Debates of Dec. 5th, 2011

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, we want to ensure that everyone has full inclusivity in all aspects of society, including the disabled. We have agreements with the provinces for labour market agreements with persons with disabilities so that on the ground, where the needs are best known, the provinces can help deliver the help that the disabled need to get the skills to get the jobs.

We have also made it possible and easier for them to finance and access post-secondary education and to make the payments of loans easier. We have even made over 600 community buildings across Canada more accessible. Unfortunately, the NDP voted against that.

James Lunney Nanaimo—Alberni, BC

Mr. Speaker, for weeks now, a shadow of uncertainty has been cast over the health of B.C. salmon due to the spread of premature and unsubstantiated claims. Infectious salmon anemia poses no risk to people and Pacific salmon appear to be resistant to the disease. However, at the forefront of the fear-mongering are members of the NDP who never seem to miss an opportunity to attack Canadian industry and undermine consumer confidence in our products.

Could the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans please update the House on the outcomes of intensified scientific scrutiny of this issue?

Keith Ashfield Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway

Mr. Speaker, results from the extensive testing carried out over the last weeks have revealed that there are, in fact, no confirmed cases of ISA in B.C. waters. We continue the regular testing of all species of salmon in B.C., as we have for at least a decade.

The bottom line is that B.C. salmon is healthy and safe. As the member noted, the NDP's premature conclusions on serious matters such as these is completely irresponsible and, furthermore, is damaging to the Canadian industry.

John McKay Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

Mr. Speaker, another week, another problem. Now we learn that the F-35s are developing a disturbing number of cracks in the fuselage. We have a government committed to a plane that cannot land in the north, cannot communicate in the north, cannot refuel anywhere and is full of cracks. The only thing about this plane that can take off are the costs.

In May 2010, the minister said that, in Canada, we will have “an open, competitive, transparent process”. Where is it?

Julian Fantino Associate Minister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, Canadians elected our government to equip our Canadian Forces with the best aircraft, the best benefits for workers at the best price for taxpayers, and that is what we are doing.

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order, please. The hon. associate minister has the floor.

Julian Fantino Vaughan, ON

The development phase ensures areas of improvement are identified and addressed before Canada delivers its aircraft to our people.

That is the very same party that sent our men and women into Afghanistan wearing green uniforms, black boots and without proper equipment.

We are doing our job.

Philip Toone Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board was forced to change the mandate of the panel studying the Old Harry project because it could not perform its duties in the other provinces. That is a worrisome decision by the Conservative government and it creates confusion. It could have been avoided if the minister had set up a federal review panel from the very start, which he refused to do.

Will the minister admit that he failed to fulfill his responsibilities?

Joe Oliver Minister of Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, the decision made was to increase the authority of the commissioner so that he could have the power to opine on the entire project and not just be confined to the area that was within provincial jurisdiction.

The member opposite should have been happy with this result. We have an independent regulatory body that is doing its job in the interests of this country.

Earl Dreeshen Red Deer, AB

Mr. Speaker, Canadians value the work that our front line police officers do every day to keep our streets and communities safe, and this often comes at no small price to their own personal safety.

Yesterday, near the town of Breton next to my riding, there was a serious incident involving the shooting of an individual who had barricaded himself in his home and exchanged gunfire with the RCMP.

Could the Minister of Public Safety please update the House on the status of this incident?

Vic Toews Minister of Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his unwaivering support of our front line police officers. I am happy to report that yesterday the RCMP, in co-operation with the Edmonton Police Service, safely secured a very dangerous situation and successfully arrested their suspect.

I would specifically thank the two RCMP officers who sustained gunshot wounds while securing the premises. On behalf of the government, we wish them a very speedy recovery.

Irene Mathyssen London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, seniors have paid their dues to our country but the government demonstrates over and over again that seniors just are not a priority.

Fortunately, the NDP is listening to seniors. We held a round table discussion this morning to hear first-hand about the challenges seniors face. That is in contrast to the government's attitude of ignoring seniors' needs for affordable housing, pension security and pharmacare.

Why does the government refuse to allow our seniors to age with dignity?

Alice Wong Minister of State (Seniors)

Mr. Speaker, Canadians gave us a strong mandate to continue doing more for seniors than any other government. It was our government that introduced pension income splitting, lower taxes for seniors, increased funding for elder abuse awareness and provided the largest GIS increase in a quarter century. What did the opposition members do? They voted against all of these measures.