House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 43% of the vote.
Privilege November 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, constituents or companies should at all times be able to contact their member of Parliament. If it is interpreted in such a way that they are not, that is wrong.
The wording I will look at, but all members of the House know that part of the job, as a member of Parliament, is to help their constituents and communicate with them.
As I said in question period, I will look at the exact wording. If changes need to be made, we will make those immediately.
Natural Resources November 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as usual, the Alliance Party is interested in cheap politics, instead of looking at the real issues.
If the hon. member were serious about this, he would take the time to raise this with me so we could look at this issue to resolve it.
However, I am sure the hon. member is not interested in resolving it but only wants to get cheap political points. That is normal for the Alliance Party. That is why it is at 12% in the polls.
Natural Resources November 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as the House knows, the government has been supporting ethanol. In fact, under the climate change program, we put forward $100 million to help expand the ethanol program.
The hon. member has raised an issue that I am not aware of, but I can assure the hon. member and the House that I will look into the matter if he gives me the full details to ensure that members of Parliament are fully aware of some of the things that we are doing.
Housing October 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for raising this issue.
EnerGuide is a $70 million program that will help homeowners insulate their homes to become more energy efficient. We are using the private sector to ensure that we have people who can evaluate the homes. Unfortunately, it has been slow because the private sector was slow to train for it and because we only announced the program very recently.
However, I can assure the hon. member that we are training more and more people to ensure that they can do the evaluation so Canadians can play an important role in climate change and have more energy efficient homes. We will be there to--
Ethics October 28th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member would take the time to do his research, he would find that any gift received over $200 is listed with the conflict of interest counsellor. I have abided fully with all the requirements.
If the hon. member has any evidence that I have not, he should go to the conflict of interest counsellor or he should table it in the House here today. If he has evidence of any time that I have not complied with the counsellor, he should stand up right now, instead of doing this nonsense in the House.
Nuclear Industry October 28th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the nuclear industry is a $5 billion industry that creates thousands of jobs across the country.
Of course, in terms of the structure of AECL, this is something that is being reviewed at this time as to how we can change the structure to take advantage of new opportunities.
Last week the Prime Minister was in China. The Chinese bought two Candu reactors and they were on time and on budget. I hope we have further opportunities. That is showing off the technology. Canada is leading the world in nuclear technology.
Ethics October 28th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I am amazed at members of the Alliance Party. Is this what Canadians elected them to do, ask questions for $200? No. They were elected to debate the issues most important to Canadians and that affect Canadians. That is why they are at only 13% in the polls and going down further.
Ethanol Industry October 21st, 2003
Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me congratulate the member for Chatham—Kent Essex on his great work on the ethanol file. Both he and the rural caucus spent a lot of time looking at programs to expand ethanol.
We were happy yesterday to announce $100 million for the ethanol expansion program over and above our announcement in the past of $140 million in loan guarantees as well as reducing the excise tax by 10¢.
This is a great announcement for Canadians. It is a great announcement for ethanol and for the good work that the Liberal caucus has done.
Forest Industry October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, in fact, we are investing in communities. Let me give the hon. member some examples.
In the riding of Cariboo—Chilcotin, $2 million was invested under the community adjustment program. In the riding of Nanaimo—Cowichan, $310,000 for a community adjustment program was invested. In the riding of Vancouver Island North, $230,000 was invested.
These are investments in those communities. By the way, all of these investments are in Alliance ridings.
The Environment October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for his interest in this issue.
The Minister of Industry and I announced $215 million to be invested in the hydrogen economy to ensure that Canada continues to be a leader in the hydrogen economy and that we develop a foundation so when the rest of the world is looking for energy, which is clean burning and which can help us in Kyoto, Canada will be there, leading.
I know the Alliance members do not understand what it is to invest in the country. They are only interested in cutting.