House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 36% of the vote.
Natural Resources May 10th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, if the member is suggesting that for every single program of the previous government it took 50¢ of every dollar to ensure accountability, it is no wonder the old Liberal Party was thrown out of office. That is not how this government is going to function. We are going to ensure that taxpayers get value for every single dollar that they send to Ottawa.
Natural Resources May 10th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, if Mrs. Robertson has applied for the program she will receive all the benefits of that program.
We were elected to take great care of and have respect for every taxpayer dollar. This is a program to promote energy efficiency and yet almost 50¢ of every dollar goes to inspections and administration and never reaches the homeowner.
That is not in the taxpayers' interest. It is not economically efficient nor environmentally efficient, which is why the program had to end.
Forestry Industry May 9th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, first I would like to acknowledge the great work the member for Cariboo—Prince George has done on this file.
The Conservative Party recognizes the enormous damage that the pine beetle infestation has caused in the forests in British Columbia. We are doing every single thing we can to mitigate the damage.
It has been a great week for forestry in all of Canada. Under the incredible leadership of the Prime Minister, the Conservatives have solved the softwood lumber deal, they have made a commitment to deliver on forestry and they have made all of those commitments. The forestry industry is very pleased with this government.
Natural Resources May 9th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, we know what was not working. It was the old Liberal government, which is why the Canadian people in every corner of the country gave the new Conservative government a mandate to govern.
I can confirm that the Minister of Agriculture and myself have been working very closely with the Minister of the Environment to develop new programs. We are working on a new ethanol program. This will develop real results which will impact all Canadians.
Canadians can take that to the bank.
Natural Resources May 9th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the hon. member that the Canadian people elected a new Conservative government not to take cues from the old tired Liberal Party that is known for its billion dollar programs.
The facts on this file are that almost 50¢ of every $1 is spent on administration or inspections. That is not efficient nor is it effective and that is not how this government intends to do business.
The Environment May 8th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I would like to work with the member as we develop programs. I would like to remind the member that we do not want to take lessons from the old Liberal government. This program specifically was sold to Canadians as an energy efficient program, yet only 50¢ of every program dollar actually went to homeowners. That is not efficient. It is not effective. That is not how this government is going to govern.
The Budget May 3rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I have listened to the Liberals in the House now for a number of days. I listened to their visceral attacks on the NDP, on other opposition parties, questioning their motives in defeating the recent Liberal government. The previous government members might want to look in the mirror. They did not proffer for their government, they defeated their government, following the largest corruption scandal in Canadian political history, the sponsorship scandal. They were not supporting anyone else.
I understand the Liberals are beside themselves and have not come to accept that they are in opposition and that they are deeply troubled. They are having a very difficult time sitting in opposition and they are showing this by attacking all other parties. However, they might want to reflect upon why they are sitting in opposition today.
With respect to the budget, what we saw for the first time in a long time in the House was the government's campaign commitments and the delivery on those very specifics it promised to Canadians. Based on the mandate that Canadians gave the government, it delivered. It turned that into a budget in the House, something of which we are very proud, and Canadians are responding to very favourably.
However, the Liberal members may want to look in the mirror to see exactly why they are sitting where they are.
Natural Resources May 1st, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I am surprised that the hon. member's memory is so short. In fact, the program he is referring to specifically under Bill C-66 was a program for a one time payment for seniors and low income Canadians.
I can tell the member that for all those people who are eligible for it, the cheques have been sent and are in the mail. That program has been completed.
The Environment April 26th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, again I would like to remind the hon. member that after 13 years, and they may want to look at their record, the Liberals were absolutely unable to clean up one site.
This government made a pledge this campaign. It made a commitment. We will fulfill our commitments, unlike the previous old government that did absolutely nothing for its record on the environment. It was abysmal.
The Environment April 26th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the hon. member that there was an independent review that was actually initiated by the old government. Its programs received failing grades. We decided that they were not effective for taxpayers and not effective in cutting greenhouse gases. Our party will not continue to fund programs that do not work.
The numbers speak for themselves. Greenhouse gases went up each and every single year that the old government was in office. This government is working to bring about real change for Canadians and the environment.