Debates of Dec. 13th, 2010

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, no government has done as much as this government to help our seniors, who built this country. That is why we expanded the GIS program. We are making renewal of this program automatic through the filing of income tax forms. This measure will help seniors, which the Conservative Party is already doing very well—better than the other parties.

Claude DeBellefeuille Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC

Mr. Speaker, they are talking about making initial access to the guaranteed income supplement automatic. Automatic payment of the GIS is a good start. However, if we want the guaranteed income supplement to really fulfill its role, it must be improved.

Will the government increase the guaranteed income supplement by $110 per month in the next budget, as called for by seniors and by the Bloc Québécois?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, a few years ago, we offered seniors who receive the guaranteed income supplement an increase in the exemption from $500 to $3,500 in order to put more money into their pockets, and the Bloc Québécois voted against that initiative.

It voted against seniors. How shameful.

Robert Carrier Alfred-Pellan, QC

Mr. Speaker, while the government is refusing to disclose the facts about the scandal at Revenue Canada, we have learned that an official working in the investigations unit was beaten up. It seems that the investigation into collusion between Canada Revenue Agency officials and construction companies is bothering the criminal element.

Can the minister tell us how many officials at the Montreal office are being targeted by the investigations, how many were laid off and what level of responsibility they had?

Keith Ashfield Minister of National Revenue

Mr. Speaker, due to privacy concerns, I cannot comment on the specific employees. However, I can tell the hon. member that we take the safety and security of our employees very seriously, and we will ensure that they are safe at all times.

Robert Carrier Alfred-Pellan, QC

Mr. Speaker, two of Tony Accurso's companies and numerous smaller companies created specifically to generate false invoices have been caught so far. It is not known how many other businesses outside of this network were able to benefit from the complaisance of corrupt individuals plaguing the Canada Revenue Agency.

Can the Minister of National Revenue tell us how many businesses like Tony Accurso's benefited from this fraudulent system?

Keith Ashfield Minister of National Revenue

Mr. Speaker, as I said before, these are ongoing issues of investigation, and I cannot comment on that.

Rob Oliphant Don Valley West, ON

Mr. Speaker, as members of Parliament, we have been elected to represent our constituents in discussions on the big issues affecting our country, like Canadian sovereignty.

Yet the government is engaged in secret backroom negotiations on the so-called perimeter security proposals that could result in vast changes to our sovereign right to determine who gets in and who gets out of our country.

After softwood lumber, climate change and F-35s, how can Canadians trust this government to negotiate anything and maintain control of our own borders?

Peter Kent Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)

Mr. Speaker, I know my hon. colleague does not expect me to answer a question based on media speculation. However, I can say that our government always puts the interests of Canada first.

Since we took office, we have been focused on creating jobs and promoting economic growth through free, open and secure trade. That means our shared border is open to trade and investment but closed to security and terrorist threats.

Rob Oliphant Don Valley West, ON

Mr. Speaker, just because the government cannot manage our foreign policy does not mean that it should simply abandon it.

The American government continues to believe that Canada is a haven for terrorists, which is untrue.

Will this myth limit the rights of Canadians to determine their own border policies and their right to cross this border as they please?

Peter Kent Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)

Mr. Speaker, I will not answer a question based on media speculation, but I will say that, contrary to the Liberal leader's coalition with the Bloc Québécois, this government will always stand up for Canada and for Canadians.

I will say again that Canada is the top export destination for 34 American states. More trade flows between Windsor and Detroit than through any other border crossing in the world, and we intend to keep that border crossing open and secure

Bev Oda Minister of International Cooperation

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the House that there is always a concern about the protection and safety of women in all the countries where Canada is working, particularly in Haiti.

We have set up protection centres, not only for women but also for their children, as well as ensuring that senior women have access to needed food and medicines and ensuring that women's access to food and basic necessities is always foremost in the minds of those we work with.

Denis Coderre Bourassa, QC

Mr. Speaker, Haiti is in a major political stalemate. This morning there was a meeting between the Mexican foreign secretary and Secretary of State Clinton. Cholera is another part of the reality. I know that there is talk of a resolution through a recount, but the main candidates are against that idea. Ms. Manigat and Mr. Martelly are against it.

What role does Canada intend to play in resolving this political stalemate?