Ed Harper

[Government Contracts, April 19th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister admitted that the gravy train is already at the station picking up loyal Liberals for well paid government jobs. It appears this government is prepared to pay a premium to get the gravy train to stop at Liberal advertising and polling stations. It is my understanding cabinet is considering guidelines to grant government contracts to Liberals even if their fees are 10 per cent higher than non-Liberal competitors.

Will the Prime Minister commit to this House that his government's new guidelines, whenever they are released, will not consider old style patronage as an acceptable method of making hiring and contract decisions?

[Ontario, April 19th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, who is speaking for Ontario? This new Parliament is six months old and no one is showing concern for the biggest engine that drives Canada's economy.

While we are all interested in what is good for Canada, the role of Ontario is being overlooked. What is good for Canada is a healthy and growing Ontario economy.

The red ink book made a major issue of infrastructure and jobs, yet Ontario's largest and most important piece of infrastructure is being allowed to deteriorate. No much needed jobs and the delay are jeopardizing a number of job creating projects.

Ontario was forced to reduce tobacco taxes due to pressure from one province. Because of this Ontario taxpayers face an additional tax loss of $500 million.

Toronto loses out as the obvious choice for the NAFTA environmental office for purely political considerations.

The silence is deafening. What did Ontario do to deserve such rejection?

[Government Appointments, April 18th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister uses the same hollow defence of patronage made famous by Brian Mulroney: "All my friends are qualified".

If the Prime Minister is serious about ending the political abuse of patronage, will he commit to making this process both transparent and available for public scrutiny?

[Government Appointments, April 18th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister.

It was less than six months ago that the Tory patronage train was permanently derailed by the people of Canada. It now appears that the Liberal government has launched its own gravy train. Three passengers were picked up last week: a Liberal campaign manager, a minister's official agent and an unsuccessful Liberal candidate.

The Liberal red ink book promised to end the Tory practice of choosing political friends for appointments. Can the Prime Minister explain for the people of Canada why he has broken this promise?

[Petitions, April 15th, 1994]

My second petition is on behalf of 4,500 residents of Markham-Whitchurch-Stouffville.

The petitioners call upon Parliament to undertake a process to thoroughly investigate the very serious indiscretions committed by their elected representative to determine if he is fit to continue as the member of Parliament for the riding of Markham-Whitchurch-Stouffville.

[Petitions, April 15th, 1994]

Madam Speaker, I have two petitions to present today.

Pursuant to Standing Order 36, I rise in the House today to present a petition collected by the British Heritage Institute. The petitioners request that the government ensure that the provisions of Canada's multiculturalism policy apply to all ethnic groups without favour and to publicize widely its intentions to do so immediately.

[National Revenue, March 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary question.

The budget projects an overall growth in the economy to be 10 per cent over the next three years, but it projects 15 per cent growth in government revenue during the same period. These figures seem to imply that Canadians will be coming back into the economy rather than opting out of it or going underground.

In light of the growing underground economy identified by this poll, could the minister explain how the 15 per cent growth in revenue will be achieved?

[National Revenue, March 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of National Revenue.

According to a poll released yesterday by Peat Marwick Thorne, one in six Canadians now describe themselves as tax anarchists and feel tax cheaters should be applauded. The main reason given for the attitude was out of control government spending.

Will the minister agree a major step toward resolving this problem would be to cut spending and thereby encourage Canadians back into the mainstream economy?

[Elvis Stojko, March 25th, 1994]

This native of Richmond Hill, Ontario is a perfect example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

There is a special feeling of pride in my riding since Elvis trains in Barrie at the Mariposa Figure Skating School under coach Doug Lee. No one attains a world championship without years of dedication and the support of family and friends.

I am sure all members will join me in paying tribute to this outstanding young Canadian.

[Elvis Stojko, March 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to Elvis Stojko for his tremendous performance last night in winning a gold medal for Canada.