Christian Paradis

[Points of Order, November 26th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I want to let you know that during question period, the member for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine misled the House by referring to a report on which I had been questioned last December. There was an investigation report, and I said at the time that it would be made public shortly.

The member is alleging today that this report had to do with the renovations to the West Block, which is completely false. I never said that in the House. The report was about the actions of an official at Public Works and Government Services Canada. The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons even said as much in response to previous questions, and the report has been posted on the Public Works and Government Services website.

Either the member is completely unaware of the facts or she simply did not do her homework. Gratuitous allegations like the ones she has made damage an institution for no reason, but more importantly, they mislead the House. She should immediately withdraw what she said.

[Oil and Gas Industry, November 24th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, first, there is the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board. An agreement has been reached with Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Discussions are being held with Quebec as well. We have faith in our independent regulators. The National Energy Board is also addressing the matter with regard to federal lands.

The Bloc is just trying to instil fear and stop everything from moving forward; we will end up going backward when it comes to energy.

[Oil and Gas Industry, November 24th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we will look into this situation with the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board and make decisions accordingly.

[Hydroelectricity, November 18th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, that is absolutely not true. Our government is making investments to ensure that we have a healthy mix of energy. We want to be a major player on the world stage. We can become a clean energy superpower, and hydroelectricity is part of that equation.

Once again we see that the Bloc Québécois is trying to stir up trouble over energy issues. All of sudden the Bloc is interested in the oil industry, shale gas and issues involving the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Why? Only to stir up trouble. One thing is certain: the Bloc has no credibility when it comes to this issue.

[Hydroelectricity, November 18th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, PPP Canada Inc.'s mission is to help fund Canadian infrastructure. Projects are eligible. Any entity is free to apply for project funding. Applications are assessed on their merit. I repeat, PPP Canada Inc. operates at arm's length from the Parliament of Canada.

[Hydroelectricity, November 18th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, our government created Public-Private Partnerships Canada, a crown corporation that operates at arm's length from the Government of Canada, to meet Canada's infrastructure needs. As a crown corporation, PPP Canada operates at arm's length from the government, as I said, and applications are assessed on their merit.

[The Environment, November 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has received an application from Bruce Power for a licence to transport 16 steam generators to Sweden in order to recycle the metal. Public hearings were held in September. Following deliberations, additional analysis from CNSC staff was required and has been sent to every participant. They have until November 22 to provide their comments to the commission.

I am confident that the CNSC will make a decision that will safeguard the health, safety and security of Canadians.

[Natural Resources, November 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, what the member is saying is completely false. First, last May, the National Energy Board was proactive following the incidents in the Gulf of Mexico. It began a review of regulations concerning offshore drilling in the Arctic to better understand what happened in the Gulf of Mexico, draw conclusions and improve our regulations.

This is just the member from Skeena—Bulkley Valley trying, yet again, to discredit the National Energy Board, which has 50 unblemished years of experience in this area. This is shameful.

[Oil and Gas Exploration, November 2nd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board is an independent regulator with standards that are some of the most stringent in the world. Emergency plans must be filed. No project can be approved until the regulator is confident that the environment is protected and the safety of workers is guaranteed. At present, there are no drilling permit applications for this sector.

[Oil and Gas Exploration, November 2nd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I presume that the member is referring to the documents quoted in the Canadian Press yesterday. These documents were not prepared for me and did not make their way to my office.

The real issue here is environmental safety. We have always said that we have independent regulators with international standards that are some of the most stringent in the world. It is clear that no project will be approved until the regulator is confident that environmental protection and worker safety are assured.