Debates of Nov. 4th, 2011

Candice Bergen Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, we do appreciate and value the work that volunteers do as well as the necessity for people who are getting employment to have their security checks done quickly. We have introduced measures that will assist the RCMP in doing that. We encourage the RCMP to continue to work together with its provincial and municipal counterparts effectively and quickly to get the security checks done for individuals.

Glenn Thibeault Sudbury, ON

Mr. Speaker, last week TD Bank became the second major Canadian bank to quit using the independent banking ombudsman, and we have heard nothing from the government. The ombudsman is there to stand up for the everyday consumer against the big banks. It protects families when banks make errors in dealing with their accounts.

If the government is not standing up for everyday consumers, then who is?

Shelly Glover Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, currently all banks are required to have consumer complaints procedures in place and have a third-party dispute-handling body. However, there is a variation in procedures used, and this is a concern for us and consumers.

To better protect consumers, we are forcing banks to belong to government-approved independent third-party bodies. We are establishing uniform regulatory standards for internal complaints procedures. We are giving the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada the authority to monitor and enforce compliance. We have passed legislation for this and are now finalizing regulations.

Unfortunately, the NDP voted against all of it.

Glenn Thibeault Sudbury, ON

Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of talk there, but not much of an answer, especially for families who are tired of being treated unfairly by the big banks.

By doing nothing, the government is giving the banks a get-out-of-jail-free card on consumer protection. Overseas, our finance minister sings the virtues of Canada's strong banking regulations, while he lets them slide here at home.

Why will the government not stand up for Canadian families instead of giving the big banks a free pass?

Shelly Glover Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, as I just said, it is important that the NDP actually support measures that help to protect Canadian families in this area.

While I am on my feet, let me remind Canadians about how the NDP feels about jobs and the economy. It is pushing a $10 billion tax hike on employers that would kill Canadian jobs, a massive CPP payroll tax hike that would kill jobs, an anti-trade agenda that would limit Canada's exports and kill jobs. Why is the NDP voting against a job-creating measure like the hiring credit for small businesses?

The NDP needs to explain its anti-job, anti-trade, anti-Canada agenda.

Steven Blaney Minister of Veterans Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Etobicoke Centre for this question and also for his work for veterans and their families.

I want to commend the Royal Canadian Legion for its efforts in raising money through the poppy fund. This money, raised during the campaign, helps to provide additional care for our veterans and their families. The recent theft of the poppy box is appalling to all Canadians. I want those responsible to know that not only should they be ashamed of their actions, but they should discover the actions of Canada's true heroes.

It is our duty as Canadians to show respect and honour the sacrifices of those who served and those who continue to serve our country. We lost two only last week. As Veterans' Week begins, let us say that we will--

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

The hon. member for Etobicoke North.

Kirsty Duncan Etobicoke North, ON

Mr. Speaker, while the Minister of the Environment might feel he does not owe Canadians an apology for dismantling environmental monitoring programs, he certainly owes them an explanation. The minister continues to repeat his talking points about the ozone data centre's world-class services, but fails to answer the questions he is asked.

Will he finally come clean and tell us what is being cut from the ozone program, and why?

Peter Kent Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, once again, I thank my colleague for her question, but it is the same answer. Environment Canada will continue to monitor ozone. The World Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation Data Centre will continue to provide world-class ozone services.

Again, I make no apologies for finding the most cost-effective ways for the government to protect Canada's environment.

Carol Hughes Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON

Mr. Speaker, since March 31, Environment Canada has turned off the tap on funding to the Lake Superior binational program. Not only is this program designed to restore degraded areas and protect this unique headwater from pollution and urbanization, but it is also part of long-standing commitments between Canada and the U.S. to protect and restore our Great Lakes.

Why is the government threatening Canada-U.S. relations by pulling the plug on this critical environmental initiative? When will it turn the tap back on?

Peter Kent Minister of the Environment

Mr. Speaker, every assumption in that question is absolutely false. We are in the midst of negotiating a renewed Great Lakes water quality agreement. I would advise the member that if she wishes to know more about our plans, to contact me at the department.

Dave Van Kesteren Chatham-Kent—Essex, ON

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year Canada responded rapidly and strongly after the UN Security Council passed a resolution to protect civilians who were being attacked by the Gadhafi regime in Libya. In less than 24 hours CF-18s were airborne from 3 Wing Bagotville en route to their operating base in Trapani, Italy, along with strategic air-to-air refueling support from 8 Wing Trenton's Polaris aircraft. Canada also sent a frigate to patrol the central Mediterranean.

Could the associate minister of national defence please inform the House when our heroes are coming home?

Julian Fantino Associate Minister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for this very important question and his steadfast support for our brave men and women.

Our military heroes are returning home this week after a successful mission. Our personnel helped to enforce a no-fly zone and an arms embargo. Because of their hard work, the world is a better and safer place.

Today, I will be in Bagotville with the Chief of the Defence Staff to welcome home our CF-18 pilots. Military heroes are also returning to CFB Trenton later tonight and CFB Greenwood tomorrow.

Bravo Zulu to all our brave men and women for a job well done.