House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 25% of the vote.
Financial System Review Act February 3rd, 2012
Madam Speaker, I would like to continue along the same lines.
When it comes to studying such an important bill—the upper chamber studied it for three weeks—they missed an important opportunity to examine the fundamentals of the banking system and financial institutions. Several aspects were studied, particularly technical aspects, but much more could have been done to protect consumers, as my colleague mentioned. Why were further steps not taken to protect consumers?
Financial System Review Act February 3rd, 2012
Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member opposite for his presentation.
As he said, this bill affects many Canadians and an entire industry. I would like to know why, in his opinion, such an important bill was introduced in the upper chamber instead of here, in the House of Commons. That would have shown the type of respect such an important bill deserves.
Employment February 3rd, 2012
Madam Speaker, the reality is that the Quebec economy has lost 45,000 jobs in the past year. The unemployment rate is increasing in Montreal and Quebec City. The small number of jobs created are mostly part-time and low paying. There is not enough work for the growing labour force.
Why refuse to face facts? Why stubbornly persist with an inaction plan that does not work?
Employment February 3rd, 2012
Madam Speaker, what is upsetting is to have the Conservatives make all kinds of excuses rather than face reality.
In Montreal, jobs continue to disappear; the unemployment rate is 9%. We are talking about Quebec's economic hub. A change in direction is needed. Where is that change in direction?
Champlain Bridge December 14th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, since the announcement of the construction of the new Champlain Bridge over two months ago, families in Montreal and the south shore are still in the dark and have yet to be consulted. We still do not know what the real costs of the project will be or whether there will be any rapid and efficient public transportation on the new bridge. What is most concerning is that we still have no timeline.
Will the government finally show some transparency and give us a timeline for the new Champlain Bridge?
Fair Representation Act December 13th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I listened very carefully to what the member on the other side said.
The member spoke about proportionality and the fact that Quebec does not deserve a specific proportion. He really talked about Canadian history. I remind the member that Quebec is one of the founding peoples of Canada. I remind him that in 2006, the Conservative Party recognized Quebec as a nation. There was obviously a need there.
After recognizing Quebec as a nation, when it is time to take action and have a proportion, why is the government not taking the first opportunity to respect Quebec's right?
The Economy December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the National Bank completed the round of publication of results of large Canadian banks by announcing that it made a record net profit of $1.2 billion. Meanwhile, Canadians are having difficulty since job losses are piling up. A total of 19,000 jobs were lost in November and 54,000 full-time jobs were lost in October.
Since the Conservatives cling to the belief that tax cuts must be given to banks that are making billions of dollars in profit a year, here is a simple question. How many jobs will the Conservatives create with this gift of $1.4 billion for the banks?
The Economy December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the big six banks might be celebrating under the Conservative government, but Canadian families are not getting any further ahead. Jobless numbers are going up, not down. Life is getting more expensive, not more affordable. The $1.4 billion the government just blew on tax cuts for profitable banks could have been used to create jobs.
The government sure likes to play Santa to the banks, but why are Canadian families only getting a lump of coal?
Business of Supply December 5th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the motion could perhaps help this government, because we want the government to take action. The government must think about the future, about the long term and about future generations. It must think about the future economy. A green economy is coming. Countries like Germany and even China are already investing in this economy.
So the government must take action now to reap the benefits later. We are proposing that the cost of pollution be included in the price we pay now. If we do not pay for pollution now, future generations will end up doing so. The government is not preparing for the future. We are proposing a system such as cap and trade. That is why we want to put a price on carbon.
Could the member opposite confirm that the Conservatives will ensure that future generations do not end up paying for this government's inaction?
Committees of the House December 2nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Finance in relation to Supplementary Estimates (B) 2011-12.