House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 33% of the vote.
International Trade February 15th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the Americans are not too shy to talk about what was discussed. Here is what influential House Speaker Paul Ryan said after meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
We had a productive conversation about how we can enhance these ties, including by strengthening NATO and improving dairy market access.
Paul Ryan said that. If you are unable to answer, parliamentary secretary, Paul Ryan is doing it. What have you put on the table, please?
International Trade February 15th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, what do we have to show for the second state visit to Washington in less than a year? Nothing.
Our Prime Minister said that he was prepared to reopen NAFTA before he was even asked to do so. Fortunately, President Trump is talking in terms of mere tweaks. I hope that is how it will play out.
What is actually on the table? The government is going to negotiate. I hope that tears will not play a role in negotiations this time. What did the government put on the table? Did it put the softwood lumber agreement on the table? There has been talk of supply management. What is the truth? What did it put on the table?
Taxation February 14th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the previous government had to deal with the worst economic crisis since the Second World War. Despite having to deal with that, we had an operating surplus and balanced the budget.
About the carbon tax. Why are the Liberals not talking about its repercussions? They are hiding the numbers. It will have an impact on Canadian families. The numbers were redacted in the information our party received.
Why is that? What impact will this carbon tax have on an average family?
Finance February 14th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, between 2009 and the last election, 1.3 million new jobs were created in Canada, most of which were full-time jobs. That is the previous government's record. We managed to balance the budget and create a surplus.
During the election campaign, the Liberals promised a small deficit of $10 billion, which was actually already huge. Now they are talking about triple that amount, that is, a deficit between $20 billion and $30 billion. It makes no sense. They talk about an infrastructure plan, but it will be on the backs of our grandchildren, who will have to pay down that debt in the future.
Which taxes do the Liberals plan to raise in order to balance the budget?
Taxation February 9th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, only a Liberal would try to make people believe that a program that helps 90% of the population is better than the universal child care benefit, which helped 100% of the population.
The Minister of Finance has lost control of government spending, and our children and grandchildren will have to pay the price.
Can he promise today that he will not cut any other benefits for families who need them?
Taxation February 9th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister has completely lost control of the government's spending. The deficit will be two or three times more than was promised, and he will need to raise taxes in order to balance his budget. Will the finance minister confirm today that he will not attack Canadian seniors by removing pension income-splitting to balance his budget?
Employment February 9th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, this week, a number of government ministers went to Washington. Next week, it will be the Prime Minister's turn to go.
Canadians want tangible results, not just tweets, photos, and words. They want jobs.
How does the Prime Minister plan to maintain trade ties with the Americans while protecting jobs here in Canada?
Softwood Lumber February 8th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, several of my parliamentary colleagues and I met with a delegation of mayors from the Union des municipalités du Québec.
The Prime Minister just said that the ministers' mandate letters should be taken as gospel. Not a single one of the letters talks about the need to resolve the softwood lumber issue. That is quite worrisome.
How can these politicians who believe in the future of the forestry industry in Quebec and across Canada hope to gain support when we have seen nothing but talk and no results?
When will we finally see results?
Foreign Affairs February 8th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, a number of government ministers are in Washington today. Of course, we are getting used to extravagant visits to Washington. There will be a big dinner with all kinds of photo ops. We welcomed the President of the United States here on June 29. Once again, there was a big show and a big party, but with zero results.
Are the ministers who went to Washington actually going to bring anything back for Canadians?
International Trade February 7th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, that is not very reassuring.
Yesterday, ministers from across the country came to Ottawa to talk about the future of softwood lumber. Today, dairy producers from across Canada are here in Ottawa to voice their concerns. On June 29, I was here with all of our colleagues when the government said that it would resolve the softwood lumber issue within 100 days. However, this has not happened yet.
Do we not have reason to be worried? There is a lot of talk but no action. What is the plan?