Earl Dreeshen

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, September 19th, 2016]

With regard to costs associated with renovating, redesigning, and re-furnishing the Prime Minister’s residence at Harrington Lake, since November 4, 2015: what is the total cost of any spending on renovating, redesigning, and re-furnishing the residence, broken down by (i) total cost, (ii) moving services, (iii) renovating services, (iv) painting, (v) flooring, (vi) furniture, (vii) appliances, (viii) art installation, (ix) all other expenditures?

[Questions on the Order Paper, September 19th, 2016]

With regard to tax revenue from marijuana dispensaries, how much total tax revenue has the Canada Revenue Agency collected from marijuana dispensaries since November 4, 2015?

[Main Estimates 2016-17, June 14th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I heard the hon. minister just a few minutes ago, as well as the parliamentary secretary, talk about the fact that they felt dollars had not made it through, especially in Alberta. I wonder if the member could comment on the fact that there was no agreement signed by the Province of Alberta with the federal government because the province was going through numerous changes at that time. That was not signed until the end of November and the call for proposals had taken place in the spring.

We hear a lot about how money did not flow, but I wonder if the member could comment on the reasons why that took place.

[Business of Supply, June 13th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the member's speech certainly was interesting. I know that we will have a lot of things to talk about when, finally, the legislation comes.

We are talking about plant physiology and how farmers or how producers are going to have to change things so that they can regulate to find out exactly how much presence of effective chemical there is going to be. Backyard pot growers and people raiding their gardens, all of these other sorts of things are taking place.

However, if we look at the Colorado experience, right now, one of the key things they are looking at is acute marijuana intoxication in children. The key component there is that people are normalizing the use of it and then putting the chemicals into brownies and gummy bears and so on, so that a child does not know what it is that they are getting. By doing this normalization, I see that we are creating so many other issues.

Could the member speak somewhat about how they are going to regulate and protect those families and those children who are going to be subject to these things when all of this is free and normalized?

[Canada Day Celebrations, June 13th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, each year on July 1 communities across this great nation come together to celebrate Canada Day. Canada Day has been celebrated every year since Confederation, and it has always been the spirit of local communities all celebrating with their unique flair that makes the holiday so truly special. Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate the values and traditions that make Canada the best place in the world to call home.

Our local organizations have been hard at work on preparations to herald another proud anniversary of our country. The towns of Bowden, Sundre, Carstairs, Delburne, Elnora, Spruce View, Penhold, lnnisfail, Didsbury, and Olds as well as the city of Red Deer are all hosting celebrations for Canada Day, including music, food, games, parades, and fireworks. It is an honour to represent an area that proudly demonstrates such strong community and Canadian spirit.

I encourage everyone to come together with their families and neighbours at one of their local community events to celebrate the birth of our nation.

[Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 1, June 6th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the last two Liberal speakers have both mentioned health care.

I was involved in the health care system back in the 1990s, when it was gutted by the Liberal Party. It was left on the backs of the provinces. I think that is something one has to keep in perspective when they speak about the way they cut the budget.

He talked about $36.1 billion. If the parliamentary secretary looks at page 240 of the budget, he will see that there are some years when it is even less than the 3% minimum the Conservatives had.

I wonder if the parliamentary secretary can explain his rationale for his argument that we now have the maximum amount for health care. He is adding to it and suggesting that it is going to be so much more, when it will actually be less than what the Conservatives had planned for the base amounts.

[Memorial Cup, May 31st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Red Deer Rebels hosted the MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament in the beautiful city of Red Deer, Alberta.

I want to thank the participants, the organizers, and the dedicated volunteers for their unwavering commitment to this historic tournament. The Sutter family and their organizational team made us all proud.

Each year the Memorial Cup brings together rising stars as the champions from three CHL member leagues along with a host team compete for junior hockey's highest honour. I am proud to say that our Rebels put up a great fight, proving once again the tenacity and talent of this amazing team. I also want to extend my congratulations to the Brandon Wheat Kings, the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, and especially the London Knights in winning the 98th Memorial Cup.

Our community was honoured to come together to ensure that the spirit and tradition of the Memorial Cup was a resounding success.

[Candidate Gender Equity Act, May 10th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, it has been interesting to listen to the commentary. As we know, as far as leadership is concerned here, there are two female leaders of political parties and two male leaders of political parties. It was not that long ago, though, if we think about it, that about 90% of all Canadians had female premiers. If we look at that, we would find that the best people do find their way to the top. Encouraging women to make sure they compete for nominations is certainly the best way, but I think we have found in many ways that the best people, when they are women, are the ones who are going to be in Parliament.

I wonder if perhaps the member could comment on that particular situation in the provinces.

[George T. Ingham and Son Jewellers, May 9th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, loving what one does is what drives bold individuals to take a leap of faith and start their own businesses.

George Ingham took this leap in 1916 and started George T. Ingham and Son Jewellers in Innisfail. This fine business is a prime example of entrepreneurship, commitment, dedication, and strong business sense, which has allowed this family business to thrive in our community for 100 years.

My family, along with many other families of Innisfail and district, have appreciated the fine service and quality of product of this outstanding small business as it has passed through the generations, from father to son to son.

On May 16, my wife Judy and I are pleased to be joining our fellow community members in honouring Garth and Joanne Ingham as they proudly celebrate 100 years of passion, craftsmanship, and service to our community.

[Criminal Code, May 3rd, 2016]

Madam Speaker, I have heard Liberals talk about some of the money that they may put into palliative care and that it is a commitment. When I spoke earlier, that was a concern I had. When one looks at the budget, one recognizes the fact that beyond the 6% escalator established by the Conservative government, the increases under the 3% for 2016-17 is 2.8%.

Therefore, when it comes to a commitment of dollars going to the provinces in order to ensure our health care system can handle things, what kind of faith does the member have in the government being able to put together a palliative care regime that would benefit Canadians?