House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 17% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, as everyone in this House knows, the government is committed to job creation, economic growth and the long-term prosperity of all Canadians, including northerners.
We will continue on our quest to create jobs and ensure responsible economic development. We hope that the member who comes from there and who is asking the question would stop voting against these positive measures for his territory.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, I will repeat what I said earlier. What we are committed to is ensuring that the north has a regulatory regime that is more effective and predictable while safeguarding the environmental health and heritage of the north.
We are committed to that principle, and I am sure that in co-operation with the government in place in the territories, we can achieve that objective to ensure the sound and substantial economic development of all of the north for the benefit of northerners and Canada.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, I met with the coalition. As a matter of fact, it was one of the first things I did upon being sworn in as minister. We had a really good working session where I learned that the coalition was ready to work in partnership with the federal government to ensure that Canada's obligations will be implemented. We are working in partnership with the coalition to see to it that all of Canada's obligations are implemented in the best possible way in accordance with our duty of diligent implementation.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, let me repeat: Our government is aiming for a northern regulatory regime that is more effective and predictable while safeguarding the environmental health and heritage of the north. This is what northerners have asked us to do as a Conservative government, and this is what we will deliver.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the steps we are taking in northern Canada are all pursuant to a northern strategy that takes into account the benefit to northerners of responsible development and the protection of the environment. I know that with any development, the NDP calls it a disease, but in the north, they call it a future benefit and economic development and jobs for northerners.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, my department is currently addressing specific high risks at the Giant Mine site through a care and maintenance program that works to protect the environment and minimize the risk to human health and safety. Two of the largest and most urgent components, the roaster complex and the stabilization of the underground, are set to begin next month in June. A remediation plan has been prepared for the management of the Giant Mine site, and it is currently undergoing an environmental assessment. I guess the member should know that.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the remediation project will pass through several phases and will take many years. It will not happen overnight. The Giant Mine remediation project team's first priority is the health and safety of the public and its staff and the protection of the environment. Multi-year cost projections will move over time as work progresses. I can assure the member that Parliament and Canadians will kept up to date.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, if the NDP wants to put a price on the health and safety of the residents of that community, we will not.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, if the hon. member is referring to the March 11 event that took place in Yellowknife, I was there with my learned friend, the Minister of Health, and the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was very clear. He said that the heavy lifting had been done and that there was a consensus reached on the terms for an agreement. I was present and he clearly said that consultations have to take place with the aboriginal communities. Until that is done, there is no agreement.
Business of Supply May 9th, 2013
Mr. Chair, the hon. member is familiar with the consultations taking place, the duty to consult and the conditions of the agreements that are in place which compel these consultations. Therefore, what can I say?
No agreement has been reached yet. There is a consensus on the terms of the agreement. The consultation must take place, it is taking place and when this has been accomplished we will know what the conditions will be.