House of Commons photo

Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was things.

Last in Parliament October 2015, as Conservative MP for Etobicoke—Lakeshore (Ontario)

Lost his last election, in 2015, with 32% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Public Works and Government Services June 6th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, as part of our seven-point plan, the Royal Canadian Air Force has conducted a rigorous examination of the ability of available fighter aircraft to carry out the missions outlined in the Canada First defence strategy. An independent panel of experts--external to government, I should add--ensured that the valuation of options being conducted by the RCAF was both rigorous and impartial.

Our government will be carefully reviewing a number of reports related to defence capabilities, industrial benefits, and costs to make sure we have an adequate replacement of our CF-18 fleet. Once we have reviewed all of these reports, we will make a decision and we will announce it.

Public Works and Government Services June 6th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, I will repeat for the member opposite because he did not seem to listen to my previous answer. No decision has been made on the replacement for the CF-18 fighter jet fleet. Our government will finish a number of reports related to defence capabilities, industrial benefits, costs, and other factors with a view to replacing our CF-18 fleet.

I can assure the member that we remain committed to ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the equipment they need to perform their duties.

We will reveal that information to the House in due course.

Public Works and Government Services June 6th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, no decision has been made about replacing the fleet of CF-18 fighter jets.

When we developed the seven-point plan to replace the CF-18s, we undertook the most independent and transparent review ever in Canadian history. A panel of independent experts ensured that the Royal Canadian Air Force evaluated the options both rigorously and impartially.

We will take a very careful look at a number of reports to make a decision about replacing Canada's existing fleet of CF-18 fighter jets. We will make sure that the Canadian Forces have the equipment they need to do their job.

Canada-Honduras Economic Growth and Prosperity Act June 5th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague opposite talk about the disastrous balance-in-trade deficit in April 2014 of $638 million. That is a one-month figure. I just checked Statistics Canada. In March, Canada had a trade surplus of $765.6 million. That was a huge success. The month before there was a trade surplus of $813.3 million.

Can the member not see that there are month-to-month patterns? To use one data point and say that there is some kind of challenge with our trading ability is really a stretch. I would like the member to please comment on that.

Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 1 June 5th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, I listened attentively to that rant from across the way. I have to compliment the member on the timbre of his voice. He has a perfect face for radio, as they say.

He mentioned in his speech that the government has not done anything for small business. I speak to owners of small businesses all the time in my riding and across the country, and they really admire the things we have done since 2006, in the past three budgets in particular.

We eliminated the corporate surtax in 2008, which is a big deal to small businesses. It was a big part of what they were paying. It reduced the small business tax rate. However, the really important thing for them is succession. Small businesses have been built up with sweat and tears, and raising the lifetime capital gains is a really important measure for them. They have built up capital. That is their future, and they want to hand it off to future generations. Raising the limit to $800,000 is something they are very thankful for.

The comments about government not doing anything for small business I really do not agree with. Owners of small businesses do not agree with it either. Maybe the member would comment on that, please.

Memorial to Victims of Communism June 2nd, 2014

Mr. Speaker, in the 2010 Speech from the Throne, our government signalled clear support for a memorial to those who have suffered under Communism. Canada is and will always be a home for those fleeing Communist governments for a better life. This was best said Friday, when the Prime Minister made resonating remarks in Toronto. He stated:

...instead of Communism’s oppression, they found Canadian safety.Instead of Communism’s restrictions, they found Canadian freedom.Instead of Communism’s grim determinism, they found Canadian opportunity.Instead of Communism’s fear, they found Canadian hope.

The struggle of people from around the world—from Poland, from Ukraine, from Cuba, from Venezuela, and from other countries—has produced new Canadians who truly appreciate our freedom. This memorial will remind generations of Canadians that the freedom, peace, and democracy we have and work for hard at home is still a hard-fought battle around the world.

Public Works and Government Services May 30th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, the Irving and Seaspan shipyards were chosen through the most open and transparent military procurement procedure in Canada's history.

The Auditor General agrees with me:

The competitive process for selecting two shipyards resulted in a successful and efficient process independent of political influence, consistent with government regulations and policies, and carried out in an open and transparent manner.

I should add that this strategy is going to add 15,000 jobs over 30 years, including in British Columbia and Halifax.

In the case the member specifically mentioned, Davie was not awarded the bid.

Public Works and Government Services May 30th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, when we drafted our seven-point plan to replace our CF-18s, we conducted the most independent and transparent review in Canada's history.

A panel of independent experts ensured that the evaluation of options by the Royal Canadian Air Force was both rigorous and impartial.

In the coming weeks, the ministers will be carefully examining various reports in order to make a decision on replacing Canada's CF-18 fighter jet fleet.

Our government is determined to respect taxpayers and ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces get a good jet at a good price.

Public Works and Government Services May 30th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, when we established the seven-point plan two years ago to replace the CF-18, we embarked on the most independent and transparent review in the history of Canada when it comes to military procurement.

The independent panel ensured the evaluation of options was conducted with the RCAF's engagement and was both rigorous and impartial.

Over the next several weeks we will be carefully reviewing a number of options. We will also be looking at classified and non-classified information to make sure that the information that is revealed to Canadians is sensitive to the bidders. We will remain committed to respecting taxpayers' dollars.

Public Works and Government Services May 30th, 2014

Mr. Speaker, the CF-18 replacement project is going according to the seven-point plan. The results of this evaluation will be released in due course.