Debates of March 2nd, 2011

Don Davies Vancouver Kingsway, BC

Mr. Speaker, regional economic development agencies are at the forefront in strengthening local economies and fighting the effects of the recession.

However, we learned yesterday that the Conservatives are planning to slash their budgets. These cuts will hurt communities across Canada, but the damage will be the worst in the west. Western Economic Diversification alone is taking a 50% hit to its funding. That is less money for badly needed jobs, less for infrastructure, less for trade and tourism and less for small business.

With families and businesses still struggling, why has the government abandoned job-creating investments in the communities that need them the most?

Lynne Yelich Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification)

Mr. Speaker, we were given the responsibility in my department of delivering the key economic action plan initiatives for the west. Through the RInC and CAF programs, we delivered programs in communities in all four provinces. These were temporary projects designed to create jobs through the economic downturn. Since July 2009, we have created 460,000 jobs across the country.

What hurts the west is that party, which voted against our economic action plan.

Jason Kenney Minister of Citizenship

Mr. Speaker, we do have the cracking down on crooked consultants act, which is now before the Senate. We encourage the opposition to co-operate in its speedy passage.

The charges today relate to the facilitation of some 1,100 apparent violations of the Citizenship Act. This is where an unscrupulous consultant, for pay, will manufacture evidence of residency in Canada. We require people to live here for three years before they obtain citizenship.

We are taking firm action to defend the integrity of our citizenship law and our citizenship system. Because citizenship in Canada has such a great value, we will defend that value.

Greg Rickford Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Speaker, it turns out that, in addition to today's robust debate during question period, the Liberal member for Brossard—La Prairie used her Blackberry to take a flash photograph in the direction of a member of cabinet while answering questions in the House, the gallery above us and, in fact, Mr. Speaker, a flash photograph of you while you were busy presiding over the affairs of the House.

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, the taking of photos by members in the House is not in order at any time and I would ask that you would remind the member for Brossard—La Prairie of the rules of this place.

Alexandra Mendes Brossard—La Prairie, QC

I am really sorry, Mr. Speaker. I was trying to get the windows and the top of your chair. I will erase them. If you want proof, I will show them to you.

John Baird Ottawa West—Nepean, ON

She is covering it up.

Alexandra Mendes Brossard—La Prairie, QC

I am not covering anything up.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Order, please. Hon. members know that taking photographs in the Chamber is contrary to the rules. There are designated photographers here. Members can come into the Chamber when the House is not sitting and take pictures of the windows, the chair or their seat if they wish to do so. However, when the House is sitting it is not allowed. I would urge the hon. member to delete the photographs from her Blackberry as she has indicated.

I would urge all other hon. members to refrain from taking pictures either of others taking pictures or anything else that is going on in the House.

Joe Volpe Eglinton—Lawrence, ON

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order arising out of question period and it is on a more serious note.

I first want to compliment the Prime Minister for having made the decision and the announcement to engage in humanitarian contributions in Libya for those suffering.

However, one of the things that he neglected to tell the House in making his announcement is whether that $5 million will be attached to contributions by private donors. If that is the case, could he let us know? We would be pleased to receive the information.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

It sounds like a supplementary question. I would urge the hon. member to wait until tomorrow's question period and ask it then.

Would the hon. member for Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert also like to raise a point of order about question period?

Carole Lavallée Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, QC

Mr. Speaker, having asked a question in the House and heard the response from the Minister of Canadian Heritage concerning arts and culture funding, which keeps decreasing, I would like to seek unanimous consent to table a document given to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage by the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage. This document shows that arts and culture funding dropped by $2.7 million, or 7%, in 2010-11. I would like unanimous consent to table the document that backs up what I am saying.

The Speaker Peter Milliken

Does the hon. member have the unanimous consent of the House to table this document?