House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 49% of the vote.
Offshore Drilling May 14th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member, instead of scrutinizing the way I speak English, should check the state of the law enforced here in Canada.
We have a very severe regime. We have unlimited liability everywhere in the country. Moreover, there are absolute liabilities. There will be no drilling until the government is convinced that the security of the workers is ensured, and also that there is protection of the environment.
She should check the law that the government enforces.
Offshore Drilling May 14th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, that is totally false. They are just fearmongering. Canada has strict, responsible regulations. In the Beaufort Sea in particular, there is unlimited liability. Had my colleague taken the time to review the agreement, she would know that it includes unlimited and absolute liability.
Moreover, there is a tanker exclusion zone in British Columbia. No oil tankers are allowed in the inside passage. That is the way it is, and it will not change.
Climate Change May 13th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, once again, Canada is moving forward and once again, those people are trying to sabotage progress. Their only goal is to separate Quebec from the rest of Canada. That is all there is to it. Sabotage, sabotage, sabotage. They are the ones who see the environment and the economy as two different things. We have always said that there are ways to achieve economic progress while reducing our environmental footprint. Strategic investments are being made, and for the first time, the Copenhagen accord will bring major emitters together. That is what I call action.
Climate Change May 13th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we have always been clear about this. The government's priority for the G20 summit is to talk about the economy and job creation. Our Bloc colleagues do not seem to understand those issues. They never talk about those issues because they do not consider them to be priorities. We respect the Copenhagen accord, which, for the first time, brings major emitters on board. Finally, there will be meaningful action, instead of all the empty talk we have had from them for the past 20 years.
Offshore Drilling May 13th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, there is an offshore moratoria in place for the coast of British Columbia. Yes, that is the singular. For the benefit of my colleagues in opposition, that is the singular form for the Latin. As far as our government is concerned, lifting the moratoria is out of the question. It is carefully inspected and rigorously followed. Lifting it is out of the question, so once again, the members across the floor should stop trying to politicize the matter and stop needlessly frightening people so much.
Offshore Drilling May 13th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this is not true. The health and safety of Canadians remains the government's top priority.
The National Energy Board has announced that it will also examine the offshore drilling process. When it comes to the Arctic in particular, it plans to hold open, transparent public hearings. Now that is action. Once again, I wish members would stop discrediting these reliable, independent Canadian agencies.
The Environment May 12th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, Canada has an extremely rigorous regulatory regime when it comes to the safety of offshore oil and gas activities. Canada will carefully examine all the conclusions drawn from the current disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in order to increase safety, understand more and learn as much as possible in order to perfect our system.
Justice May 12th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for that excellent question. Under the current pardon system, crimes committed are pardoned almost as though the damage done did not exist.
The vast majority of Canadians are against that, and rightly so. Our Conservative government is also against that.
These measures could eliminate pardons for people convicted of sexual assault against children, for example. In addition, the National Parole Board would have the tools it needs to ensure that our children and our communities are better protected.
The changes we are proposing are fair, and they make good sense. I hope the opposition will support them.
Offshore Drilling May 12th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, how can that party be credible? The Liberal leader said the opposite of what is in that party's press release.
Just to be clear, we are talking about an independent body, the National Energy Board, that reviews all of the regulations that apply to oceans. In the Beaufort Sea, the general rules do not allow drilling permits to be issued. In addition, there will be an open and transparent process for the public. I want to make it clear that the board will hold any necessary hearings. Let us have no more of their foolish politicizing.
Offshore Drilling May 12th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. The health and safety of Canadians remains the Government of Canada's top priority.
There are currently no active authorizations for drilling of any kind in the Beaufort Sea. The National Energy Board has announced that it will conduct a comprehensive review of Arctic safety and the environmental requirements for offshore drilling. This new process will be open and transparent and will include opportunities for the public to get involved.
The National Energy Board has also cancelled its written hearing on the same-season relief well capability.