House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 31% of the vote.
National Defence October 28th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie's mandate was to trim 5% of the Canadian Forces’ $19 billion budget immediately. In the meantime, the Conservatives want to spend $470 billion on military procurement over the next 20 years.
Does the Prime Minister realize that without a real foreign defence policy all these cuts and all these purchases will be totally improvised and inconsistent?
Afghanistan October 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, contrary to the Major-General's statements and the response that the minister just gave us, the convention does not require proof of torture. Even mere suspicion means the transfers should stop.
Does the government admit that by not applying this precautionary principle to Afghan detainees, it failed in its obligations under the Geneva convention?
Afghanistan October 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, before the Military Police Complaints Commission, Major-General Guy Laroche said that 20% of Afghan detainees alleged that they had been mistreated. Despite these allegations, the transfers continued. According to Major-General Laroche, he needed evidence of abuse before he could stop the transfers. But according to the Geneva convention, transfers must stop if there is a suspicion of torture.
Does the Major-General's admission not prove that Canada has failed in its obligations regarding torture and that it violated the Geneva convention?
Government Spending September 28th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the Pentagon will use its review of contracts for building F-35s to help American manufacturers. While the Americans are vigorously defending their national interests, the Conservative government seems unable to demand anything at all for Quebec aerospace companies. It seems to me that when the government signs a $16 billion contract, it should be in a position to impose some conditions.
When will this government go to bat for Quebec's aerospace industry?
Government Spending September 28th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, while the Conservative government did not even try to get guaranteed economic benefits for Quebec, the American government is reviewing contracts already awarded to produce F-35s. This reconsideration suggests that Quebec will benefit even less than anticipated.
My question is for the Conservative members from Quebec. Where are they? Where are they hiding? Can they explain why they are not willing to stand up for the aerospace industry, which is concentrated in Quebec?
Afghanistan September 23rd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, to justify its decision to release the information requested by the opposition, the government is claiming that the level of risk has changed. However, on the ground, it is quite the opposite. Security is deteriorating and insurgent violence is escalating.
Will the government acknowledge that there was no justification for hiding this information from the public for four years?
Afghanistan September 23rd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the government has just made public the number of Afghan detainees transferred by the Canadian army. Although the government claimed for four years that this information could jeopardize the safety of the troops, it has now done an about-face.
Why did it take the government so long to agree to provide the figures that would give an idea of the extent of the transfers, as the opposition had requested for months?
National Defence September 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the largest military contract in Canadian history, the F-35 fighter jet contract, will not be subject to the industrial and regional benefits policy. That is unprecedented. The Conservative government has given up and seems unable to defend the interests of the aerospace industry, which is primarily located in Quebec.
Why is the Conservative government asking taxpayers to foot the $16 billion bill without ensuring that the Canadian and Quebec aerospace industry receives its fair share of contracts?
Questions on the Order Paper September 20th, 2010
With respect to Quai Richelieu in Lacolle, under the responsibility of the Canada Border Services Agency, and the risks it poses to the safety of ships and boaters: (a) does the Minister of Public Safety intend to intervene so that safe and lasting solutions are taken together with boaters and users of the facilities in the near future; (b) is work planned or scheduled to (i) improve the safety of ladders, railings and handrails, (ii) take protective measures to prevent falls on the hard surfaces leading to the office, (iii) make contrasting strips by painting the steps and landings of the Quai Richelieu; and (c) what is, if applicable, the deadline for each of the projects described in (b)?
Afghanistan June 9th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it is simple. The government is obstructing the Military Police Complaints Commission, and is interfering with its work. Furthermore, it is dragging its feet regarding the agreement to reveal information on the torture of Afghan prisoners.
Mr. Speaker, how can the government claim to respect your decision, when it is doing everything it can to avoid shedding light on its involvement in the torture of Afghan prisoners?