Fin Donnelly

[The Environment, December 8th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this is a historic week in world history. Leaders from across the globe are converging on Copenhagen to discuss the state of our climate.

The decisions we make today will be remembered, the impacts felt by generations to come.

This government must step up and commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 25% below 1990 levels in the next decade and 80% by 2050. These targets are not only achievable but absolutely critical to the health and future of our environment, our communities and our economy.

I stand today to call on the government to go to Copenhagen and come back with a meaningful plan that achieves these targets. The future of our planet depends on it.

[Petitions, December 4th, 2009]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to present a petition that calls for an independent judicial inquiry into the salmon crisis. Nine million salmon disappeared this summer in the Fraser River. It is the lowest return in 50 years.

Hundreds of people have spoken out and have signed this petition, calling for the judicial inquiry. They want action now to save our B.C. salmon.

[Tax Harmonization, December 2nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, why is the Conservative government trying to shut down debate on the HST?

During the provincial election the Liberal government said it would not harmonize the provincial sales tax with the GST, and then months later did just that. Now the Conservative government wants to ram through its HST legislation.

The people of British Columbia are tired of being shut out of the debate on the HST.

If the HST is such a good idea, why is the government trying to limit debate on it? What is it trying to hide?

[Salmon Fishery, November 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, let us hope the government's promises on west coast salmon do not ring as hollow.

Answering the call by New Democrats for an inquiry was a first good step, but we cannot just sit back and do nothing for the next 20 months. Problems with fish farms, sea lice and overfishing must be addressed. The government can and must take action to mitigate damage being done to the salmon fishery.

Will the minister tell the House what immediate actions, besides calling an inquiry, it plans to take to stop the decline of B.C. salmon?

[Tax Harmonization, November 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I just spent several months talking to seniors, students, families and small businesses. Their message was clear: tell the Conservative government that we do not want its HST. British Columbians, like all Canadians, are still trying to make their way through these tough economic times, but this unfair tax shift will make life more expensive for them.

The people of British Columbia are tired of hearing the government trying to pass the buck. Will the government start listening to them and cancel this tax increase?