House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 40% of the vote.
The Environment March 10th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is as concerned as we are about the question of safety in homes and in buildings. The member is a resident of West Block and I can reassure him that it is safe. We are looking into the situation, and we will ensure that people's safety comes first and foremost.
Employment Insurance March 8th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, as the members know, the labour code seeks to treat people equally. With regard to employment equity issues, it is this government that believes we must do everything possible to ensure that there is a discrimination free workplace and that women must be treated equally. In fact, we are determined to ensure that they play a more active role in all levels of government than in the workplace.
Employment Insurance March 8th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out to my hon. colleague that all our programs, including the budget, have gone through a gender based analysis. Everything we do in the government, from parental leave to all programs with regard to women's workers rights, go through a gender based analysis. We will continue to ensure that women are treated more than fairly and in fact do much more in the workplace, and have the employment equity.
Housing March 7th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the government remains committed. In fact, out of the $1 billion that was initiated back in 2001, $670 million presently exists for the provinces to take advantage.
I am happy to report to the House that just three days ago we signed with the province of Nova Scotia. We have signed with Quebec. We have signed with B.C. We have signed with Saskatchewan. In other words, we are working with the provinces to make sure that the money presently on the table is being spent. We continue to build housing and support people across the country. We will do more.
Housing March 7th, 2005
Of course, Mr. Speaker.
As I indicated to the member, I am sure he was watching the convention. I know that he heard the minister indicate clearly that not only will we invest $1.5 billion, but as we have said before, we continue to invest $2 billion each and every year: $1 billion toward the affordable housing initiative and $1 billion toward our homelessness initiative, including the RRAP. I must say that Quebec is doing very well and we will do more in--
Housing March 7th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, had the member been watching our convention, you would have heard very clearly that the Minister of Finance--
Housing February 24th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Finance has indicated, no other government in the history of this country has done more for housing than this one: $2 billion a year to support 600,000; $1 billion in affordable housing; $1 billion to help the homeless; $500 million to help renovate the homes.
We will continue to do more in this country and in the province of Quebec as we move to a housing consultation and as we spend the $800 million that we presently have and want to spend.
Wal-Mart February 18th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, Canada is a signatory to international labour laws and agreements and we believe it is the right of employees in this country to organize. We believe it is the right for both employers and employees to have collective bargaining, to work in concert, to make sure that the well-being of employers and the well-being of employees are at the forefront of our policy.
Canada does lead the international community in protecting workers' rights and we would urge all parties to do so.
Housing February 14th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Davenport, and all the caucus members and ministers from the GTA for doing some incredible work with regard to housing in that particular area.
As members know, in an area of provincial jurisdiction, the federal government really does want to be a true partner with the provinces. Not only do we invest $2 billion each and every year to look after 636,000 low income Canadians, but we have committed to $1.8 billion in order to deal with homelessness, affordable housing and renovations to our existing stock.
We have in Ontario, finally, a government that believes in housing. We are working very closely with it to deliver on the housing commitments that we have already made.
Wal-Mart February 14th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I can appreciate the member's concern. We in the government and this country believe in people's right to organize. We also believe in a collective bargaining system.
I should tell the member, although I am sure he already knows, that this is a provincial jurisdiction and that the provincial jurisdiction has the opportunity to engage both the employers and employees to find, hopefully, a resolution to this very important issue.