House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 17% of the vote.
Aboriginal Affairs February 25th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, let me repeat what I said earlier. The best way to ensure that first nations children and families get the support and services they need is by working together, first nations, provinces and territories, and that is what we are doing. We have introduced a new enhanced prevention approach in dealing with the rights of first nations children and we will continue to work with our partners to improve the situation.
Aboriginal Affairs February 25th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, we believe that the best way to ensure that first nations children and families receive the support and services they need is to work together with first nations and the provinces and territories in order to improve the situation. These are tough challenges. We will continue to work together with our aboriginal partners across Canada and with the provinces and territories to improve the situation for aboriginal people across the country.
Aboriginal Affairs February 25th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, let me say, first of all, we believe that the best way to make sure first nation children and families get the support and services they need is to work together with first nations, provinces and territories. I want to remind the hon. member that it is our government that introduced a culturally sensitive enhanced protection approach to protect thousands of children on reserve, and we will continue to work with first nations to ensure children and families have the supports they need to have safe—
Veterans Affairs February 15th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the minister was clear yesterday. As soon as the court decision was rendered, our government took action.
In January the government announced an $887 million agreement had been reached with the veterans' counsel, which we can all agree is a tremendous assistance to the veterans and their families. The government believes that legal fees of $66 million or $13,000 an hour is grossly excessive. We would rather have the money go to the veterans and their families.
National Defence February 1st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, French or English, my answer will be the same.
Clearly, the question she is asking deals with a matter that is currently before the courts. She should realize that it would be completely inappropriate for me to discuss a matter that is before the courts, so I will refrain from doing so.
National Defence February 1st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, one would hope that the NDP had enough respect for our judicial system and the fundamental rights of accused in Canada not to interfere in a matter that is before the courts. It would be inappropriate for me to discuss this matter, as it is before the courts.
Regional Development January 29th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, as a matter of fact, if the hon. member cares to look at the budget of ACOA, he will find that all programs, either for community development or business development, are fully and solidly funded. As a matter of fact, we have turned down no application for lack of funds. We continue to help small and medium-size businesses to create jobs in Atlantic Canada. By the way, they are taking advantage of the huge naval shipbuilding initiative which will create thousands of jobs all across Atlantic Canada.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency January 28th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, as an arm's-length corporation, ECBC is responsible for its business decisions and, of course, we expect ECBC to make its decisions in the best interests of Canadian taxpayers.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency January 28th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, as an arm's-length crown corporation, ECBC—
Questions on the Order Paper December 11th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, insofar as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is concerned, and with respect to (a) on the amount disbursed to the director general of operations for Prince Edward Island, since August 1, 2012, no funds have been disbursed for (i) travel expenses, (ii) hospitality expenses, and (iii) travel status benefits. With respect to (b) regarding the official language training for ACOA’s director general of operations for PEI, since August 1, 2012, the total cost incurred is $3,979.00 and the total amount disbursed is $6,064.00 for the full third quarter calendar year, and the director general of operations is no longer receiving training. With respect to (c)(i)(ii), the response is no.