Maxime Bernier

[Automobile Industry, February 15th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, after 13 long years those members did not produce any auto strategy. In fact, the Canadian auto industry is strong and better, and it is attracting mandates from the parent companies despite a worldwide restructuring situation.

Dennis DesRosiers of the automobile industry said in a recent study that Canadian auto assembly employment is up for the second year in a row, from 51,000 in 2004 to 52,000 in 2006.

It is a better investment climate in Canada. That is why employment is up.

[Automobile Industry, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, maybe the hon. member should check with his leader to ensure that they are on the same page when it comes to an automobile strategy.

The leader of that party was also the author of a 76-point green vision for Toronto when he promoted the idea of banning cars altogether in Toronto. In fact, his comprehensive car-free plan would have Torontonians now trading their cars for bicycles. This is a strategy for bicycles, not for the automobile sector.

[Automobile Industry, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, the automobile sector is important to Canadian industry and to Ontario auto workers.

That being said, I can assure you that the restructuring currently taking place in the automotive sector seeks to improve the productivity of this industry's workers. I can also assure you that if workers are affected by this restructuring, they will receive appropriate federal assistance.

[Automobile Industry, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I do not know where the member opposite was when we tabled our budget last year. The plan is there and it is very clear what we will do.

What we are doing right now is lowering taxes for all enterprises, all corporations. Why? To ensure that they will have money to invest, to be productive and to continue to work in Canada and be prosperous.

[Automobile Industry, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, we are in constant dialogue with the auto industry. Last week, I spoke with the Canadian Auto Workers union in order to ensure the smoothest possible transition to allow this industry to remain competitive. Unlike our Liberal opposition colleagues, we do more than talk; we act.

[Automobile Industry, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform my hon. colleague that, over the past 24 months, GM has invested $2.5 billion in the Canadian auto industry, Ford has invested $1.2 billion, and Toyota, $1.6 billion.

The auto industry is meeting the global challenges it faces. It will meet these challenges and, when necessary, it has the support of this government.

[Manufacturing Sector, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Industry is the minister responsible for all industries and for all workers in each industry. That is very important.

When we develop policies, we care about consumers and about workers in these various industries.

I should point out that the employment rate in Canada is the highest it has been in recent years.

Private investments in Canada are increasing, and so is the number of jobs. This is a sector that is doing very well and that is still very competitive.

[Manufacturing Sector, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, we are taking concrete measures. We are helping all industries in Canada by reducing corporate taxes.

Incidentally, I want to thank the Standing Committee on Industry, Sciences and Technology for producing a good and unanimous report on the manufacturing sector. I am also taking this opportunity to inform members of that committee that I will review all of their recommendations. If there are ideas in this report that we can implement, we will do so.

[Manufacturing Sector, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member does not have a monopoly on virtue and compassion. We are very concerned about the job losses that are occurring in the automobile industry. It must be realized that this is part of a worldwide and North American restructuring process, and we want to assure workers in that industry that they will benefit from the programs established by this government.

[Manufacturing Sector, February 14th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker—