House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 29% of the vote.
Science and Technology October 22nd, 2013
Mr. Speaker, Canada is ranked number one in the G7 for our support for scientific research and development in our colleges, universities and institutions.
It is just another reason Canadians are excited because of the signing of the free trade agreement with Europe, which will create access to more than 800 million consumers. This agreement will make Canada an even more attractive place for investors and manufacturers. Science, research and innovation will help drive that process.
Science and Technology October 22nd, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the only people who are trying to muzzle scientists are the opposition. They do not want to hear the science on Keystone XL pipeline. Instead of listening to the science behind Keystone XL pipeline, the NDP leader attacked Canadian jobs and Canada's national interest on the world stage.
The NDP members should listen to their NDP colleagues in Saskatchewan, who accept the science and support the Keystone XL pipeline for the jobs and contributions it will make to their economy and our country.
Science and Technology October 22nd, 2013
Mr. Speaker, our government has made record investments in science, and it is paying off. In fact, Canada is ranked number one in the G7 for our support for scientific research and development in our colleges, universities, and other institutes. We are creating jobs, strengthening the economy, and improving the quality of life for all Canadians.
Ministers are the primary spokespersons for government departments. However, scientists have been and are readily available to continue to share their research with Canadians.
Regional Economic Development June 14th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I love these Friday morning lobs from the member for Nickel Belt. There is nothing I want to talk about more.
I actually mentioned a visit to Webequie First Nation. I guess I failed to mention the fact that the minister responsible for FedNor and I sat down at the table with all of the first nations leaders in Thunder Bay. We have met with stakeholders who are implicated in the Ring of Fire.
The prevailing concerns were that the provincial government has dropped the ball on this, and that the NDP MPs who are left out there in parts of northern Ontario are not on board and do not support the initiatives this government is moving forward with to make the Ring of Fire an economic reality.
Aboriginal Affairs June 14th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, obviously we are aware of the fact that some communities send their students to cities and towns for education. We are working through those processes now. Those schools received their tuition. What is important is that those aboriginal students have access to a good education so they can enter the workforce equipped as all other Canadians come to expect, whether they live on reserve or off reserve.
Aboriginal Affairs June 14th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, we are supporting student education for first nations on reserve. Our income assistance program the minister recently announced is focused on ensuring that aboriginal youth have the skills they need to enter the labour force across Canada.
I wish that the NDP would get on board and support these initiatives. First nations are asking for them. This has been one of the most consultative processes any government has embarked on and we are bringing results forward with first nations.
Regional Economic Development June 13th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, it was our government that was proactive in working hand in hand, in full co-operation with communities implicated in the Ring of Fire. In fact, I visit Webequie First Nation with the Minister of the Environment. We saw a small business centre there. We saw first nations elders and youth and a college-diploma first nations person doing cultural mapping for the development of the Ring of Fire. We saw a busy base supplying materials for the Ring of Fire activity.
Every time we try to create better conditions for first nations communities, the NDP members consistently vote against those and make those challenges even more difficult. Shame on them.
Regional Economic Development June 13th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, today, there is something really ironic about an NDP member talking about following clear rules.
That notwithstanding, this was a decision made by a private company. Our government is committed and focused on working with stakeholders to ensure the enormous potential of the Ring of Fire becomes a reality. We will continue to work with all levels of government, especially first nations, and other stakeholders to help maximize those economic opportunities for northern Ontario.
Aboriginal Affairs June 12th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hon. member's question, his hard work on the standing committee and his commitment to this issue.
We know that aboriginals, and youth in particular, represent a tremendous opportunity to address some of Canada's labour needs. That is why we are taking action to equip first nations youth with personalized job skills and career coaching for real jobs that are in demand. We are not stopping there. We will provide these youth with on-the-job supports that they need to keep their jobs and stay employed.
Unfortunately, the leader of the NDP continues to oppose these measures. Despite his anti-job socialist agenda, we will continue to create jobs for aboriginal Canadians.
First Nations Elections Act June 11th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank this member for the important work that he did as my predecessor, in the position of parliamentary secretary of Indian Affairs, as it was then and, with respect to this important piece of legislation, really brokering the relationships and putting all of us here in this place in a unique position and providing a unique opportunity with respect to this legislation.
In addition to the extensive consultation that was done, this really reflects the simple fact that it was actually authored by first nations leaders themselves, in particular Ron Evans, a gentleman for whom I have a great deal of respect in his former capacity as chief of Norway House, as I was then living in his community as a nurse. He did great work, and I appreciate that.
My question is with respect to this legislation and that it is really a fourth option. The member has described some of the problems with the Indian Act: the opportunities that communities have to tailor to their own needs and, of course, under self-governing agreements. However, this would give communities an important fourth option. Just beyond the governance piece, can the member talk about the new stability under this regime that communities could opt in to and could provide real economic stability in addition to the complementary governance piece?