Denis Lebel

[Health, April 16th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, of course we have been in contact with the Port of Québec administration many times.

However, unlike the NDP, we are not going to try to take over the management of the port's day-to-day operations when there are people in place to do that work. We know that the NDP wants to manage everything from Ottawa and wants to centralize everything.

We respect the boards of directors that are in place. We are ensuring that all the work is done. As I said, as of yesterday and even as far back as November, the Port of Québec has been helping to deal with this matter. We hope, for the public's sake, that the problem will be resolved quickly.

[Health, April 16th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, on March 27, the public health authority for the Quebec City area issued a press release signed by Dr. François Desbiens, which indicated that the situation did not pose a public health threat requiring immediate action.

People need to understand that the hon. member is making interpretations and wants to judge the whole matter. The Port of Québec must manage the Port of Québec. A board of directors is in place, and the Port of Québec responded to this situation yesterday.

Although the Port of Québec continues its investigation, as of right now, we are committing, for the benefit of the public and all the stakeholders involved, to ensure that the tenant in question—because we are talking about a tenant here—will put the necessary measures in place. It is already done.

[Health, April 15th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that my colleague across the floor still does not know how the system works. This is what I understand.

He does not seem to understand that Canadian ports have a board of directors. The NDP wants to manage everything in Canada and centralize everything to increase carbon taxes. That is what it wants to do.

We, however, will respect how the system works. Obviously we are aware of the situation. We know this is having an impact on the population. However, we will respect the people responsible for taking care of this: the board of directors of the Port of Québec. It will do what needs to be done. The Port of Québec will decide.

[Infrastructure, April 15th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for his hard work on this important file.

The presidential permit is a crucial step forward in advancing the new bridge between Detroit and Windsor. It is unfortunate that the members opposite do not support this vital economic project that also stimulates job creation. The fact is that this project is very important for the economies for both of our countries. This project remains a top priority for our government, and we will continue to work together with our partners across the border to see that it is completed as soon as possible.

[Intergovernmental Relations, March 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, since being elected, we have said that we would work on things that bring us together. The hon. member's party wants to separate Quebec from Canada. That is not what we want. The Bloc may want that, but we are going to continue to work hard to have a very strong Quebec within a united Canada.

I have started to have discussions with our provincial colleagues. We will continue to work very hard while respecting jurisdictions, but we are not going to put on the show that the Bloc wants. Quebeckers are fed up with the same old bickering. We are going to build the future.

[Health, March 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, what I was saying last week was confirmed yesterday. The Public Health Agency issued a press release saying that there was no reason for concern.

Yesterday, authorities from the Port of Québec met with two Government of Quebec ministers.

The port is an independent entity, but we are made aware of what is going on. We have been collaborating on this from the beginning. Everything he said last week was confirmed yesterday. They scared people for nothing.

Yesterday, the Public Health Agency and public safety officials confirmed that there was no danger to the public. The member should stop scaring people.

[Infrastructure, March 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, last week we announced the creation of an expert panel. These people will work together to think of how to improve things.

We have a very good system for dealing with oil spills. We will continue to move forward and keep everyone safe.

Canada has not had any major oil spills in its history. There is no need to scare people. We will continue to work on measures.

I thank all members of the panel led by Mr. Houston for their ability to find solutions.

[Canada Post, March 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, he can say what he wants, but as a crown corporation, Canada Post operates at arm's-length from the federal government. As such, Canada Post has assured me that all permanent employees will continue to have jobs and will continue to work for the Canadian population, but as I said, they have to face very difficult times, because their market has decreased by 20% since 2007, and that is not an easy situation for them.

[Canada Post, March 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, it is hard for the NDP when we talk about the economy. Every time a difficult decision has to be made, it becomes ideological. Everything is always about ideology to them. In my opinion, an operating deficit of $253 million is not an ideological matter but an economic one.

We are going to let the people at Canada Post make the decisions and ensure the sustainability of postal service across this country for a long time to come.

[Canada Post, March 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I think that it is important to tell the hon. member exactly what the situation is with the postal service and Canada Post, a crown corporation that operates independently and makes difficult business decisions.

I said earlier that Canada Post had an operating deficit of $253 billion in 2011. If my colleague would like, I can send her the figures by Purolator.