House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 43% of the vote.
Shipbuilding Industry November 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I really do not know what the hon. member is talking about. We are working with the industry to ensure that all operators, all shipbuilders and all people that are in the servicing end of that business, in all parts of Canada, have fair access to government shipbuilding contracts. That is going to be our approach going forward and that is going to be very healthy for the shipbuilding, services and repair industries.
Shipbuilding Industry November 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we are working with the shipbuilding industry to ensure that government procurement--and there is going to be a large wave of procurement of vessels over the next 15 years--will go primarily to Canadian yards. We will be working closely with the industry to ensure that their areas of strength in technology and shipbuilding get built on and become part of a globally competitive industry.
Lobbyists November 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I have mentioned to the House a number of times that the Lobbyists Registration Act does require some strengthening. We have encountered difficulties in administering the act. I am announcing today the government's intent to amend the act.
We will strengthen enforcement, number one. We will enhance the independence of the Registrar of Lobbyists, number two. Number three, we will ensure that the Registrar of Lobbyists has the necessary resources. Specifically, we will increase fines, introduce administrative monetary penalties, extend the limitation period and strengthen the--
Automobile Industry November 23rd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I think it would be appropriate for the hon. member to read what Buzz Hargrove had to say. He said:
We've already tried Harper's vision: cut taxes and wait for the jobs to come flowing in. It doesn't work.
If we want a competitive auto industry, we need government to play an active role.
He said that their members' jobs and the future of their communities are at risk with a Harper victory.
Industry November 22nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I must say to my colleagues in opposition over there that the steel industry has learned something they have not, that is, when we work with this government as the automotive industry has done, and when we collaborate with industry, with labour and with academics, we can make progress in creating a globally competitive industry. That is what the Canada steel council is all about. We are going to create a globally competitive steel industry here in Canada, here in Ontario and across the country.
Automobile Industry November 22nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I find it breathtaking that the party members think the only thing the economy needs, and I presume the auto industry needs, is a 2% reduction in the GST and happiness will follow. What kind of economics is that?
She should explain to her constituents that the auto industry would collapse under a Conservative government.
Automobile Industry November 22nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should have the courage to stand in the House and tell his constituents that if the Conservatives were in government today, there would not be $5 billion of investments in the automotive industry in Ontario. Oshawa and the workers in Oshawa would be in serious trouble.
It is because of this government that the auto industry in Canada is the strongest auto industry in North America.
Automobile Industry November 22nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I do not know how much the hon. member knows about producing green cars or any other kind of cars.
I will put this for the hon. member as a question. If we do not have an auto strategy, if we have not succeeded in the automotive industry in the country, why have GM, Ford, Toyota and DaimlerChrysler agreed in the last 12 months to invest over $5 billion in Canada, in Ontario?
Criminal Code November 21st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I move
That Bill C-72, an act to amend certain acts in relation to DNA identification, be referred forthwith to the Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Shipbuilding Industry November 21st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, there is a massive procurement program with DND and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans over the next 10 to 15 years. I am working right now with the industry ensuring that there is substantial Canadian content in those procurement initiatives going forward.