Mr. Speaker, I would like to address some disturbing comments from the member for Ajax—Pickering. The new critic for natural resources recently revealed how far he and the leader of the Liberal Party could go to restrict development of Alberta's oil sands.
Quoting Charles Adler:
—he appeared...Dave Rutherford’s program and was asked whether a [Leader of the Opposition] government would consider nationalizing oil companies if they didn’t meet Kyoto standards. [The member for Ajax—Pickering] replied, “If they refuse to work with us….there will be consequences."
Reckless talk like this is insulting and frankly irresponsible, considering the importance of a strong oil and gas sector to both Alberta's and Canada's economic well-being.
I am glad Canada's new government has the courage to tackle important environmental issues, without throwing around immature and reckless threats. I hope the Leader of the Opposition recognizes the inappropriateness of his attack dog's comments and has the courage to discipline him for his bad behaviour.