Bruce Hyer

[Air Transportation, May 24th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our Canadian economy loses $2.3 billion every year and thousands of jobs due to Canada's uncompetitive airline ticket prices. More and more Canadians are crossing the border for lower American airfares. Unlike the U.S.A., the Conservative government profits from exorbitant airport rents and high security fees on top of various other taxes.

When will the Conservatives stop overtaxing airports and killing our Canadian airline and tourism industries?

[Petitions, May 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, petitions regarding the Experimental Lakes Area just keep coming in. The issue will not go away.

I have a number of petitions here from Winnipeg, Manitoba, from people who still hope the government will reverse the decision on the ELA and continue it as a federally funded program. Failing that, the petitioners would like to see research continue there, and would like the government to make sure that the transfer that has been talked about really occurs.

[Committees of the House, May 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, that was an interesting discussion by the hon. member and I would like to build on it.

I am sure she is aware that right now there is a knock-down, drag-out battle for existing and new, upcoming bandwidth. A simple question, at least simple for me, is will we have an oligopoly that will rule, continue to rule and even become worse in Canada on utilizing that bandwidth for many things, including Internet wireless and cellphone use? As we know now, one of the biggies is trying to buy out one of the small, struggling companies.

Does she have an opinion or something to add at this incredibly important time about how to proceed and make sure that we do not end up with a small oligopoly controlling all of the bandwidth of Canada?

[Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, May 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, Thunder Bay—Superior North agrees to apply and will vote no.

[Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, May 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, many of the reserves across Canada are remote and most of the reserves in northern Ontario are remote. This is not only an important issue to them. Many of them have dysfunctional water systems now, but building water systems in those remote areas is complex and way more expensive than in urban areas of Canada.

I would just like to add my voice on their behalf in asking for a more full and complete discussion of this bill before we go ahead with it because it has such huge implications for cost, complexity and a number of first nations.

[Auditor General Act, May 8th, 2013]

, seconded by the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands, moved for leave to introduce Bill C-508, An Act to amend the Auditor General Act (obstruction).

He said: Mr. Speaker, in the same vein as my bill on the Parliamentary Budget Officer, I am pleased to introduce a bill that will also mandate fiscal accountability in the government's dealings with the Auditor General. There are currently no penalties on the books for refusing the Auditor General information needed for that officer of Parliament to do his or her job. This bill amends the Auditor General Act to bring in non-criminal penalties for failing to provide information requested by the Auditor General or for obstructing an Auditor General's audit or investigation. Consequences, again, could be a fine of up to $10,000 or six months in jail. “Accountability” should not just be a slogan used to get elected. The government must take accountability to Parliament and to the people who put us here seriously.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Parliament of Canada Act, May 8th, 2013]

, seconded by the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands, moved for leave to introduce Bill C-507, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (obstruction).

He said: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to improve government accountability in Parliament and to taxpayers regarding fiscal matters. As we have seen lately, there are currently no penalties for refusing to provide the Parliamentary Budget Officer with information needed for that officer to do her or his work. Neither are there any penalties for obstructing the Parliamentary Budget Officer's investigations or audits.

The bill I am introducing today would give our budget watchdog real teeth. This private member's bill will finally introduce consequences for failing to hand over requested information with regulatory penalties of up to $10,000 or six months in jail. I hope members from both sides of the House will support this basic accountability here in Parliament.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Taxation, May 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the Ontario Independent Appraisers Association is alarmed that the Canada Revenue Agency is now taxing insurance appraisal services, which were tax exempt previously. As a result, auto and home insurance rates will go up. Millions of past invoices may need to be reissued and many small businesses could be forced to close.

Will the minister work with industry to ensure that insurance appraisals will remain tax exempt?

[Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, May 6th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the hon. member why they are still, in the budget and for a long time, subsidizing oil companies to the tune of $1.3 billion a year and increasing taxes on credit unions, as we have just heard?

The really big question is: when are they going to put a price on carbon, which is so clearly and desperately needed if we are to save the planet from the greed of oil companies and oil consumers?

[Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, May 3rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the hon. member, following up on the question from the member for Toronto—Danforth, about government staff sitting in on the boards of crown corporations, vetting and making decisions under Bill C-60. As we know, these omnibus budget bills have little surprises and this is a worrisome surprise. This would end the historic arm's-length relationship of companies like VIA Rail, Canada Post and the CBC.

In light of today being World Press Freedom Day, what does the member think about the government taking control of what is supposed to be our independent broadcaster in Canada?