House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 41% of the vote.
Marriage December 9th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I respect the hon. member, but the more I hear from him, the more I am convinced he has not read the judgment.
The judgment is clear in its respect for freedom of religion as a foundational principle under the charter. It said that the provinces can add to that protection, not detract from it.
Marriage December 9th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would recommend to the hon. member that he read the judgment in its entirety. The judgment fully supports our draft legislation organized around equality rights and freedom of religion.
Justice December 8th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we have draft legislation before the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada will deliver its advisory opinion tomorrow. Consequent to that advisory opinion, which we believe will be organized around the principles of equality and respect for freedom of religion, we will move with all deliberate speed to introduce legislation in the House.
Justice December 8th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the answer in one word is yes.
Justice December 7th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question because we have characterized the question of trafficking in women and children as being the global slave trade. With respect to that global slave trade, which is the fastest rising criminal industry, we have organized our policy around prevention, around protection of victims and with respect to prosecution, of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Justice December 1st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hon. member's concern with the integrity of the administration of justice. I just wish his responses were more in accordance with the facts with respect to the integrity of the administration of justice.
If the hon. member has concerns about this, Parliament will have the matter referred to it, and that is a part of the law.
Justice December 1st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, it is not the Minister of Justice who is giving anybody any pay raises. It is an independent judicial commission established by the Supreme Court of Canada. That is number one.
Number two, the hon. member is not putting the facts squarely before the House. It is 10.8% over four years. That is 2.8% per year. Those are the facts.
Justice December 1st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I met yesterday with representatives of the Association of Chiefs of Police and I must say that my answer in French is the same as in English.
Justice December 1st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, this is not a pot project. It is a prevention of pot project. I would like the hon. member to appreciate the elements in this prevention of pot law enforcement project: first, an alternate penalties framework; second, new offences to combat the grow ops; third, a renewed education strategy regarding the health hazards of marijuana; fourth, cross-border cooperation; and fifth, the whole approach with respect to both prevention and bringing to justice those who need to be brought to justice regarding marijuana.
The Environment November 30th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, that issue is being considered by our lawyers right now and we will be responding accordingly.