House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 64% of the vote.
Committees of the House June 7th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Finance regarding Bill C-290, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for loss of retirement income).
The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House without amendments.
Business of Supply May 27th, 2010
Mr. Chair, we have spoken a lot tonight about the Canadian Forces role in Afghanistan, and it was certainly appropriate to do so.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development just spoke about the role of our Forces in the Vancouver Olympics. However, before those games, tragedy, as we all know, struck the people of Haiti on January 12. Canada was among the first to respond and we responded in a very big way.
Could the Minister of National Defence provide an outline of the contributions of our men and women in responding in such a quick way in Haiti and also discuss the challenges of conducting two or more major operations at one time?
Business of Supply May 27th, 2010
Mr. Chair, I want to ask about properly equipping our men and women in uniform. Re-equipping the Canadian Forces has been a priority of our government's Canada first defence strategy. We have shown results with the purchase of strategic lift and tactical lift Chinook helicopters, UAVs and tanks, all of which have made a tremendous difference to Canada's mission in Afghanistan.
Could the minister inform the House of some of the successes and challenges the government has had in the procurement process?
Committees of the House May 14th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Finance on Bill C-9, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 4, 2010 and other measures, the Jobs and Economic Growth Act. The committee examined the bill and has agreed to report it without amendment.
Points of Order April 26th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the member of Parliament for St. John's South—Mount Pearl stated during question period that Mr. Rahim Jaffer organized meetings between Conservative MPs and representatives of the financial sector in Toronto in September 2009. This is categorically false. There were two days of meetings. Mr. Jaffer did not attend any one of the meetings. He did not organize any one of the meetings. He was not in any way at any of the meetings. He was not consulted on the meetings. He has never been a member of this financial services caucus, which was created after the last election.
I ask the member to do the honourable thing, stand up, retract that statement, and apologize for what she said. That is categorically wrong.
Canada Foundation for Innovation April 26th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the Canada Foundation for Innovation is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The mandate of the CFI is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out cutting-edge research and technology development that benefits all of Canada.
Our government is pleased to announce that, following an overall performance evaluation and value for money audit of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, an independent international review panel has declared that it is the most successful research funding organization of its kind in the world.
Our government is proud of the CFI's accomplishments. We recognize that in the global economy knowledge, research and innovation are at the heart of economic growth and success. That is why this government has provided over $1.34 billion in funding since 2006.
We congratulate everyone at the CFI and wish it continued success. We congratulate Dr. Eliot Phillipson who has served so well and is retiring as president after six very successful years at the helm.
Bob Matheson March 29th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the life of Mr. Bob Matheson, who passed away in November, just shy of his 90th birthday.
Bob led a truly extraordinary life, a life which he completely devoted to others: his family, his community and his country.
Mr. Matheson served in World War II with the Royal Canadian Air Force and he remained dedicated to our men and women in uniform for the rest of his life.
Bob was instrumental in helping to shape the city of Edmonton as an alderman from 1974 to 1977. He practised law for 50 years and served as president of the Edmonton Law Society.
Mr. Matheson was a leader in our community in making it safer. He helped establish the Edmonton Crime Stoppers program, for which he received the Order of Canada in 1989, and was given the distinguished lifetime member designation of the Edmonton Police Service. As a conscientious taxpayer, he helped form and served as the president of the Alberta and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Bob Matheson's life and achievements made our community a better place to live. I ask all parliamentarians to join me in recognizing this truly great Canadian.
Petitions March 25th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the second petition calls upon Parliament to change the tax laws to allow small-sized and medium-sized businesses to compete on a more level playing field with large retail co-operatives.
These petitioners specifically request that Parliament change the tax laws that allow retail co-operatives to avoid paying corporate income tax through patronage dividends paid out as non-cash shares.
Petitions March 25th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to present two petitions on behalf of constituents. The first petition calls upon the Government of Canada to support a universal declaration on animal welfare.
Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply March 22nd, 2010
That is my evil twin, Linda.