Tony Clement

[The Economy, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian trade must remain competitive in today's global economy. That is a fact. The changes proposed in this bill will encourage new investments from abroad and will ensure that those investments do not pose a threat to national security. It is a good bill and I encourage all members to support it.

[The Economy, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we are obviously very disappointed by Bombardier's latest announcement. Every sector of the Canadian aerospace industry will be hit by the economic crisis.

However, last week, Bombardier told us that 730 new, permanent jobs will be created in Montreal. That was part of the announcement.

Let us be balanced in our understanding. That would behoove every member of the House.

[Aerospace Industry, February 5th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, that announcement today by Bombardier is very sad. I can also say that this sector is not immune to global economic challenges. Today, however, Bombardier also announced the creation of 230 new permanent jobs for new aircraft programs in Montreal. That was part of the same announcement.

[Aerospace Industry, February 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the figures are clear. They are found in the budget. They are found in the SADI program.

The hon. member's colleague, the hon. member for Markham—Unionville, when confronted with a situation earlier this year, said:

I think it's clear this decision is driven by seat-gain aspirations because the money is going to aerospace in Quebec and not into the auto industry in Ontario.

That is what that member said. When will members of the Liberal Party get their facts and their arguments straight?

[Aerospace Industry, February 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, our budget, Canada's economic action plan, supports this sector in this country and also in Quebec. There are many announcements and programs, of course. This sector is competitive on the world stage.

This sector is competitive with the world and will continue to be. We will continue to support it, just like we support businesses that are moving ahead across this country and support Canadian jobs and opportunity. That will continue.

[Aerospace Industry, February 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows that we support the industry with a program called SADI. It is well known in Quebec.

The Montreal Gazette wrote that our local aerospace industry is strong and effective, and we agree.

[Aerospace Industry, February 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is the very plan that the hon. member voted for. It is called the budget. It is called our action plan, an economic plan for Canada. That is what he voted for.

This plan is multi-faceted. It obviously includes an economic stimulus, a way to give a break to Canadian taxpayers and to small businesses. It also includes plans to continue to encourage and support an aerospace sector in this country, including the Canadian Space Agency, I might add, which the hon. member knows a little bit about. I would say that this plan is going over very well with those in the sector because they know we are on the side of a growing industry and an industry where Canadians can compete and win.

[Automotive Industry, February 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this government has been working, as the Prime Minister indicated, with officials in the United States as well as with the Government of Ontario. We have a strict set of conditions that mirror what the Americans are also looking at for the industry to restructure that industry and to preserve our 20% production capacity.

The hon. member asked me to meet with my American counterpart. When President Obama appoints that counterpart, I will meet with that person.

[Steel Industry, February 3rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be farther from the truth. This government, through its actions in the economic plan and through its actions in the budget, is focused on our business opportunities. It is focused on making sure small and medium-sized enterprises and sectors such as steel are looked after.

That is why we have the capital cost allowance measures that the Finance Minister introduced, that is why we have the tax reductions, and that is why we have the stimulus package that is found in the budget. This budget is for our economy. It is for every constituent and component of our economy, and that is why we support this budget. Other members should too.

[Fraudulent Long Distance Calls, February 3rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, we are always concerned when there are cases of fraud or illicit activity, especially when they affect consumers. We encourage anyone affected to report their experience to Bell or the RCMP.