Debates of Nov. 28th, 2011

John Duncan Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Speaker, we are deeply concerned about this situation. We have had officials in that community at least once a month, because we are building a school in the community. Since coming to government, we have invested very significantly in the community. My officials are in the community today to investigate why the first nation is facing so many challenges, given the significant funding for housing, infrastructure, education and administration.

I spoke with my officials today, and they are making sure--

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order. The hon. member for Burnaby—Douglas.

Kennedy Stewart Burnaby—Douglas, BC

Mr. Speaker, the City of Calgary negotiated in good faith with the federal government for three years to build badly needed recreation centres in fast-growing parts of the city. The city spent millions as part of the application process. Mayor Nenshi has pointed to the Conservative government's bad faith on this issue. Why did the Conservatives pull the plug, and why are they taking Calgary for granted?

Ted Menzies Minister of State (Finance)

Mr. Speaker, PPP Canada Inc. is a great arm's-length organization that analyzes all sorts of projects all across this country. We are looking forward to some of these investments that will help municipalities with their water and their sewers and their major infrastructure projects.

The projects in Calgary actually did not qualify for P3 funding at this time.

Kennedy Stewart Burnaby—Douglas, BC

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately that answer will not help Calgary families. If they were not going to receive funding, why were they not told three years ago?

The City of Calgary was told the project only needed political approval. If recreation centres were not eligible for funding, why did the government's website say they were? Why was this information mysteriously removed from the website just hours after the mayor's press conference?

Calgary families are waiting for an answer. When will the Conservatives come clean?

Ted Menzies Minister of State (Finance)

Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that the opposition stands up and asks questions about PPP Canada Inc. when, if we go back in history, those members actually voted against putting PPP Canada Inc. in place as an arm's-length organization that would analyze infrastructure requirements across this country and look at a new concept of partnering with other levels of government and the private sector to fulfill the infrastructure requirements of these communities.

I would encourage those members to support some of these investments, rather than criticizing them.

Bryan Hayes Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Mr. Speaker, today the NDP unveiled a new ad campaign targeting our government's commitment to end the wasteful and ineffective long gun registry once and for all. The ad claims that there are “no more safeguards” for dangerous firearms--

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

Once again I will ask hon. members to hold off on their applause until either the end of the question or maybe until the end of the minister's answer.

The hon. member for Sault Ste. Marie has the floor.

Bryan Hayes Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Mr. Speaker, the ad claims there are “no more safeguards” for dangerous firearms.This is a laughably preposterous and illogical statement, as firearms licensing remains unchanged.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety please comment on these misleading advertisements?

Candice Bergen Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Sault Ste. Marie for his good work on this file.

The NDP clearly does not understand the Canadian firearms program or does not understand classification. The firearm in the ad that was leaked to the media this weekend is clearly a restricted firearm.

Why is the NDP misleading Canadians instead of speaking the truth? It is because there is no valid argument in support of the long gun registry, so those members resort to half-truths and misinformation.

Rick Dykstra Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that our government recognizes these brave and courageous Afghans. They made a significant contribution to our mission and saved Canadian lives.

That is why we introduced the special visa program: to help former translators facing exceptional risk or serious injuries to bring their families to Canada. That program allowed for 450 interpreters and their families, but we have expanded it by almost 20%. Now 550 Afghan interpreters and their families are able to come to this country to find safety, security and a new life in our country.

Olivia Chow Trinity—Spadina, ON

Mr. Speaker, The families of cyclists and pedestrians killed in truck collisions joined me this morning to call on the minister to mandate side guards.

Karen Hartmann talked about her pain in losing her husband when he was crushed, and her daughter described life without her father. Four different studies from the EU, Germany and the UK showed side guards reduce fatalities by up to 50%.

How many more preventable deaths will it take for the government to act?