House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 41% of the vote.
Ministerial Responsibility October 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, on June 3, the Minister of Natural Resources told a committee that ministers are personally responsible for the actions of their employees. Just imagine what happens when it is something that affects them personally.
My question is simple. Was the Minister of Natural Resources aware that his assistant, Sébastien Togneri, had an access to information request concerning asbestos, a delicate subject in his region, that he attempted to interfere with?
The Environment September 29th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this is the same minister and the same department that just muzzled scientists and decide what they will say on television. Next he will say that he respects scientists.
Speaking of the St. Lawrence, there is another important matter. Last night, there was a three-kilometre diesel spill at the Suncor facilities. While little deals are being made on the nuclear side, I would like to know what the federal government is doing to protect the interests of the people living in Montreal East.
Radioactive Waste September 29th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, just because he is the Minister of Natural Resources, that does not mean we will believe everything he says.
It is not a question of Quebec against Ontario; it is a question of what the public wants. The public does not want this, yet a commission has already ruled on this and said it does not have any concerns related to safety.
Why does this government not put an end to its phoney commissions? Why does the minister not assume his responsibilities and say “no” to the shipment of this kind of waste on the St. Lawrence Seaway? Is that clear enough?
Government Communications September 20th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Conservative government wants to take us back to the dark days of the 1950s. Not only are the Conservatives muzzling anyone who disagrees with them, but even worse, they are keeping the public completely in the dark. We have learned that all media inquiries to scientists working for Natural Resources Canada must now be approved by the minister's office, without exception.
What is the minister so afraid of that he will not let his experts speak freely? What is he trying to hide?
Shell Canada June 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, let us talk about that. Shell Canada, in Calgary, has stated since June 14 that the file is closed. But, as he knows, one of the two interested buyers, Delek US, an American branch of an Israeli-based holding company, doubled its offer and is now willing to pay between $75 million and $150 million.
On behalf of the 500 skilled workers and in support of the Fortier committee, I am asking the Prime Minister this question. Is he ready to intervene and call the big boss, Peter Voser, Shell's CEO in London, England, to ask him to consider Delek US's offer in order to save Montreal's petrochemical industry?
Shell Canada June 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, various sources have told us that, since February, Shell Oil has hired eight lobbyists in Ottawa to ensure that the Shell refinery in Montreal East is seen only as Quebec's problem. This is scandalous.
Does that explain the government's hesitancy to deal with this issue? Is it because it does not want to upset Shell Canada, which has its headquarters in Calgary?
Committees of the House June 9th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the previous vote, and I am voting in favour of this motion.
Points of Order June 2nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I get the feeling that things have gone way too far. I have fought the Bloc for 20 years, but I would never question its legitimacy because its members were elected by the public.
Are they relevant? We will find out during an election campaign. What I find unacceptable—and it is true of both sides—is that when these types of personal accusations are made, we call into question our own democratic institutions.
I would ask the Conservative Party to focus on thank-yous during S.O. 31 statements instead of making below-the-belt attacks and to stop calling into question the legitimacy of any members here.
Citizenship and Immigration March 12th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, he does not know zip about Haiti and if he is disappointed it does not look like it.
The new definition of emergency is “in the near future”.
Credible, experienced NGOs in the field have been ready for weeks and have well-defined projects. They have provided everything needed to get the money out.
While the minister is telling CBC that she has not received enough project proposals, CIDA is asking NGOs to lower their expectations because there are too many. Who is telling the truth?
The minister was happy to be on the news when the earthquake happened. What is she waiting for to get the emergency relief funds out? Could it be that this money does not actually exist?
Citizenship and Immigration March 12th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, what the parliamentary secretary just said is scandalous. I am going to take him to see the Haitian community in my riding, and we will see whether things can be done differently.
Yesterday, the cat got out of the bag. The government had promised to create a special fund to help the victims in Haiti, in addition to the money already committed. It was going to match the donations people made and spend the money quickly in the field to meet the urgent needs of Haitians. We are talking about $128 million.
But nothing has happened. Not only has the money in this fund not been spent, but it may wind up in the World Bank.
Why did the government deceive Canadians and Quebeckers, who made a huge effort and worked day and night to raise money, thinking that the government was going to do its part?