House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 29% of the vote.
Forestry Industry March 13th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, we have given more support to the forestry sector than any other government in the history of Canada. We are investing in innovation, but the NDP rejected our plan. Our focus on innovation, energy efficiency and market expansion has paid off remarkably for the forestry sector.
Employment March 9th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, our government has provided unprecedented support to the forestry industry. Our focus on innovation, energy efficiency and market expansion has produced remarkable results. Wood exports to China have increased by 1,400% since 2007, and we produce state-of-the-art products from coast to coast.
Unlike the member, who voted against supporting the forestry industry, we are taking steps to create jobs and support forestry industry communities.
Mining Industry February 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of questions coming from the NDP.
Every time we have tried to introduce an initiative for mining, the NDP has voted against it every single time. Make no mistake about it. People across northern Ontario are well aware that the Leader of the Opposition refers to mining and refers to forestry as a disease. The NDP will account for that later next fall. In the meantime, we will continue to support responsible resource development in Canada and to strengthen the conditions in which they operate here and abroad.
Mining Industry February 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the NDP is standing up for mining. I think so. It is rather ironic. When it comes to the mining exploration tax credit, the NDP voted against it every single time.
Make no mistake about it. First of all, we applaud PDAC, the largest mining conference in the world, and we wish them success. Our government is a supporter of the Canadian mining footprint around the globe and responsible resource development. We continue to lower taxes, reduce red tape, open new markets, and create the conditions for companies, for mining companies, particularly those in the extractive sector, to succeed in Canada and around the world.
We have the lowest overall tax rate for new business investments in the G7, and that is giving Canada's companies, our mining companies, a distinct advantage.
Natural Resources February 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, I was going to help the translators with that, but I did not have to by the end of the question. That is code for the Liberals introducing a national carbon tax, which would increase the price of everything.
Keystone XL will create jobs and strengthen energy security for North America. The State Department was clear: this project can be developed in an environmentally sustainable manner. We will continue to support this project and our approach to responsible resources development.
Natural Resources February 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, that is a zinger. This is not a debate between Canada and the United States. It is a debate between the President and the American people, the majority of whom are supportive of this project. Keystone XL will create jobs and strengthen energy security for North America. The State Department was clear: this project can be developed in an environmentally sustainable manner. It is not a question of if; this project is a question of when. We will continue to be a strong advocate for this job-creating project and other pipeline projects and to boast about our approach to responsible resource development.
Pipeline Safety Act February 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, members can imagine how thrilled I am to have my colleague not only stand up for her province but represent her ministry so well. It has not been involved in the debate thus far that I can recall, but she understands as a member of Parliament for the prairies that pipelines offer a unique solution that other forms of energy transportation cannot.
The squeeze on the mining sector, grain farmers, and the forest sector right now is immense. It is going on in Canada, and it is being grumbled about and will arise a little later this winter in the midwestern United States.
This debate is right. The fact that we can bring in a piece of legislation that protects the interests of miners, the forest sector, and grain farmers is one thing, but this piece of legislation also represents the best available technology. We are giving the National Energy Board those considerations through this piece of legislation. That is something that this member is a bar-none expert on. She mentioned a few aspects in her speech, but I consider her an expert on getting innovation from the bench to the marketplace.
When it comes to pipeline integrity, to safety, and to detection, and to the elements of this bill, which are prevention, preparedness, and response, I would like to give her an opportunity to expound on other examples of Canada leading the way in technology and innovation in pipeline safety and security as a strategic business unit of the energy sector.
Pipeline Safety Act February 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, one would think that one's hypocrisy could only go so far, but it appears not. That discourse was not only free of statistics and quantitative and qualitative evidence, it was fact-free as well.
It is worth pointing out that in the past decade more than 72,000 kilometres of federally regulated pipelines boast a safety record of 99.999%. These pipelines account for 6,000 jobs and $7 billion in annual sector revenue.
It is even more astonishing coming from that member. Here are some interesting facts. The member voted against increasing pipeline inspections. She voted against doubling the number of comprehensive audits. She voted against implementing fines against companies that would break the law.
In fact, I would bring to the attention of the House the comments she made during her speech regarding the Plains Midstream spill. That company was fined by the National Energy Board on February 12.
Why did that member vote against the very things she has tried to advocate for in her speech.
Natural Resources February 25th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, we will take no lessons from the party that talks about carbon taxes and energy magically getting to new markets, cherry-picking pipelines. This is a debate between the American people and the President of the United States, and the majority of people are supportive of this project. Keystone XL would create jobs on both sides of the border. It is a matter of energy security for North America.
This is not a question of if; it is a question of when. On the science and the business case for this project, it will go forward, and we will continue to be a strong advocate for this job-creating project and our approach to responsible resource development.
Natural Resources February 25th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, in the last year alone, in full co-operation with the secretary for the department of energy, we have made significant progress in a number of key files related to energy.
Indeed, we have a relationship worth $140 billion a year in energy trade. We have the most advanced power and gas and oil grids, and pipeline systems known the world over.
We move forward in energy terms as full partners. We are aligned with the United States on reducing emissions and lead the way, for example, in phasing-out traditional coal powered plants on which the president followed our lead.