House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2019, with 80% of the vote.
Intergovernmental Relations February 18th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, in late December, the Minister of Finance announced that the territorial governments would be facing major federal funding cuts due to the rejigging of the territorial funding formula. Now, under mounting pressure, the minister is saying he will restore the funding, but only partially.
The territorial governments are still facing millions of dollars in cuts. When will the government fully restore the funding and stop leaving northerners out in the cold?
Indigenous Affairs December 11th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the Canada Revenue Agency's current TD1 form for 2016 and the description of the northern residence tax deduction currently show no increase to this important tax deduction.
Will the minister take the steps necessary to put in place an enhanced northern residence tax deduction for the 2016 tax year?
Indigenous Affairs December 11th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, residents of northern Canada face punishing costs of living due to their remoteness and limited transportation. The Liberal campaign platform promised tax relief for the residents of Canada's northern zone through a 33% increase in allowable deductions for northern residency.
Northerners expect that this important tax cut would apply to the 2016 tax year. Why is the government already ignoring northern Canadians?
Taxation June 11th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, unlike the opposition, who are planning to raise taxes, our Conservative government is providing direct benefits to help 100% of families make ends meet.
Could the Minister of State for Social Development please update the House on our plan for tax relief for Canadian families?
Taxation June 4th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Liberal Party has made it abundantly clear. While this side of the House will be about keeping taxes low and money back in the pockets of hard-working Canadians, the other side of the House wants to dramatically raise taxes on all Canadians by bringing in a mandatory expansion of the Canada pension plan. He is basically saying he supports a payroll tax hike that would cost $1,000 in take-home pay for someone earning $60,000.
Under the Liberal Party plan, a family in Fort McMurray—Athabasca with a combined income of $120,000 would pay $2,000. This is unacceptable and we will never let this happen.
Fort McMurray—Athabasca June 2nd, 2015
Mr. Speaker, as the member of Parliament for Fort McMurray—Athabasca, I get a lot of questions about Fort McMurray when I am outside the riding.
Most people know that our region is home to the oil sands, but I am often asked if Fort McMurray is some sort of boom town or work camp. My response clear. It is a hometown, a place to live, a place to raise a family, and a place to retire.
It used to bother me that people had this misconception of our region. Now, I see it as an opportunity to talk about how great our region is. We have all the attractions of a city twice our size, with a vibrant arts community, food options from around the world, and world-class recreational facilities. We also have a model of multiculturalism in this region from which most of Canada can learn.
However, what really sets our community apart is our community's passion to make everyone welcome and where volunteering in second nature.
In addition, I am looking forward to the Northern Kickoff event in Fort McMurray on June 13, where the Edmonton Eskimos will battle the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Taxation May 12th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, Canadian families know that our Conservative Party is the only party that trusts moms and dads to make the best decisions for their families. That is why we are introducing the family tax cuts and the universal child care benefit, which will save the average Canadian family nearly $1,200.
Could the minister please update the House on the benefit that families in my riding and all across Canada will receive under these programs?
Infrastructure March 31st, 2015
Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of our Prime Minister, I have been proud to support the significant infrastructure investments that are delivering real results for Alberta and communities across Canada.
Late last week I was very pleased to host the Minister of Health in Fort McMurray for an event that further demonstrates this government's commitment to jobs and the economy.
Can the minister please update the House on this important announcement?
Oil and Gas Industry March 11th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, Fort McMurray oil sands have provided widespread wealth but have also drawn criticism for greenhouse gases created in the process of extracting Alberta crude from the oil sands.
While environmental organizations have been protesting to have the oil sands closed down, the industry has been working hard in research labs across the country on greenhouse reduction technologies and strategies. In many cases, they are working together to share best practices and innovation through partnerships such as Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance.
Alberta Energy reports that since 1990, oil sands producers have reduced per barrel emissions by an average of 26%. Some have achieved reductions as high as 50%. New, promising technologies are being explored as we speak, which will further lower the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per barrel of oil.
Our oil sands industry is greatly improving Canadians' standard of living and is investing in and creating new environmentally friendly technologies.
Taxation December 12th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, Canada's economy is ranked among the best in the world, despite weathering a global economic crisis. Our government has significantly reduced the tax burden for Canadians by implementing smart, sound financial policies that reduce government spending and increase returns for Canadians.
We refuse to weigh down the economy with another tax on Canadian families, unlike the New Democrats and the Liberals who have repeatedly called for increasing taxes on Canadians. It is no secret that the opposition would like to bring in a job-killing carbon tax that would raise the price on everything from fuel costs in Victoria to groceries in Inuvik, to home heating in St. John's. This is a tax that no Canadians want. Our government will never punish Canadians with the job-killing carbon tax called for by the opposition.