Dany Morin

[Economic Action Plan 2015 Act, No. 1, May 14th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I am disheartened because, as you know, every time a time allocation motion is moved, that means not every member will have a chance to speak to the bill. In this case, we are talking about the budget, the most important bill of the year.

My region is going through tough economic times. The last time I checked, the unemployment rate in the urban areas was the highest in Canada. Our forestry industry is struggling, and so is the aluminum sector. I have a lot to say about this budget, but unfortunately, the government is preventing me from delivering a full speech on it.

I want to know why the Conservative government has such little respect for duly elected members. There are 308 members in the House of Commons. Things will likely only get worse when there are 338 and more people want to speak to bills.

[Business of Supply, May 11th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the NDP has moved this motion to help our veterans.

I represent the riding of Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, which is home to the Bagotville military base. I see as many veterans as soldiers. I recognize the crucial role the Government of Canada needs to play in helping these men and women. I am disappointed in the Conservative government's attitude towards veterans. My office staff often find themselves fighting on behalf of these veterans for financial compensation related to the degree of injury they suffered on their mission abroad.

I would ask my Conservative colleague why the government spends so much time in court fighting to avoid honouring the covenant between the federal government and veterans. Why does the government not simply give this money to veterans instead of spending it on legal fees? It seems as though these veterans would feel much more respected by their government.

[National Mental Health Week, May 7th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, this week is the 64th National Mental Health Week. Like physical health, mental health is part of the well-being of every Canadian, and over the years, it may be good or bad.

Life is not easy and there are many obstacles along the way. However, no problem is too small because everyone experiences an emotional reaction to events. These problems cause tension, which is not ideal for making the best decisions.

That is why it is important to talk about our problems with our loved ones or through a telephone hotline. People want to talk about their suffering. They want to give it a name. They want the other person to acknowledge their suffering. They want to express it.

For that, we have to give people the opportunity to express themselves and not necessarily give them advice, but just listen. We have to trust those people. They are capable of making their own decisions. It is enough to just be there, not say a word and just listen, because being able to talk about the problem reduces anxiety by half. Talking releases emotions and allows people to achieve a better mental balance.

Let us take the time to listen to one another.

Thank you Tel-Aide Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean for being there.

[Port State Measures Agreement Implementation Act, May 7th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, my question for my colleague is this. What did he say about that?

[Port State Measures Agreement Implementation Act, May 7th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I agree that this bill is a step in the right direction to protect our fishing industry. However, this is a global issue, and we do business with economic partners.

Will the Conservative government ask other countries in the international community to sign and ratify the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing? Canada does business with some countries, such as Mexico, Spain and Panama, whose vessels are known to practise illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

[Port State Measures Agreement Implementation Act, May 7th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, having been Quebec's environment minister for years, the leader of the NDP understands the significance of the relationship between sound environmental protections and a flourishing fishery.

That is why I am asking my Conservative colleague the following question: what is the Conservative government doing to stop illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing? Even though this bill is a step in the right direction, it will not completely stop unregulated and unreported fishing.

[Petitions, May 7th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I too join my colleagues in presenting a petition with dozens of names. These Canadians are asking that feminine hygiene products be exempt from the GST. The tax is discriminatory and creates financial stress for many families.

[Pipeline Safety Act, May 6th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, the NDP will support this bill. However, I have a comment and a question for my Conservative colleague.

Social licence, or public approval of the development of our natural resources, is just as important as authorization by a regulatory body. Why are the Conservatives refusing to do what it takes to obtain public support for pipeline projects in Canada? I think that this question will be asked across the country.

[Pipeline Safety Act, May 6th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, although the NDP supports the bill, I do have some concerns. I would like to ask my colleague for some guidance.

There is uncertainty about far too many provisions, because their implementation is left up to the discretion of the National Energy Board or the Conservative cabinet. Canadians do not have faith in either of them.

Could my NDP colleague tell me what he thinks?

[Anti-terrorism Act, 2015, May 5th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I am a bit bewildered to hear my Liberal colleague's comments because I think that the NDP was very clear. We think this legislation has no place among our Canadian laws.

I think that Canadians will not be fooled by the Liberal member because they know that the NDP fights tooth and nail for Canadians' rights and freedoms and that security and liberty must go hand in hand.

That being said, a number of experts who testified said that Bill C-51 is inconsistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Why do the Liberals want to vote against the charter by supporting this extremely flawed bill?