Debates of May 29th, 2012

Vic Toews Provencher, MB

Notwithstanding the comments by the member for Wascana, Mr. Speaker, we will work with the RCMP. We will not shut it down. We will ensure that the Canadian people are protected.

Jean Crowder Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC

Mr. Speaker, today UNICEF released a report on rates of child poverty that ranks Canada in the bottom third of industrialized countries. The report pulls no punches and says that the child poverty rate shows up in stunted individual potential, higher social costs and dimmed economic prosperity for all.

Will the government live up to its responsibilities under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and act now to end child and family poverty?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, the government has done exactly that. In fact, the percentage of children in poverty is half under our government of what it was under the Liberals. Why is that? It is because we have done a lot of things that the NDP voted against, such as enhancing the national child benefit and the child tax benefit. This year we are investing $19 billion in support of children. Those members are voting against it. We introduced the universal child care benefit that has taken 55,000 children out of the low income bracket. Those members voted against that. We have improved that for single families. They are voting against it too.

We are there. We are helping children get out of poverty. Too bad the NDP would not join us in that effort.

Ed Holder London West, ON

Mr. Speaker, my top priority and that of our government is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians.

The over 751,000 net new jobs created since July 2009 are positive signs that our pro-trade plan is on the right track for London workers and Canadian workers. Economic action plan 2012 announced a commitment to refresh the global commerce strategy.

Would the Minister of International Trade share with the House how our government is moving forward with what is the most comprehensive trade expansion plan in Canada's history?

Ed Fast Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway

Mr. Speaker, today on International Trade Day our government is launching the next phase of our pro-trade plan for jobs, growth and economic prosperity.

We have announced the start of formal consultations towards an updated global commerce strategy and also the appointment of an eminent panel of Canadian industry and business leaders who will provide advice on the next phase of the plan. This will demonstrate once again that Canadians can compete in the global marketplace against the best in the world and win.

I do want to thank the member for London West for his great work on the trade committee and for the great question.

John Rafferty Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

Mr. Speaker, as the government knows, the people of northwestern Ontario are a strong and united people, but we are not immune from the forces of nature. A state of emergency has been declared in Thunder Bay and the surrounding areas due to flooding. When the damage to public infrastructure is fully assessed, it will be in the tens of millions of dollars.

When the request for financial assistance comes from the municipalities and the province, is the Minister of Public Safety prepared to help the people of Thunder Bay and the surrounding areas rebuild after this unfortunate event?

Vic Toews Minister of Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to those affected by the flooding. Management of these situations rests primarily with the Province of Ontario, but there is room for federal involvement through the provisions of the disaster financial assistance agreement.

I have also discussed this matter with the member for Kenora to ensure that the voices of northern Ontarians are being heard along with that member. The Government of Canada stands ready to assist should we be requested to do so.

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, everything he has just said is absolutely false. The Liberals are the ones who looted the employment insurance fund, and we are the ones who have introduced a new system to make sure there is a balance between premiums paid and spending. Unfortunately, the Bloc voted against that effort to control spending and help the unemployed at the same time.

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

I would like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of a parliamentary delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by the Hon. Milorad Zivkovic, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

I would also like to draw to the attention of hon. members the presence in the gallery of the Hon. Ken Hughes, Minister of Energy for Alberta.

Peter MacKay Minister of National Defence

Mr. Speaker, in response to a question about the changes to the long-term disability policy, I wanted to thank all members of the House for their support, particularly the Minister of Veterans Affairs for his hard work on this file.