House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 49% of the vote.
Quebec City Arena October 18th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the Minister responsible for the Quebec City region had a positive and constructive meeting with the mayor of Quebec City on October 8. At that meeting, there was mention of how important it was to get private sector participation. As we have always said, we will study this project in the entire context of the various requests from all over the country.
Minister of Natural Resources October 18th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, as I have already stated in this House and I will say again: there was no discussion of any contracts at that event. Congratulating someone on doing business with the federal government and referring someone to a department because he or she had some questions about the tendering process do not constitute discussions about a contract. If the opposition is insinuating that any irregularities have taken place in the awarding of government contracts, my response to that is no.
Foreign Affairs October 18th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, that is false. As I said before, our government acts on principle when it comes to foreign affairs, not according to what is popular. In Copenhagen, for the first time, the major emitters sat down together to tackle environmental problems. Our government showed leadership in making sure that all the major emitters were involved in that discussion.
Foreign Affairs October 18th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we are proud of our principled positions on foreign affairs. When it comes to foreign affairs, our government will do what is good for Canada, what is good in general when it comes to foreign affairs, not just what is popular.
The Environment October 8th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we were clear in our last Speech from the Throne that we would review the entire suite of programs, and this is what we are doing.
I would add that $300 million is still flowing until the end of the calendar year for the home retrofit program.
We will get things done. We will do what we said in our last Speech from the Throne.
Government Contracts October 8th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the contract in question was signed on May 30, 2008. I became minister of public works on June 25, 2008. The reception in question was held in January 2009. I hope that the opposition knows how to read a calendar. I never talk about contracts with the individuals involved when I am in public. When they tell me that they are doing business with the federal government, I can congratulate them and say good for them. In this case, as in any other case, I never talk about contracts with any individuals involved.
Natural Resources October 7th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois has never shied away from practically spitting on fossil fuels. Now, suddenly, its head office says that this is a perfect opportunity to drive a wedge between the government and Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. That is what they want to do: be divisive.
That is not how we work. Our counterparts in Quebec are interested in settling this matter, and as I said, talks in good faith are under way as we speak.
Natural Resources October 7th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it is surprising to hear the Bloc talk blithely about an agreement with Quebec today. We have been working with the provinces for a long time on agreements to develop our natural resources in a responsible manner. Quebec has now shown interest, and as I said yesterday, talks are under way with our provincial counterparts.
Oil and Gas Industry October 6th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this is rather ironic. The Bloc Québécois wants to separate Quebec from the rest of Canada. Its leader will talk about it anywhere around the world, even though the people with the most at stake are sick of hearing about Quebec separation.
I would like to make one thing clear: we are entering into talks with Quebec and there is some interest. Quebeckers can count on our government to begin negotiations in good faith and in due form.
Oil and Gas Industry October 6th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the world seems to have been turned upside down. Now the Bloc Québécois is speaking the language of its head office. Suddenly it is pro-oil. It is somewhat strange to see. As the government, we committed to developing our natural resources in a responsible manner. Yes, there is a Canada-Newfoundland offshore petroleum agreement and one with Nova Scotia. As for Quebec, which has shown some interest, discussions are currently underway. We will certainly not take any lessons from a party that has absolutely no credibility on energy issues.