Aileen Carroll

[International Aid, November 28th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has made it eminently clear that he will reach the 0.7%. He has said that publicly and he intends to do so, but like all other ways in which he approaches issues like this, he is fiscally very prudent. He has made it clear that when he can reach it and when he has a plan to get there, he will make that a very public matter.

I think we must be mindful of the fact that Canada's reputation for disbursing that which it pledges is sterling. There are sometimes questions about other countries that set dates and make pledges that are not always met.

[International Aid, November 28th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to note that this government increased the development budget by 8% last year and 8% this year. In fact, in the end it has given more than that. This will mean that our aid budget will have doubled by the year 2010. I also have spoken in the House about the effectiveness of our aid. I also am absolutely appalled by the criticism that comes from a party that voted against Bill C-48, which hugely increased our aid budget.

[International Cooperation, November 25th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I have to share with the House how proud CIDA was to read chapter 8 of the Auditor General's report, to have her tell Canadians how accountable we were in our response to tsunami, and how flexible we were under the pressure of that incredible horror.

I would also share with the hon. member that the $69 million is merely a marginal transfer from one fiscal year to another. The $69 million will be spent on the reconstruction of tsunami affected--

[International Cooperation, November 25th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I am a bit confused, because I am not sure of the figures at this time. I would like to know where the hon. member got her information, in order to verify it.

As I have said, we are proud of our planning. As the Prime Minister has said, he can explain to Canadians how he plans to achieve the 0.7% mark. He will be announcing his plan and we will be there.

[International Cooperation, November 25th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to the hon. member's comments. She is an excellent critic and a strong supporter of what we are doing.

However, I need to draw her attention to the fact that we have received an 8% increase in our budget. That is higher than any other department in the Government of Canada. It will see our budget doubled. We have taken excellent initiatives. We received compliments from Stephen Lewis on our leadership in the HIV-AIDS battle. Many times it is the quality of what we do as well as the quantity. I am very proud of our record.

[Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, November 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I apologize for not having paid adequate attention. I wish to be registered as voting against the motion.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

[Bank Act, November 23rd, 2005]

moved that Bill C-57, An Act to amend certain Acts in relation to financial institutions, be read the third time and passed.

[Ways and Means, November 23rd, 2005]

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I wish to table a notice of ways and means motion to amend the Income Tax Act and descriptive documents pertaining thereto. I ask that an order of the day be designated for consideration of the motion.

[First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act, November 23rd, 2005]

moved that Bill C-71, An Act respecting the regulation of commercial and industrial undertakings on reserve lands, be read the third time and passed.

[International Aid, June 27th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has made it eminently clear, as I have, as has the finance minister, that we recognize how important the 0.7% is as a benchmark. It is a benchmark that Canada wishes to attain and is committed to do so.

Until we can in a very responsible and fiscal manner lay out exactly how we will do so and give that plan, we will not commit to something until we can accompany that commitment with exactly what Canadians would expect of us.