House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 47% of the vote.
Security Certificates February 23rd, 2007
Mr. Speaker, as I have already indicated, we thank the Supreme Court for its decision on security certificates. We have just received that decision, which is very lengthy. We are reviewing it carefully.
The government intends to respond in a timely and decisive fashion to address the court's decision.
Prime Minister February 23rd, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I can tell the House that on October 5, the subcommittee turned over a report to the standing committee which brought it to the House on October 17. That committee included members for Ajax—Pickering, Richmond, Saint John and Mount Royal.
From that time until now, the only thing that happened in the middle was the Liberal leadership convention, and two weeks ago they changed their mind.
Prime Minister February 23rd, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that if the hon. member has an issue with the The Vancouver Sun, he should take it up with the The Vancouver Sun.
Security Information February 23rd, 2007
Mr. Speaker, as I said, we have just received the Supreme Court's decision. It will be reviewed very carefully and the government will respond in a timely and decisive fashion.
Security Information February 23rd, 2007
Mr. Speaker, Canada's new government does thank the Supreme Court for its decision on security certificates. We have just received the decision and are reviewing it carefully. The security certificate process was put in place to protect Canadians against threats to their safety and security and the government does intend to respond in a timely and decisive fashion to address the court's decision.
National Parole Board February 16th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, Canadians would be surprised to learn there is a system in place that grants first degree murderers and sexual offenders pardons. Canadians elected a new government to replace the Liberal Party's soft on crime approach to justice.
The Prime Minister and the public safety minister have expressed concerns and asked for a review of the pardons process. Our government will review and strengthen the criteria of how pardons are granted to violent and sexual offenders.
Public Safety February 16th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the CBSA and Transport Canada have looked into planes allegedly linked to the CIA. The officials have informed the minister that there is no information at this time which would confirm any allegations from the member opposite.
Public Safety February 16th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I thnk there was some discussion about an EU report. This has not changed in Canada. We have had those lists of planes that have landed here. We have no information that any of the individuals who the opposite side is talking about were ever in Canada.
Criminal Code February 14th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I listened to my hon. colleague, who talked about ideology. It seems that the ideology I have heard all day long from the other side is “blame the victim and blame society” for those people who are dangerous criminals.
I think it is fair to say that the only people logically opposed to this legislation would be the dangerous criminals themselves, people who have committed three of the most heinous criminal offences.
This legislation is not to be used lightly. It does not allow for that.
I heard the hon. member use the words “it's harmful and vindictive”. Could he tell the members of the House and Canadians in general who the legislation would be harmful to or vindictive to?
Committees of the House February 13th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, I will clarify a couple of points made by the hon. member.
I did not say there was food there and they were welcome to eat it. I did say that it is a three-sided cell and they can leave the country.
More important, we have to accept what the courts have said. The courts have ruled on this a number of times. This is an immigration holding facility. Those people are deemed to be a danger to Canada. That is the responsibility of the Parliament of Canada, all the members of the House, and to Canadians as a whole. The courts continue to say that they are a threat to the security and safety of Canadians. That is why they are being held there. It is not to be punitive or anything else.
As I have already said, this is a welcoming country. We allow millions of people to visit every year, 200,000 come here as permanent citizens or landed residents. Canada is a very open country, but we do have to say no to some people.
In this case we have three people who have been ordered to be deported from the country. It is fair and reasonable what is happening in the big picture. The whole issue has been debated in the courts many times and the courts have ruled that it is appropriate.
The matter is again before the courts. These individuals have utilized the Canadian court system and have launched another challenge. Therefore, I think the courts will be the final arbiter of it.