James Lunney

[Business of Supply, March 10th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to see the member from Nova Scotia raising the issue of exported raw logs from British Columbia. If the member were aware of what is going on in B.C., he would know it is actually a very complicated issue, as it is in Quebec, where logs are imported from the U.S. Moving the logs across the border is a complicated issue.

One of the main aspects in British Columbia is the difference between crown land and private land. Crown land is provincial. It is regulated by the province, which controls natural resources, but when it comes to exporting logs from private lands, that is an international trade issue and is regulated by the federal government. However, regulations cannot be imposed by the federal government without cooperation from the provincial government.

It is a complicated issue. I appreciate that the member would probably not expect the member from Quebec to understand exactly what is going on in British Columbia. Perhaps it would be better for him to direct that question to someone from British Columbia.

[Business of Supply, March 10th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment my hon. colleague, the parliamentary secretary, for his excellent speech and pointing out how important it was that we actually got the deal done in the softwood lumber agreement that brought $4.5 billion back to our industries. I hate to think where we would be if legislators were pushing it now with the market collapsing in the U.S. and our industries not receiving that money back. I want to compliment the member for pointing out so many of the good programs in terms of helping businesses by extending the capital cost allowance, providing work share extensions, and the many good points that he brought out.

With the program that has been introduced by the government to expand forest initiatives, diversification and forest innovation, I wonder if the member could comment on the breakdown of the $170 million in federal investment, and what programs might receive federal funding under the expanding market opportunities of that program that would help our industries.

[Budget Implementation Act, 2009, March 3rd, 2009]

Judy, you've become extreme.

[Israel, February 26th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, in another attack on Jewish people worldwide, anti-Israeli groups on university campuses today are marking the beginning of what they have dubbed infamously as “Israeli Apartheid Week”. They must not have a clear understanding of apartheid itself.

Unlike blacks in apartheid South Africa, Arab citizens of Israel have full political rights. They vote and participate in the political process. Arab Knesset representatives cross the spectrum, from the Communist and Arab nationalist parties through to the Likud. Salim Jubran, an Israeli Arab, is a judge on Israel's supreme court.

Acts of ignorance such as these protests should offend not only all Canadians, but Parliament as well. Why? Because an NDP student union is a co-sponsor. The very notion of a political party's connection to this brings shame to this chamber. These protests have become a haven for thugs who practice bully tactics and promote intolerance of the Jewish people.

I implore both the NDP and misguided campus groups everywhere to stand down from this week's long attack and recognize Israel for the vibrant democratic society that it is.

[Foreign Affairs, February 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, after many years of neglect under the previous government, the Americas have been identified by the Prime Minister as a top foreign policy priority.

As neighbours in the western hemisphere, our current and future interests are interdependent. The Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas) recently visited the region.

Would the minister inform the House what our government is doing to further our leadership role in the hemisphere, and what priorities and progress Canada has made in the region?

[Anti-Semitism, February 24th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, just a few days ago, I was privileged to take part in the London Conference of the Interparliamentary Coalition Against Anti-Semitism where 125 parliamentarians from 42 nations gathered to discuss the rising tide of renewed anti-Semitism around the globe.

The world has already experienced Nazi and Fascist regimes which embraced state-sponsored hatred of the Jewish people and the outcome of such evil unleashed. Today we are witnessing a new and virulent form of anti-Semitism, often wrapped in anti-Israeli rhetoric. It betrays itself in extremist vitriol emanating from Iran, from terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas, and tragically finds expression even here in Canada.

The London conference attests to our need to be informed, to be vigilant, to be vocal in rejecting and condemning this violent form of racism. Canada has adopted a clear and principled position. The Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism eloquently and unequivocally outlined Canada's position before the nations.

“Never again” is more than a slogan. Let us ensure that such evil finds no home in Canada, and is exposed and opposed wherever it appears in the world.

[Business of Supply, February 24th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I listened with much attention to the remarks of my colleague from Outremont. He addressed an issue of some substance, but I am surprised by his apparent opposition to a national securities regulator.

I was hopeful this issue might actually be one on which the NDP and the Conservatives might agree. I notice that we have had very strong support on this issue from national unions such as the Canadian Labour Congress and the National Union of Public and General Employees; from the somewhat left-leaning Toronto Star; from an NDP caucus leader, the member for Winnipeg North, who said she thought it was a worthwhile goal; and from the leader of the NDP himself, who told the Toronto Board of Trade that he would like to see us moving toward a national regulator.

My question for the hon. member for Outremont is this: whose position is the position of the NDP? Is it the member for Outremont, the leader, or the member for Winnipeg North? Who speaks for the NDP on this issue, and what is the NDP's position on a national securities regulator? Will the NDP support a national securities regulator?

[Small Craft Harbours, February 5th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, in ridings such as Nanaimo--Alberni, the interface between man and marine-based commerce is concentrated around small craft harbours.

Could the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans explain how measures in our economic action plan will impact coastal communities?

[RESUMPTION OF DEBATE ON ADDRESS IN REPLY, November 24th, 2008]

Madam Speaker, this is not only a tough question, it is a tough situation for people in the commercial fishing sector. On the question with regard to licences, I understand the Department of Fisheries and Oceans currently has a review underway regarding the whole question of fees and licences. I am sure that in due course there will be some response.

In relation to commercial fisheries, I know it has been a terribly devastating time not only in his riding, but in all coastal communities. It is a difficult thing to manage. Climate change has affected fisheries, stocks are down, competition is up. We need to toughen up on some international measures to protect stocks. I know the department is working very hard and with new international agreements to manage many of those tough questions.

[RESUMPTION OF DEBATE ON ADDRESS IN REPLY, November 24th, 2008]

Madam Speaker, I welcome my hon. colleague from the Yukon back to the House. Perhaps I will begin by reminiscing. Like many members here who are just getting to know their colleagues, we had an interesting experience going through orientation some eight years ago. It was at least two weeks before we realized we were not in the same party.

I know the member carries the concerns of the Yukon in his heart. With regard to the comments about Canada's commitment to the north, if he did not catch it in the Speech from the Throne, as all speeches from the throne are, of necessity, somewhat vague or at least general, there were items alluded to in there.

If my hon. colleague paid attention to the Prime Minister's address in the House the other day, these things were detailed in his speech. I am sure he will see us follow through on those commitments.

With regard to the changes now happening economically all across the country, and which are showing up in terms of banks revisiting a whole range of services, we have truly done everything we can to ease up credit, improve liquidity and make more credit available to businesses.

The Government of Canada does not tell the banks how to do everything they do. In terms of managing the fees, I am sure that is something at which we will be looking. We have new measures on competitiveness that are also addressed as part the government commitment to ensure there are tough measures in place to promote competitiveness and to punish anti-competitive behaviour.

I am sure the issues of the credit card fees are ones that will be discussed by the Minister of Industry and members of the industry committee.