Mr. Speaker, I am not speculating on when such a power would be used or if, even, such a power would be used. The power is there. I do not speculate on hypotheticals.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 41% of the vote.
Justice February 18th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I am not speculating on when such a power would be used or if, even, such a power would be used. The power is there. I do not speculate on hypotheticals.
Marriage February 17th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition suggested that the Supreme Court did not rule on the question of same sex marriage. The Supreme Court in 2004 unanimously affirmed the constitutionality of extending civil marriage to gays and lesbians.
The Leader of the Opposition said that civil union was a compromise. The courts have said that civil union is a lesser form of equality.
The Leader of the Opposition said it is a matter of political discretion and not rights. The Supreme Court said it was clearly a matter of rights.
The Leader of the Opposition lives in a legal Disneyland where there is no charter, no rights--
Marriage February 17th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition suggested that the Supreme Court had not ruled--
Justice February 15th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we care no less than the opposition about the safety and security of Canadians. We made safety and security a centrepiece of our meetings with federal, provincial and territorial ministers of justice and we will continue to promote and protect the security and safety of Canadians.
Justice February 10th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, this issue was discussed at the recent federal, provincial and territorial meetings of Ministers of Justice. We have referred that to our working group to come back with a recommendation for us by this June so that we can proceed on this matter.
Marriage February 8th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the legislation extends rights to minorities and does not take away rights from anyone else. It protects equality. It protects against discrimination. It does not take away any rights regarding multiculturalism.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which gives us the protection of equality and freedom of religion, also protects multiculturalism, unlike the fear-mongering of the Leader of the Opposition, who undermines multiculturalism, undermines the charter and undermines this multicultural country that we call Canada.
Sponsorship Program February 1st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I do not know where the hon. leader gets his information but the lawyers for the government were in fact present at the inquiry and did support Justice Gomery.
Civil Marriage Act February 1st, 2005
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-38, an act respecting certain aspects of legal capacity for marriage for civil purposes.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Justice December 14th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the protection of children against all forms of sexual exploitation, including child pornography, is a priority of the government. It was reflected in the first piece of legislation, Bill C-2, introduced in this Parliament. In the Speech from the Throne, we announced that we would take steps regarding the trafficking in children.
We have signed the optional protocol. We are now consulting with the provinces with a view to securing ratification as soon as possible.
Marriage December 14th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the government respects the charter and the Supreme Court decision. I would ask the opposition to do the same thing.