Christian Paradis

[The Economy, September 14th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, speaking of real measures that give results, Public Works and Government Services had a budget of $400 million, including $323 million for building renovations. That is how to stimulate the economy. Additional work is creating an increased demand for wood. It is the same thing with the home renovation tax credit.

But once again, the Bloc voted against these fine economic measures that produce results. It is shameful.

[Education, June 19th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, our dilapidated infrastructure is the result of our predecessors' inaction. Fortunately, this morning we announced $394 million for infrastructure and 207 projects throughout Quebec. That will generate about $1 billion in investments across Quebec.

This money has been made available through the economic action plan. The NDP voted against it. The Bloc Québécois voted against it. The Bloc wants to block everything. It looks for crises. It voted against Quebec's colleges and universities. That is deplorable.

[Quebec, June 19th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, since we came to power, the Bloc's approach has always been to play the bogeyman. Equalization payments have increased by 70% since we took power. Not to mention the seat at UNESCO and the recognition of Quebec as a nation. All these people want is to create crises. In addition, we just announced $394 million for knowledge infrastructure. We are Quebeckers who are taking action for Quebec, and not—

[Conservative Government, June 16th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I can say that the matter we are talking about is much more serious than that of withdrawing one's agreement to pair, as those on the other side of the House have done.

One thing is certain: municipalities have expectations. The UMQ was here two weeks ago and asked that money be sent because it is desperately needed. Credits are coming and will be voted on this Friday. What will they do? They will vote against it. They will block payments to municipalities. Construction work will be suspended. That is irresponsible. Shame on the Bloc Québécois.

[Conservative Government, June 16th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, once again, the other side of the House is looking for a crisis.

We have been clear, such things are not negotiated in public. I can assure them that good negotiations are underway between my colleague, the Minister of Finance, and Quebec's finance minister, Mr. Raymond Bachand.

[Asbestos Industry, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we must not make blanket statements here. Some uses of asbestos in the past were not appropriate, sprayed asbestos for instance. We know that these uses are dangerous. We are talking about risk management here. To that end, promotion in Canada and internationally of the safe use of asbestos is being carried out on behalf of the government of Quebec and the federal government , as well as the workers in the industry. This is a policy they have developed, and they are the experts. We must not generalize and we must not throw out the baby with the bathwater.

[Asbestos Industry, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the policy is clear and remains unchanged. The safe use of chrysotile fibre is being promoted, here in Canada and everywhere else in the world. It is false to say that the industry is being subsidized. The Chrysotile Institute is mandated by the federal government, the Government of Quebec and the union of chrysotile workers to promote its safe use, here in Canada and internationally.

[Points of Order, May 26th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I have taken note of what you have said. It seems that the Chair may be under the impression that my remarks could have been construed to be offensive. I assure you that it was not my intention to offend anyone here. For the debates we engage in here to be civilized, productive and meaningful, there must be mutual respect. If the Chair believes that my words were offensive, I shall withdraw them without hesitation.

[The Economy, May 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, in these times of crisis, we have made a commitment to stimulate the economy and protect our world. Those are the objectives of our economic action plan. We know that the Bloc voted against it. On this side of the House, the Conservative members and ministers are working with the Government of Quebec and the mayors of Quebec to make it work.

By voting against it, the Bloc has voted against the municipalities, against green infrastructure, against social housing, and against assistance for home renovations that could stimulate the economy. People have a government that takes action. Fortunately we are meeting the needs of our citizens.

[The Environment, May 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I can say one thing: I am proud to be part of a government that recognized Quebec's efforts and transferred $350 million by means of the trust so that Quebec could achieve its objectives.

Take a look at the budget and see what the Bloc voted against: $400 million for clean energy, $1.3 billion for the renovation and improvement of social housing—there was a consensus on that, $81 million for decontamination of sites, $407 million to be invested in VIA Rail and the implementation of a tax credit for home renovations. These are tangible projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions but they voted against them. That is shameful.