Mr. Speaker, I would like to be recorded as voting in favour.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2004, with 38% of the vote.
Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act February 25th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I would like to be recorded as voting in favour.
Export Development Canada December 13th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, let me try again and I will speak very slowly this time. First, General Motors, I repeat, did not announce lay-offs under required legislation. It announced the possibility of lay-offs, if it did not get more orders.
These jobs were in jeopardy in London, Ontario two years ago. Because of the actions of EDC and General Motors, those lay-offs were forestalled two years ago and we certainly hope they will be forestalled again.
Export Development Canada December 13th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I would love to answer that, because the hon. member could not be more wrong in his assertions.
This loan was at commercial rates. It was not subsidized by Canadian taxpayers. Without the very loan the member cites, because of low order book at GM, those jobs would have been in jeopardy two years ago. He could not be more wrong in his false assertions.
Dairy Industry December 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the reality is that every other option was looked at by the minister and this was done on an emergency basis only. The supplemental imports were allocated to the Canadian Dairy Commission. It will do the allocation on a fair and equitable basis.
North American Free Trade Agreement November 20th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I guess the leader of the NDP has not been in the House when the Minister for International Trade repeatedly made it quite clear that the government does not support simple replication of chapter 11.
Having said that, with some $389 billion of Canadian funds invested overseas, obviously we want to protect such investment.
Kyoto Protocol November 7th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the member raises an important and interesting question. Before the WTO can take action, there has to be possible trade violations. Kyoto does not call for trade measures by signatory countries in trying to meet their greenhouse emission reduction targets. In implementing Kyoto, it is important to note that countries would have to do so in a manner that is fully consistent with their international trade obligations.
Trade October 30th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, in April 2001, in Argentina, the hemispheric trade ministers made history when they endorsed Canada's proposal to release the draft text of the FTAA. Later this week the minister will be in Quito, Ecuador, and he will again be seeking consensus from his colleagues to have the release of the updated text.
The release of the negotiating text has been an important improvement in trade negotiations, including at the WTO. Canada's leadership in pushing for greater transparency will ensure greater buy-in by our citizens.
Committees of the House October 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Orders 109 and 32(2), I have the honour to table in both official languages the government's response to the report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade entitled “Strengthening Canada's Economic Links with the Americas”.
Softwood Lumber October 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, the government announced a program some two or three weeks ago and opportunities will be there to add to that if the situation warrants. The reality is that we are pursuing our case through the courts. The facts are on Canada's side. We have won disputes in the past and we will certainly win again in the courts if necessary.
International Trade October 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it is very interesting to hear the hon. member say that his party is interested in protecting investors but he does not want to give investors the right to sue or take legal action.
How would he propose to protect Canadian investors overseas who might be dealt with in a capricious and unfair manner by a foreign government? Obviously they must have recourse to the courts.