Debates of Feb. 11th, 2011

Patricia Davidson Sarnia—Lambton, ON

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are becoming concerned about increasing rates of obesity. We have heard about some of the good work our government is doing on the issue, such as the federal-provincial-territorial framework for action to promote healthy weights endorsed by the minister and her provincial-territorial partners.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health inform the House about some of our government's other initiatives to combat obesity and promote healthy living in Canada?

Colin Carrie Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, our government is concerned about the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among youth. As the member mentioned, we are taking action.

We recently launched an educational advertisement campaign to deliver health and safety information to Canadian parents. Only yesterday, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada commended our work, saying that Health Canada and the minister hit the mark with the recently launched children's health and safety campaign.

When it comes to the health and safety of Canadians, this government is getting the job done.

Gurbax Malhi Bramalea—Gore—Malton, ON

Mr. Speaker, despite racking up the largest deficit in Canadian history, the government has done little to help the region of Peel. At Christmastime, I saw, first-hand, my constituents lining up at food banks, while their EI was expiring.

Why did the government increase taxes on every small business in Peel and hurt their efforts to create jobs for the unemployed?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, what we have done is try to help Canadians through the toughest part of this recession. That is why we have made an effort to ensure they could get back to work. We put on extra staff to ensure EI claims were processed quickly.

Also, to help those less fortunate, we have taken a number of steps. We have increased the working income tax benefit and doubled it. We have also sped up the processing of benefits such as the Canadian pension plan and old age security. We have automated renewal of the guaranteed income supplement. All of these are to help Canadians who are facing tough times.

Pierre Lemieux Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government is extremely proud of our product of Canada labelling initiative. Canadians want to know what is in their food. Our initiative with respect to product of Canada labelling tells them that if it says “Product of Canada”, 98% of the product contained within that product is Canadian.

We continue to consult with industry and consumers to ensure these guidelines work. The member should speak to the member for Malpeque, her opposition colleague, who says:

—the...regulations provide consumers with honest information on the contents they purchase and the changes could also increase the consumption of Canadian products.

Joe Comartin Windsor—Tecumseh, ON

Mr. Speaker, the CBSA is creating a centralized office in southern Ontario. Windsor is Canada's largest border gateway. In addition, we are in process of building a new bridge. Therefore, we were not surprised to hear that an independent, impartial study recommended that office be set up in Windsor.

Instead, what has happened is the office is going to the Minister of Justice's riding along with 100 jobs from Windsor.

Will the Conservative government explain to the House, to the Canadian people and to my constituents how that political interference could come to that kind of a decision?

Dave MacKenzie Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, CBSA announced that merging its administrative services in southern Ontario would be done to increase efficiency and save taxpayer money. Fort Erie, Ontario has been chosen as the location for the new regional headquarters office.

Let us look at the facts. All points of entry will remain and there are no border closures as a result of merging these regions.

I call on the NDP and the opposition coalition to stop caring more about the perpetrators of crime than they do about victims and pass our bill to abolish accelerated parole review.

Colin Mayes Okanagan—Shuswap, BC

Mr. Speaker, Canadian exporters are hurting. The global economic recession has cost jobs and in many cases has led to increased protectionism. Canadian businesses are among the most competitive in the world, but they need the government to go toe to toe with foreign governments to open new markets.

Could the Minister of International Trade please tell the House what he is doing to open those doors?

Peter Van Loan Minister of International Trade

Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times, our government's focus is on the economy and creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians. We are doing that through trade, through an ambitious campaign to promote Canadian goods and products and through negotiating free-trade agreements with eight countries and being in negotiations with close to 50 others.

Today there are new statistics that show we are making progress. In December there was a posting of a 10% increase in our merchandise exports. For the first time since February 2010, we are now posting a trade surplus rather than a deficit. This is good news.

However, the economic recovery remains fragile. We must continue our efforts. That is why we are working on things such as our free trade negotiations with the European Union to deliver jobs and prosperity for Canadians.

Gurbax Malhi Bramalea—Gore—Malton, ON

Mr. Speaker, the government cut $6 billion in taxes for the richest and largest corporations, while it hiked payroll taxes for every small business in the country. It has cut millennium scholarships for students and has wasted billions of dollars on megaprisons. It has cut off spending on affordable housing, but have billions to spend on fighter jets.

Why is this government ignoring the real needs of families?

Shelly Glover Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise for the first time to defend businesses and families across this country.

Just the other day, the Liberal Party claimed to represent the interests of small businesses, misleading the House, indicating that the Canadian Federation of Independent Business supported its plan to increase taxes by $6 billion.

I am going to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to ask you to encourage the Liberal Party to apologize to the CFIB today for that misleading comment.

Chris Charlton Hamilton Mountain, ON

Mr. Speaker, for decades the building trades have been lobbying for income tax deductions for travel and accommodation when their members are working away from home. My Bill C-227 would achieve that goal, but frankly, I have told the Minister of Finance that I do not care who gets the credit as long as we get the job done.

Past Liberal governments refused to act and ignored the evidence that this initiative actually saves the government money. The tax cut is cheaper than paying EI for workers who cannot afford to accept jobs in other parts of the country.

I know that the finance minister cannot reveal what is in his budget, but will he assure the building trades that he is working on giving them support?

John Baird Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, we look forward to seeing the member's bill.

The Minister of Finance is currently receiving submissions for his next budget. We have had literally hundreds of round tables right across the country. We obviously want to do everything we can to ensure that jobs are created and we are on solid economic footing.

I would appreciate, though, if the member from the NDP would read the budget before she decides to vote against it.