Glenn Thibeault

[Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, April 28th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, if we look across the aisle during this debate, we are all feeling the importance of making sure that we address this issue.

As a father, it is important that when my kids come home from school we make sure we watch to see what they are doing on the Internet. There is some concern there, and all parents need to be concerned.

I also know that in my great riding of Sudbury, the police, through Sergeant Tim Burtt and the cyber unit, have been going to schools talking about the importance and impact of cyberbullying. It is important for us to recognize the importance of this and to get on this.

It is concerning, when we see other things have been added to this. It is something that we could have done very quickly. I would like to hear my hon. colleague's comments on that.

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, April 28th, 2014]

With regard to the Canada Revenue Agency’s Small Business Deduction, broken down by fiscal year, since 2006-2007, up to and including the current fiscal year: (a) how many tax filers have successfully claimed the deduction; (b) what is the total dollar amount claimed; and (c) what is the total cost to the government?

[Consumer Protection, April 28th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, another holiday weekend, and what a coincidence, Canadians were once again squeezed at the gas pumps. Gas jumped 5¢ overnight before Easter and has risen 22¢ a litre from a year ago. Prices have hit a three-year high. Conservatives need to listen to Canadians and finally support our call for a gas ombudsman to oversee the market and ensure fair competition.

When will the Conservatives stand up and act on unfair prices at the pumps?

[Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 1, April 3rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, one thing I am finding interesting is that we are hearing about issues over and over again from the Conservatives regarding this budget, but we are not hearing enough about what they are going to do for small businesses. What they have done, I should mention, is get rid of the small business tax credit. They wrote about merchant fees in the budget back in March, but in the BIA they did not talk about them. Small business owners are having to pay up to $20,000—even higher in some cases—to the big banks and credit card companies because of all of the extra hidden fees costing them money, and the government chooses not to act on that.

I know my hon. colleague has a lot of small businesses in her riding. I would like to know from my hon. colleague what those small businesses are saying in relation to how they are struggling to get by, with the government refusing to pick up the mantle and support small businesses.

[Consumer Protection, April 1st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, time and time again, Conservatives refuse to help small businesses, leaving them on their own to fight skyrocketing credit card processing fees. In its decision on merchant fees, the Competition Tribunal took the highly unusual step of saying that the proper solution will require a regulatory framework. Now there are two class action lawsuits looming because of the government's inaction.

When will the new Minister of Finance listen to small business and do what his predecessor refused to do? Will he cap merchant fees and put an end to this gouging?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, March 24th, 2014]

With regard to FedNor's Community Futures Program, broken down by fiscal year, since 2006-2007, up to and including the current fiscal year: (a) what is the total number of applications filed for financing under the program; and (b) how many applicants have been granted a loan and for what amount?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, March 24th, 2014]

With regard to Industry Canada's Small Business Financing Program, broken down by fiscal year since 2006-2007, up to and including the current fiscal year: (a) what is the total number of applications filed for financing under the program; and (b) how many applications have been granted a loan and for what amount?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, March 24th, 2014]

With regard to mobile applications, broken down by department and individual project, for each fiscal year since 2008-2009, up to and including the current fiscal year, what is the total amount spent on (i) the development, (ii) the maintenance and update, of mobile applications?

[Consumer Protection, March 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, making the font bigger on a bill does not help protect Canadian families.

Again and again, the Conservatives continue to sit by while financial institutions are allowed to gouge. Canadians deserve better.

One thing is crystal clear: the Conservative policy of voluntary commitments simply does not work. Credit card companies are now backing away from their zero liability policies, leaving consumers on the hook for fraudulent online credit card transactions.

What is the minister going to do to protect Canadians against online fraud and to ensure that credit card companies live up to their zero liability policies?

[Consumer Protection, March 6th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, just last month credit card companies and banks assured the finance committee that customers will be reimbursed if their credit cards are used for fraudulent online transactions, but now they are reneging on their so-called zero liability policy. The banks' complex electronic access agreements do not match what they are saying.

Will the minister make sure that Canadians are not left on the hook for other people's fraud? When will the Minister of Finance stop allowing the banks and credit card companies to take advantage of Canadian consumers?