Colin Carrie

[The Environment, June 10th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we are taking a balanced approach. I think most people forget that Canada represents less than 2% of global emissions, while the U.S. produces almost 20%.

Canadians need to know that the coal-fired energy generation in the U.S. produces the greenhouse gas emissions of all the emissions produced in Canada, combined.

We are pleased the U.S. is following Canada's footsteps. We continue to build on our record and work with the U.S. to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions internationally. We will do it without a $20-billion carbon tax.

[The Environment, June 10th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, clearly, the NDP does not understand the concept of balance. They always say no to responsible economic development. They say no to greenhouse gas reductions and to responsible transportation by pipeline. They say no to the environmental protection measures in our budget without reading it.

The only thing the NDP says yes to is a $20-billion carbon tax.

[The Environment, June 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to say that our approach is working. Thanks to our actions, carbon emissions will go down close to 130 megatonnes from what they would have been under the Liberals.

What does the other parties want? They want a $20-billion carbon tax. Let us look at what this would do to hard-working Canadian families. This would be a tax on electricity, transportation, heating for their homes, clothes, groceries, and the list goes on. Canadians do not want more taxes. They do not want a $20-billion carbon tax.

We are going to continue with our approach.

[The Environment, June 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the premise of that question is ridiculous. Canadians across the country have applauded the announcement we made to launch the national conservation plan. It promotes our government's strong legacy of conservation work and includes new investments to secure ecologically sensitive lands, and conserve marine and coastal areas. It helps to connect Canadians to nature in urban areas.

This was a commitment we made in the 2013 Speech from the Throne, and I am proud to be part of a government that keeps its promises and listens to Canadians.

[The Environment, June 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the Liberals are really messed up on the environmental file. We actually welcome the move from the U.S.

We took action on this sector two years ago, which means our regulations will come into effect sooner and our regulations are stricter. We also estimate that we will achieve a 46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the coal sector by 2030 compared with 30% in the U.S.

We also have one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world, with 77% of our electricity supply emitting no greenhouse gas emissions, compared with 33% in the U.S.

[Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (Vanessa's Law), May 30th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, following the comments of the opposition House leader, I hope that we can get unanimous consent for the following:

I move:

That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practices of this House, Bill C-17, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act, be deemed to have been read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Health.

[Natural Resources, May 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the leadership role that Canada is taking.

Canada is currently active in the international negotiations for a post-2020 climate change agreement under the United Nations framework convention on climate change. The negotiations have established a clear timetable and process for all countries to develop post-2020 mitigation commitments well in advance of the December 2015 Paris meeting where a new climate change agreement will be concluded.

Canada supports a new agreement that is fair and ambitious, while applicable to all major emitters, including China.

[Natural Resources, May 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the environment, while keeping the Canadian economy strong.

We have made significant investments to assist Canada's transition to a clean energy economy and have been achieving real results.

I am surprised to hear the member opposite cite China's energy policy as a model for Canada to follow. Let us look at some of the facts.

In terms of China's energy consumption, 91% is currently coming from carbon-emitting sources and 69% of that is from coal. Less than 8% of China's energy is currently being generated from renewable sources.

Let us compare that to Canada and what our government has been achieving.

First, Canada is a global leader in the generation of clean and renewable energy. We are the world's third-largest producer of hydroelectricity, and more than three-quarters of the electricity we generate produces no greenhouse gas emissions.

Since 2006, our government has invested more than $10 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable environment. This includes investment in green infrastructure, energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and the production of cleaner fuels. We are also the first major coal user to ban construction of traditional coal-fired electricity generation units.

The first 21 years of our new coal regulations are expected to result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 214 megatons. This is equivalent of removing roughly 2.6 million personal vehicles from the road per year.

In addition, since 2008, Canada experienced a 24% growth in clean energy investment, ranking it eighth in the world and Canada ranks fifth worldwide in green investment intensity; that is clean energy investment per dollar of GDP.

Our record speaks for itself, and it is safe to say that we will not be taking any lessons from China or the member opposite.

[The Environment, May 15th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Kitchener Centre for the excellent question and for all the great work he has done on this file.

I am proud to say that the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Environment launched the national conservation plan in Fredericton just two hours ago. The plan promotes our government's strong legacy of conservation work and includes new investments to secure ecologically sensitive lands, conserve marine and coastal areas, and help connect Canadians to nature in urban areas.

I am proud to be part of a government that keeps its promises and listens to Canadians.

[Naturopathic Medicine Week, May 15th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I know my constituents in Oshawa appreciate more health and wellness choices. This week, May 12 to May 18, is Naturopathic Medicine Week. Naturopathic doctors are addressing the needs of Canadians by providing them with the tools they need to take a proactive approach to their health care.

As primary health care practitioners, naturopathic doctors identify the underlying causes of disease and use a blend of conventional, traditional, and natural medicines to deliver an individualized approach to health care. Our Conservative government recognizes the importance of naturopathic doctors. In the recent federal budget, we eliminated the GST-HST on services provided by acupuncturists and naturopathic doctors, increasing access to front-line primary health care services to Canadians across our great country.

I ask everyone here today to recognize Naturopathic Medicine Week.