)

Mr. Speaker, I will answer my hon. colleague again. The rhetorical question that has been asked and not answered by the other side is this. Why does the Liberal Party take the side of the United Arab Emirates in this dispute? There would have been costs if that deal had been accepted.

The Government of Canada would not accept—

The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order, please. The member has asked a question and he is entitled to hear the response.

The hon. minister of state.

Peter Kent Thornhill, ON

Mr. Speaker, the deal offered by the United Arab Emirates is simply not in the best interests of Canada.

Joyce Murray Vancouver Quadra, BC

Mr. Speaker, today leaked documents confirm the government's sad climate change con job. Its objective is to undermine action on climate change at home and abroad. Its strategy is for three government departments to partner with the oil sands industry. Its action is to lobby for accepting excessive oil sands emissions, while doing nothing to reduce them.

Could the minister explain why the government is taking its lead from the oil industry and has no plan to actually reduce emissions?

John Baird Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, we are following the Copenhagen accord and are working very closely with Barack Obama's administration. However, let me commend the member opposite the following quote:

The stupidest thing you can do (is) to run against an industry that is providing employment for hundreds of thousands of Canadians, and not just in Alberta, but right across the country...

The member should at least listen to the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.