House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
Aboriginal Affairs May 29th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, we believe in a child first policy. We have to make sure that children on reserve get the health services they need. If the hon. member has a particular case where that is not taking place, then of course we will take a look at it. However, we also call upon the provinces and territories to work with us to sort out these things before they reach a crisis level. That is their obligation and we would be happy to work with them.
Health May 29th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, as I said during committee, the science is mixed but the public policy is clear. We on this side of the House believe in treatment. We believe in prevention. We believe in enforcement. We believe that we have to get people off the drugs and make sure our young people do not get on the drugs.
In fact, the International Narcotics Control Board that the member spoke about agrees with us that these kinds of programs are not helpful. That is what the United Nations thinks. Since when is he disagreeing with the United Nations?
Health May 28th, 2008
The hon. member for Mississauga--Brampton South.
Health May 28th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, it is a bit rich for the member from the New Democratic Party to start lecturing us on ideological positions. That is its bread and butter over there, but we on this side of the House are here for public policy.
We are here to help our kids and prevent them from getting on drugs in the first place. We are here to help addicts. We think the best public health is when we get addicts off the drugs, to treat them, to treat them as human beings, and to be there with the passion. That is what we believe on this side of the House.
Health May 28th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I am not in charge of appeals. That is the Minister of Justice.
But I can say to the House that on this side of the House at least we are disappointed with the judgment. We disagree with the judgment. We are, of course, examining our options and I would say to the House that we on this side of the House care about treating drug addicts who need our help.
We care about preventing people, especially our young people, from becoming drug addicts in the first place. That is our way to reduce harm in our society and we are proud of taking that message to the people of Canada.
Health May 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary. What I said at committee was that as a result of budget 2006, budget 2007 and budget 2008, we have added 6% per year compounded to the health budgets of every single province and territory in this country. We are proud of that record. It means the provinces and territories that care about home care have the funds necessary to do the right thing.
I say to the hon. member, if she cares so much about actually implementing home care, she should resign from Parliament, run provincially for the leadership of the NDP, and then she can do something about home care in her province.
Health May 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, in the paroxysm of self-righteousness, which characterizes NDP policy, he has made a conclusion without having read the report.
Let us read the report, get all the scientific data and then we can make a reasonable conclusion.
Health May 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the honourable member for his question.
Obviously we are seized with this issue. We have received a report and we will be studying it. The government will be making its decision in due course.
FedNor May 26th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, it is important to have these questions relating to FedNor, because in two years the Liberal opposition has not asked a single question in relation to this file.
We think it is important for northern Ontarians that FedNor has a five year stable budget for the first time in the history of any government. It is a five year budget and we delivering tens of millions of dollars to the people of northern Ontario, from Parry Sound to Muskoka, Kenora and Timmins.
We are there for northern Ontarians and this government will continue to be there for northern Ontarians.
Questions on the Order Paper May 16th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the debts, obligations and claims written off and forgiven by the federal economic development initiative in Northern Ontario, in response to a) the type/levels of approvals required for write-offs or forgiveness are as follows:
In response to b) There were six proponents with a total of nine projects written off in 2006-2007.
In response to c) The total amount approved for write-offs in 2006-2007 was $2,286,790.01.
In response to d) The levels of approval are the same for all write-offs or forgiveness.
In response to e) There were three proponents that were written off due to bankruptcy.
In response to f) The amount written off due to bankruptcy of the three proponents was $1,750,955.10.