House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 43% of the vote.
Foreign Investment June 16th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, we never have, and we never will, put our national security at risk. We followed a multi-stage process in this case and we based our decision on the considered opinion of our national security experts.
What does the other side of the House have against our national security experts? They are the ones who have the facts in front of them. We rely on their opinion in this process. It is a very good process and we will continue to follow it.
Foreign Investment June 16th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, on issues of national security, we look to our experts, our national security agencies. That is exactly what we did.
The agencies did the necessary consultations. They had the facts. Members across the aisle seem to think it was pure conjecture, but it was not. It was facts. The agencies based their assessment on the facts. This is a national security matter, and we will go along with what our experts say.
Foreign Investment June 16th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, we take our national security very seriously.
All investments reviewed under the Investment Canada Act go through a rigorous, multi-step security review process conducted by Canada's national security agencies. That process was followed in this case, as it is in every other case. Our national security agencies conducted their review and confirmed that the security measures and guarantees put in place comply with our high standards. No transaction would take place if it did not meet our strict standards for national security.
Foreign Investment June 16th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, we have listened to our national security experts. We listened to their advice. National security was reviewed as part of this transaction by people who have the knowledge.
It is based on their advice and recommendations that we authorized this transaction. I want to reassure the House and all Canadians that we will never compromise on national security and we will always work to advance our national interests.
Foreign Investment June 16th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, national security is a top priority for our government. All transactions reviewed under the Investment Canada Act are subject to a multi-stage security review process. We can confirm that the process set out in the act was followed to the letter and it was determined that there was no threat to national security. Our security agencies had access to all of the information they needed throughout the process.
We never have and we never will compromise on national security.
Salaries Act June 7th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, after having spent a fair bit of time in the ministry of innovation, science and economic development and having gone out west and worked with WD on the ground, I now have a fuller understanding of why there was no diversification in the west under the previous government and why the regional development agencies all generally failed to do what they had to do.
When we took office, we had to fix ACOA. We have fixed it, and it is now working very well. We have 32 very satisfied members of Parliament from the Atlantic region who are happy with ACOA, as well as stakeholders in Calgary, Fort McMurray, and Saskatoon, where I was last week with WD officials on the ground, in universities, and in other settings. People are very happy with the way we have restructured.
I would invite the hon. member to comment on why one would not want to restructure in good faith with the ministry and with officials from regional development economic agencies to have a more coherent innovation and skills agenda. This is precisely what we are doing, and the regional development agencies, including WD, are putting this policy into practice on the ground.
Why would it not be a good thing to be sensitive to the needs of the west and sensitive to the needs of Atlantic regions and other regions in Canada through a more efficient, coherent, and diversified economic policy?
Salaries Act June 7th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member touched on some interesting points.
As parliamentary secretary for innovation, science, and economic development, I see the impact first-hand of removing the old ministers of state for the regional development agencies. I echo his comments about the fact that we have created a much more lean and efficient ministry and department, and that the departmental functions of each of the regional economic development agencies has in fact not been impaired, but I would argue, improved with standardized practices.
I would invite the hon. member to elaborate on the fact that this is reflecting a reality in good governance, making government more efficient and making the regional development agencies more effective.
Government Appointments June 2nd, 2017
Mr. Speaker, ACOA is dedicated to helping Atlantic Canada realize its full economic potential in terms of innovation, growth, productivity and competitiveness.
Our government would like to thank the former president, Paul LeBlanc, for his years of service to ACOA and the Atlantic Region.
The newly appointed president, Francis McGuire, is a known and respected individual in the Atlantic region, and he has extensive experience working in both the private and public sectors.
Verdun Elementary School June 2nd, 2017
Mr. Speaker, last week I was honoured to visit the grade 2 and grade 4 classes at Verdun Elementary School. Mr. Angelo's students put on a parliamentary simulation showing their knowledge of our duties as members of government.
The mock parliament started with students singing O Canada, followed by an introduction by you, Mr. Speaker. Ministers and members of both sides of the House, as well as past members and famous Canadians, then rose to introduce themselves and share personal anecdotes. I was right at home, seated behind the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
These budding parliamentarians recognize the significance of Remembrance Day and of Earth Day, and suggested that Winnie the Pooh be Canada's first official bear. They also ensured that I did not leave empty-handed, by giving me Flat Stanley as a travelling companion.
I want to salute the efforts of these engaged teachers at Verdun Elementary School. I am convinced that they are forming future citizens and parliamentarians. They have my full support.
Cannabis Act May 30th, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I will leave the amendment process to our committee, under the guidance of our parliamentary secretary and the government generally.
However, I do note that as a rule there is some flexibility in sentencing through the discretionary power that judges have. I think that we will, at the end of the day, strike the appropriate balance throughout all of our legislation.