House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2004, with 41% of the vote.
Softwood Lumber November 24th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, as we speak, our ministers are in the process of announcing a major program to help the forestry industry. It comprises not only loan guarantees in the order of some $800 million, but also $215 million for innovative processing technology, $150 million to help communities adapt, and a considerable amount to expand current markets for lumber products, enhance skill levels and support bioenergy. This is a complete program providing complete support to the forest industry.
Canada Labour Code November 24th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I just saw the hon. member for Shefford rise. I must tell him that, if his party did not force an early election, we could talk in greater detail about his bill and all the others. However, you cannot have your cake and eat it too.
It is hypocritical of him to rise today to ask that a bill be passed, when he himself wants the House to be dissolved on Monday evening. They need to decide. His request makes no sense. He cannot dissolve the House and continue the debate on his bill.
Sponsorship Program November 24th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member can certainly use every written question fed to him by some of his researchers, but the fact remains that Justice Gomery has spoken. He has decided whose names would be disclosed and who would be found at fault. I have full confidence in Justice Gomery and the hon. member should as well. Trying to tarnish the reputations of others does not become him and I think he has more class than that.
Guaranteed Income Supplement November 24th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, first, I want to wish the hon. member a happy retirement and tell him that the seniors he informed of the guaranteed income supplement were able to apply for and receive that supplement. He did this, along with all the Liberal members and all the members in the House who are helping to educate the public about the government's programs.
All members have the duty to do this. What is important is the amount that seniors are getting and, with this in mind, this government has increased the guaranteed income supplement for seniors more than any other government has. This also needs to be said.
Guaranteed Income Supplement November 24th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, speaking of the heights of hypocrisy, that is precisely where the Bloc Québécois is going today. A vote took place yesterday. The Liberals voted in favour of the bill. The Liberals increased the guaranteed income supplement for seniors. They have made sure that the maximum number of seniors are eligible for this supplement by implementing advertising programs and ensuring that all seniors have access to the GIS. We are increasing the income of seniors. This is not mere rhetoric, and we are not playing petty politics on the backs of seniors, unlike the leader of the Bloc Québécois.
Pointe-au-Père Wharf November 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, obviously wharves that are no longer used for fishing or commercial purposes and that have no takers in the community eventually have to be filled in with rock, as does the Pointe-au-Père wharf. We must do this as soon as possible. Unfortunately, eventually we must get rid of it for good. Then, over time, nature will take care of cleaning up the shore. This will be taken care of as soon as possible.
Transportation November 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we have indeed done all we could to reach an agreement with CN and force it to complete the restoration of the Quebec bridge. Unfortunately, although we have had one meeting with the president and another meeting with officials, CN is not prepared to understand. Consequently, my patience has run out and today I instructed my attorneys to give CN formal notice to complete the work or face court proceedings.
Points of Order November 22nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.
During question period, in reference to the former president of VIA Rail, Mr. Jean Pelletier, the member for Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam used, most likely unintentionally, the word “bandit”.
Even if we are disputing how he did his job, no criminal charges of any kind have been laid against Mr. Pelletier.
I want to give the hon. member the opportunity to withdraw his completely undignified remarks.
Ridley Terminals November 22nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I think those guys should get their act together. One says that I am going too fast and the other one is saying that I am going too slow. Frankly, we are going to be looking at all options, but the government is committed to making sure that Ridley Terminals serves British Columbia and Canada well.
Ridley Terminals November 22nd, 2005
Not at all, Mr. Speaker, we are now studying a proposal from the province of British Columbia because it wants us to have fair and equitable access for all producers. We are now studying those issues, but obviously we are continuing. We want to divest Ridley Terminals. We will do it eventually.