House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 49% of the vote.
The Environment May 11th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this government has been very clear from the beginning.
We expect Canada's regulators to enforce this country's strong environmental standards, including our offshore drilling safety region.
Let me be clear. There will be no drilling until we are convinced that the safety of the workers and the environment is protected, period.
The Environment May 11th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, instead of looking at his notes while I answer, he should listen to my answer.
Canadian regulations require operators to employ the best technology, equipment and training techniques available, and we will not accept any weakening of these requirements. No drilling will proceed until this government is convinced that the safety of the workers and the environment is protected. Canadians expect nothing less.
The Environment May 11th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. Canadian regulations require companies to prove they can operate safely in specific situations using the most advanced technology tailored to their circumstances.
We have stringent regulations that put the onus on industries to prove to regulators that they can protect their workers, the public and the environment. No drilling will proceed unless the government is convinced, period. Canadians expect nothing less.
Securities May 10th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we are referring this to the Supreme Court; that is a sign of our good will. I repeat: it is voluntary.
Let us talk about studies. The study by John Coffee, from Columbia University, also talks about the loss of tens of billions of dollars annually. That is what it costs Canada to have a fragmented approach. Then there is the matter of the 65,000 jobs that may be affected, and that is a point worth debating. I have said it before and I will say it again: this is a voluntary approach and any province that wants to opt out can opt out.
Securities May 10th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we have been clear from the start. This is voluntary. The majority of the provinces want to work with a single commission, but it is on a voluntary basis. What is more, to ensure that we are acting well within our jurisdiction, we are referring everything to the Supreme Court to be sure that this initiative is legitimate. Nonetheless, I want to be clear: this is voluntary. Furthermore, the OECD and the International Monetary Fund commend this initiative.
The Environment May 10th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I heard a lot of “ifs” in the question.
Canadian regulations require operators to employ the best technology, equipment and training techniques available. We will not accept any weakening of those requirements.
Let me be clear. No drilling will proceed unless we are convinced of the safety of the environment and the workers, period. Canadians expect nothing less.
The Environment May 10th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, these allegations are completely false. The government has been clear from the beginning. We expect Canadian authorities to apply Canada's strict environmental standards, including our strict safety regime for offshore drilling.
I want to be very clear here. We will not proceed in any way if we are not absolutely certain that the environment and the safety of our workers will be respected, period. And Canadians can expect nothing less.
Official Languages May 7th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the criterion for selecting judges remains merit. Our position has not changed, and we continue to be guided by legal excellence to ensure that the best legal minds sit on the Supreme Court bench.
Firearms Registry May 7th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a Quebecker who cares about all Quebeckers, and not a Quebecker who cares only about Quebec sovereignty.
He wants to destroy the federation and criminalize honest citizens in his riding. If there is a consensus, all Quebec has to do is create a registry if it wants one. My colleague knows very well that the registration of goods and property is a provincial jurisdiction. We do not want to criminalize honest citizens who do not register their long guns. He must stop confusing the issue.
Firearms Registry May 7th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, that is ridiculous. My colleague is confusing the issue for purely partisan purposes. When someone purchases a firearm, it is automatically recorded, because that individual needs a possession and acquisition licence.
My colleague comes from a rural riding. He wants to criminalize the honest hunters in his riding who have not registered their firearms. He will vote to criminalize these honest citizens in his own riding. That is what is shameful.