You don't need to be happy.
House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 20% of the vote.
Free Public Transit for Seniors Act February 18th, 2011
You don't need to be happy.
International Co-operation February 18th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve better than that. For most Canadians, honourable conduct is very different than the conduct of the Conservatives. The bad example comes from the top.
Does the Prime Minister realize that by sending these two ministers to do his dirty work he is trying the patience of our citizens even more? Perhaps he is choosing to act this way because he is so cynical that it is exactly what he wants.
International Co-operation February 18th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, Voltaire said, approximately, “Lie, lie, there will always be something left.”
In the case of the Minister of International Cooperation, all she has left is her limousine. We know how she loves limousines and her seat at the cabinet table. That is also the case for the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, who might want to look in the mirror before accusing journalists of lying.
How can the Prime Minister tolerate such repugnant behaviour?
Points of Order February 17th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, a few minutes ago, the hon. member for Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles referred to the leftist urban elite from the Plateau.
I would have him know that in my riding of Hull—Aylmer, there is a residential neighbourhood also known as “le Plateau”. I hate to disappoint him, but there are no leftists in that part of my riding.
I would like the hon. member to withdraw his comments and apologize to the people of the Plateau in Hull—Aylmer.
Committees of the House February 16th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals will vote no.
Petitions February 15th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I would like to present three petitions from the people of Hull—Aylmer, who are calling on the Government of Canada to provide the public funds needed by the Société d'habitation du Québec to complete its low-income housing renovation plan and to cover the accumulated maintenance deficit. Some 500 petitioners are urging the government to meet this social housing objective, which would help improve the quality of life of tens of thousands of households in Quebec.
Committees of the House February 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals vote in favour of the motion.
Dennis Foran February 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to the memory of Dennis Foran, a great community builder in the Outaouais region, who passed away last January 30.
Dennis worked for E.B. Eddy-Domtar for over 50 years, but it is his dedication as a volunteer that I would like to salute today.
In 1971, Dennis, his wife Polly, and a group of generous volunteers founded a non-profit organization known as Aydelu. Its mission was to run the old barn sitting on 17 acres of land. Aydelu created major sports facilities for young people and the community along with a multi-purpose hall.
Dennis presided over Aydelu for 24 years. He was known as the ambassador for Aydelu for which he begged and borrowed. Dennis, his wife, and a few other volunteers even mortgaged their houses for the construction of the Frank Robinson Arena.
Dennis also participated in the Aylmer Interclub for over 10 years. Dennis was one of the pillars of the modern Aylmer.
My deepest sympathies to his wife and family. Goodbye Dennis and many thanks.
Taxation February 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I do not know of many family-run convenience stores that make half a million dollars in profits. There are no pizzerias in my riding that make half a million dollars. Millionaire mechanics are not a dime a dozen.
Does the minister agree that the Bay Street banks and Calgary oil companies are more likely to benefit from this largesse than convenience stores, pizzerias or garages?
Taxation February 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, more than one out of every two Canadians works for an SME. That is nearly 55%. In order to be eligible for the Conservatives' tax breaks, companies need profits, and not the small or average profits made by SMEs. No, it takes very large profits: a minimum of half a million dollars.
Why are big banks and oil companies being given $6 billion in tax breaks, while owners of SMEs are not being given anything at all?