Luc Harvey

[The Environment, November 10th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, after the Liberals failed to take any action on the environment for 13 years, with full support from the Bloc Québécois, and considering the Bloc's recent speeches on the environment, I have to wonder if the federal Bloc members wish to defend the environment or are simply seeking opportunities to play partisan politics. I question the Bloc's genuine desire to fight climate change.

Can someone explain to me how the leader of the Bloc Québécois proposes to legislate air quality, yet he refuses to support our bill on air quality, which puts some teeth into our environmental policy?

The new Conservative government will be the first to regulate emissions, and not just impose voluntary restrictions, like the Liberals.

We are tackling a major problem. What we do not need are empty promises that simply look good. Rather, we need realistic timelines.

It is unrealistic and illusory to think that shorter timelines will be practical and give results. The new regulations that will take effect in 2010 and the financial penalties imposed on violators are proof of the effectiveness of our commitment.

It is deplorable that the Bloc Québécois is playing partisan politics on an issue that is the most—

[Gun Control, November 9th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's new government wants to tackle crime. That is why we are determined to do a better job of controlling firearms.

The Minister of Public Safety held a number of consultations with various organizations to discuss options for more effective gun control.

Can the Minister of Public Safety update the House on the status of these consultations?

[Judges Act, November 9th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, earlier, the Bloc Québécois member spoke about the hypocrisy of the Conservatives. I will not get into a war of words, but I will simply say that when a group which does not aspire to anything calls others hypocrites, it should direct these remarks to its own membership.

My question to the hon. member had to do with the relation between salaries, and the fact that the Prime Minister cannot be paid less than the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. I know that in a number of sectors, people with specific skills are sometimes paid more than other employees. For example, in the field of medicine, a surgeon with a specialization will usually earn more than a general practitioner. In sports, coaches are often paid much less than players.

Why should, or why must a prime minister absolutely earn more than a specialist, than someone who has decades of experience in legal matters, including as a judge? Why must there be a connection with the Prime Minister's salary? I wonder if the hon. member could explain to me why this is a requirement.

[Justice, November 8th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, today, the Journal de Québec reports that a victim of sexual assault is urging the government to adopt its bill raising the age of consent from 14 to 16 years old. The Journal de Québec also indicates that a majority of Quebeckers and Canadians are in agreement.

Can the government provide Canadians and Quebeckers with the details of this bill?

[Taxation, November 7th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

For some weeks now, the leader of the Bloc Québécois and his big brother, the leader of the PQ, have been talking about a fiscal imbalance of $3.9 billion between Quebec and the Government of Canada. Does this figure reflect the reality?

[The Environment, November 2nd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, this morning, during a meeting of the Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development, our government scored a victory for the environment. Despite opposition from the Liberals and the Bloc, we passed a government motion to schedule additional committee meetings so we can deliver the review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act on time.

For those who are not familiar with the CEPA, this act regulates all industrial and domestic chemical products in Canada.

This morning's victory enables our committee to stay on course and give Canadians the legislation they have been waiting for for so long.

This is ironic, because every day Liberal and Bloc Québécois members put on a big show. They are the environmental caped crusaders. But for all their chest pounding and battle cries, when the time comes to act, they are nowhere to be found.

[Taxation, November 1st, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Finance announced that Canada's new government would increase the age credit for seniors and allow pension income splitting. These major decisive measures will help seniors, especially those in the low and middle income tax brackets.

Can the Minister of Industry explain the details of this announcement and how it will benefit all Canadians?

[Health, November 1st, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, rising obesity rates and decreasing physical activity, particularly in children, represent major public health challenges our country will have to face in the coming decades. Parents, health organizations, schools and governments all have a part to play in this matter.

This is why our government is determined to show leadership and take decisive action to solve this problem.

The children's fitness tax credit will promote greater participation in sports programs and physical activities, and will help parents with the ever-increasing costs associated with such activities.

I would like to thank the members of the expert panel, Doctor Kellie Leitch, Michael Weil and David Basset, who took the time to consult Canadians and put together some recommendations on programs that should be eligible for the tax credit.

I am delighted to be working, not with a team that is perpetually doomed to ask questions, but rather with a team that is able to announce concrete measures that will benefit Canadians.

[Bloc Québécois, October 24th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, since it was established, the powerless party has bandied about projects that it will never be able to bring to fruition. Let us take stock of the Bloc Québécois.

In 13 years, the Bloc Québécois was unable to convince the federal Liberals to recognize the fiscal imbalance. In 13 years, the Bloc Québécois was unable to prevent the federal Liberals from meddling in provincial jurisdictions. In 13 years, the Bloc Québécois was unable to convince the federal Liberals to give Quebec a voice at UNESCO. In 13 years, the Bloc Québécois was never, absolutely never, able to achieve real results for Quebeckers as it has always been and will always be in opposition in Ottawa.

Unlike members of the Bloc, Conservative members from Quebec defend the interests of Quebec in Ottawa. We have achieved what my friends in the Bloc cannot: real and concrete results.

[Canada Labour Code, October 18th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I will conclude with this. I find it most ironic that the Bloc Québécois is introducing a bill to force all of Canada to vote in favour of anti-strikebreaker legislation.