Dean Del Mastro

[Air Transportation, March 7th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, recently in the House, I brought to the attention of the Minister of Transport that a proposed wind turbine project named Sumac Ridge threatened the future of the Peterborough regional airport, and I requested that she investigate the matter and intervene.

Given the substantial investment and significant growth that has occurred at Peterborough airport since the Prime Minister himself cut the ribbon at the new facility, it is shocking that the Ontario government would permit any new build to interfere with this incredible regional success story.

Can the minister confirm that she is seized with the situation, and can she update the house in this regard?

[Air Transportation, February 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, despite fierce opposition from municipal governments and residents, the Government of Ontario has continued to press forward on the Sumac Ridge industrial wind turbine project. Last week, I learned that the project, as proposed, would place restrictions on Peterborough airport, against the express wishes of airport management and the City of Peterborough.

This is simply unacceptable. Continued growth at Peterborough airport is critical to my local economy, and it cannot be constrained or restricted in this manner. Can the Minister of Transport please indicate if she has spoken with Nav Canada about the mitigation obligations that have been placed and proposed for Peterborough airport, and will she review the entire matter on behalf of my community?

[Intergovernmental Affairs, February 13th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Ontario technically qualified each and every year for equalization between 1977 and 1982. Understanding that Ontario had not suddenly become poor but rather that resource-based provinces had become relatively richer, Premier Bill Davis turned down equalization, reasoning that if Ontario qualified for equalization, this must mean there is something seriously awry with the equalization formula, not something wrong with Ontario. His principled position was a source of pride and confidence for all Ontarians. Rather than crying poor, Premier Davis and the big blue machine focused on building a stronger Ontario, with great success.

As an Ontarian, the Minister of Finance has directed record federal transfers to Ontario. Could he please detail these massive transfers to the Province of Ontario?

[Employment, January 28th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to jobs and job creation, this Prime Minister and Minister of Finance have an unparalleled record compared to their international peers.

A few weeks ago, following meetings with his provincial counterparts, the finance minister quite correctly asserted that increasing payroll taxes, by doubling CPP premiums, would harm Canada's economic recovery and job creation during these fragile global economic times.

Can the finance minister confirm for this House that his priority remains economic growth and job creation, and that he will continue to keep payroll taxes or taxes on jobs low for Canadians and Canadian employers?

[Supplementary Estimates (B), 2013-14, December 9th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I vote yes.

[Supplementary Estimates (B), 2013-14, December 9th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I will be voting yes.

[Supplementary Estimates (B), 2013-14, December 9th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I stand with the Conservative Party.

[Intergovernmental Affairs, December 9th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the government's confident and aggressive trade initiative. Trade barriers limit growth, productivity and prosperity, while reducing overall employment.

In 2007, shortly after Alberta and B.C. established a trade investment and labour mobility agreement, I proposed a more sweeping national plan entitled “Completing Confederation” for the government's consideration. Picking up on this important and still outstanding initiative, a coalition of business groups has written the Minister of Industry highlighting that barriers between Canada's provinces continue, even as we celebrate the Canada-Europe free trade agreement.

Will the minister engage his provincial counterparts and seek to end these ill-conceived interprovincial trade barriers?

[Business of Supply, November 26th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I know this member to be a very decent person, but I would like to ask him a question that goes more to the spirit of this motion.

The Liberals seem to be saying on one hand they would really like to see transparency, but on the other hand they do not provide transparency. I have been here since 2006, and I have never heard a Liberal member stand up and say, “We demand to know which Quebec Liberal riding associations got illegal sponsorship money. We would like to have Elections Canada look into this and determine it”. They have never once said that.

When at least three of their members were caught charging rent to this place, the House of Commons, and paying it to their children, which is contrary to the rules of this Parliament, the Liberal Party actually participated in covering that up by allowing the members to simply pay it back and sweeping it under the rug. The information was completely covered up and kept from taxpayers.

If the Liberals really want to have this kind of transparency, why will they not stand up and demand it of their own members? Why will they not demand accountability for Colin Kenny?

[The Budget, November 25th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I recently had an opportunity to attend a meeting of the tri-counties manufacturing association. This association represents a number of very important manufacturing employers in eastern Ontario, including the great riding of Peterborough.

Recently the Minister of State for economic development for southern Ontario has had the opportunity to meet with these very important employers. I know he is working hard on advanced manufacturing and a new initiative. Could he update the House on how he is making out and provide some direction to these employers?