House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
Natural Resources February 4th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, the member for Peace River is absolutely correct. The State Department's final report concluded that if Keystone were not built, the result would be 28% to 42% higher GHG emissions. So, opposing the project would not only block job creation, it would exacerbate the problem of climate change.
It is far past the time for the NDP to get on the side of workers and the environment, apologize to Canadians, and support Keystone XL.
Consumer Protection February 4th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, in fact, it is within provincial jurisdiction to regulate distribution and pricing of propane. It may be that the Liberal Party wants to infringe on provincial jurisdiction, but that is not our view.
We understand this is an important issue for families who rely on affordable propane to heat their homes, and therefore, because our government cares for fairness for homeowners, we are asking the National Energy Board and the Competition Bureau to review propane market issues, including high prices and scarcity.
The Environment February 4th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, it is the obligation of the National Energy Board to do just that. There was an error on its part. We were not aware of it. The National Energy Board is an excellent organization that does independent scientific investigations. Frankly, the willingness of the other side to attack this independent group is not the right thing to do because, quite frankly, it does not believe in science. It makes its decisions before the regulator actually reports.
The Environment February 4th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am troubled by the fact that the National Energy Board did not immediately release the report. A report was in fact made public last year, and contains recommendations to deal with corrosion.
Our government takes the safety of Canadians and the environment very seriously. That is why we have implemented new pipeline safety measures, including increased inspections, audits, and fines.
We are working to improve our safety system, in contrast to the opposition, which votes against these measures every time.
The Environment February 3rd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, aside from misrepresenting what I said, the member also misunderstands what the final environmental impact statement on Keystone said. It concluded that if the project is not built, GHG emissions would rise by 28% to 42%. Therefore, opposing this project would not only block tens of thousands of Canadian jobs, it would also exacerbate the problem of climate change.
We are working with the Americans on a whole series of issues, and we will continue to do that. This project is ready, from an environmental point of view, for approval.
The Environment January 30th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, our government is absolutely focused on the responsible development of our natural resources. That is why today I had the pleasure of tabling the energy safety and security act, which will significantly increase environmental protection for the offshore and the nuclear sector and hold companies responsible for any damages to the environment.
While the opposition recklessly opposes safety measures that will protect Canadians, we are making progress on what matters.
Consumer Protection January 30th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I understand how important this issue is to families who rely on affordable propane to heat their homes. This is especially true, since Ontario families have already been hit by higher energy prices. It is within the jurisdiction of the Government of Ontario to regulate the distribution and pricing of propane.
Our government cares about fairness for homeowners, so we will be asking the National Energy Board and the Competition Bureau to review propane market issues, including high prices and scarcity.
Natural Resources January 29th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Yellowhead for the relevant question.
This is an over-the-top xenophobic attack ad by an American billionaire who made money trading in oil stocks. It attempts to mislead Americans about the overwhelming advantages of Keystone for both our countries.
In fact, Canadians own over 50% of oil sands reserves, while China's share is about 6%. Furthermore, no oil is designated for export from the United States.
Is the NDP really comfortable in supporting this attack on Canada by a—
Natural Resources January 28th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, the U.S. State Department has said that this project would not have a negative impact on the environment and, in fact, this pipeline would be safer than existing pipelines.
As to this preposterous allegation of exporting jobs, the fact is that jobs would be created in Canada in the tens of thousands. That is something that the unions in this country understand and support.
The member opposite should speak to the construction union workers who are very upset with their alleged supporters. This is not a position that will garner support among Canadians.
Natural Resources January 28th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, it amazes me how much the member opposite misunderstands the benefits to Canada of this great project, which would create tens of thousands of jobs in this country and billions of dollars of economic activity.
The vast majority of Americans are in favour of this project. So is the majority of senators, the majority of congressmen and every one of the governors of the states to which this project would go.
This is an excellent project for both our countries. The member opposite should get on the side of Canadian workers.