House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 80% of the vote.
Employment Insurance October 22nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there is a new study out which shows that Canadians are getting poorer, yet this government continues to overtax Canadians with one of the most regressive taxes imaginable. The fact is that EI taxes hurt working class Canadians the most.
Why should regular working class Canadians pay for this government's multibillion EI rip-off?
Petitions October 21st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I have another petition from the constituents in the towns of Taber and Grassy Lake calling on parliament to hold a referendum on the issue of medically unnecessary abortions.
They point out that there were 106,000 unborn children who lost their lives in abortions in 1995 and they expressed their concern over that.
I also have two petitions from constituents—
Petitions October 21st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my second petition is from constituents of Medicine Hat calling on parliament to reject any bill that would weaken the sponsorship provisions in the Tobacco Act. The petitioners point out that tobacco sponsorship advertising is a way for tobacco companies to associate a positive lifestyle image with a deadly product.
There are some 30 names on that petition.
Petitions October 21st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition from constituents from the town of Brooks and the town of Tilley calling on parliament to define in statute that a marriage can only be entered into between a single male and a single female.
Income Tax Act October 21st, 1998
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-446, an act to amend the Income Tax Act (removal of foreign investment limit for registered retirement savings plans and registered retirement income funds).
Mr. Speaker, I think this is an important private member's bill that I am putting forward. The intent of it is, first of all, to protect, preserve and enhance the ability of Canadians to save for their retirement.
If we believe that truly is the purpose of the registered retirement savings plan and the RRIF, then I think we should support this bill. It would give Canadians who have access to about 2% of capital markets in their own country a chance to spread their investment portfolios around.
Second, I point to a Conference Board of Canada study which says that Canadians would be far richer in their retirement savings if they had access to other markets around the world.
Finally, I simply want to say that ultimately all of this money would come back into Canada when people dispose of their RRSPs. It would leave the Canadian treasury and Canadians, in general, better off. Therefore, I seek the support of my colleagues in putting this forward.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Taxation October 20th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister takes $10 out of people's pockets and gives them back 25 cents and expects them to be grateful. That is ridiculous.
The fact of the matter is since this finance minister came to power he has taxed back 155% of the wage gains Canadians have received. I think Canadians have been more than patient. I think the finance minister owes them big time.
Canadians need tax relief now. When is he going to fulfil his promise? When are they going to get real tax relief?
Taxation October 20th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, last week the finance minister had the choice to give Canadians tax relief and he did not. Instead he blew two-thirds of the $9 billion surplus. He just spent it away.
Canadians were promised tax relief when the budget was balanced. Well, it is balanced now. Where is the tax relief? Canadians have had it with the empty promises. Where is it?
Apec Summit October 7th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, let me put this in words that the minister will understand. There are two exits in the front, two exits over the way and two in the back. When is he going to pick one and resign?
Apec Summit October 7th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, let us summarize here. We have the solicitor general prejudging the outcome of the APEC inquiry. He is publicly commenting on Frank Moores and Karlheinz Schreiber. Finally, he is breaching cabinet security.
As a Yankee's fan he must know that three strikes mean you are out. When is the minister going to resign?
Apec Summit October 6th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I withdraw them.
In case the minister does not remember, he is the Solicitor General. In case he does not remember, he is in the House of Commons. In case he does not remember, he does have some responsibilities, like telling Canadians exactly what happened on that plane. Why does he not quit fooling around, quit with the fairy tales and just resign?