Andrew Saxton

[The Economy, March 22nd, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, members of the government have said repeatedly that we do not want an unnecessary election. We want to focus on the economy. We want Canadians to keep their jobs and we want the fruits of their labour to stay in their pockets.

Canadians, including those in my riding of North Vancouver, have been clear. They have said plainly that they want their government to focus on creating jobs and protecting the economy, not wasting millions on an unnecessary and costly election.

Will the opposition stop playing their partisan and political games, and do the right thing: stand up for Canadians, support the budget, and help get Canadians back to work?

[Government Communications, March 11th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's Office has issued no directives to departments. There is no need for one, as this has been a long-standing practice across various governments.

A simple check of online archives shows that the terms “Chrétien government” and “Martin government” and similar variations appear in official government communications by various governments.

This terminology is widely used by journalists, the public and the Liberal Party itself. In fact, the official Liberal website has at least 109 references since January, 2009.

[Government Communications, March 11th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. This has been a long-standing practice across various governments. This terminology is widely used by journalists and the public alike.

In fact, Mel Cappe, who is quoted in these stories and mentioned by the hon. member, approved many of the releases, while he was clerk, using the terms “Chrétien government”.

[Former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, March 11th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, the former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner spent two hours before committee yesterday.

I understand that it may be disappointing to opposition members that they did not get to hear what they wanted to hear, but I would remind them that she answered all questions under oath. She can speak freely and so can we.

[Former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, March 11th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, the former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner tendered her official resignation in October 2010. We received legal advice that, based on her 28 years of employment, this was the best way to ensure unresolved complaints would be resolved without putting taxpayers on the hook for any further salary and pension payments.

Our priority was and continues to be the protection of whistleblowers and the proper investigation of any complaints.

[Paralympic Athletes, March 11th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, one year ago, we were united as a nation as the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games began in Vancouver and Whistler. Our Paralympic athletes would go on to provide tremendous performances over the following days.

Lauren Woolstencroft of my riding of North Vancouver, Brian McKeever, and many others broke records while providing excitement that kept us on the edge of our seats. In the end, Canada had its best ever performance at a Paralympic Games, with 19 medals including 10 golds.

Since the conclusion of the games, our government has not ceased its support of the Paralympic movement. In fact, our support for the Canadian Paralympic Committee is at its highest level ever, enabling it to provide more equipment and training for athletes at all levels.

Our Paralympic athletes continue to make us so proud. They prove themselves against the best in the world time and time again.

[Former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, March 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, the government sought and followed legal advice as to the terms of her resignation, based on her years of service.

The hon. member is on the committee that will hear from Ms. Ouimet next week. I recommend that he ask her those questions in front of the committee.

[Former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner, March 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, the previous Public Sector Integrity Commissioner has resigned. We look forward to working with all opposition parties to find a new commissioner.

The government sought and followed legal advice as to the terms of her resignation, based on her years of service.

We understand that Ms. Ouimet will be appearing before the standing committee next week, which is the appropriate place to raise these questions.

[Government Communications, March 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, as I repeated previously, this has been a longstanding practice across various governments. Let me give some more quotes so the member will not have to take my word for it:

--Jean Chrétien's government and Gordon Campbell's government in British Columbia.

Who said that? The Liberal member for Saint-Laurent—Cartierville.

[Government Communications, March 4th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, this has been a longstanding practice across various governments. Do not take my word for it; let me read some quotes:

That is the direction in which the Chrétien government has concentrated its efforts--

That was said on March 6, 2001.

Let me give another one:

--during the Chrétien government's time in office....

That was said on December 5, 2003. Who said that? It was the Liberal member for Saint-Laurent—Cartierville.