Jim Prentice

[Industry, January 29th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, there is not a parliamentarian in this House who is not concerned when a Canadian worker loses his or her job.

Last week, for example, I was on the floor of factories across this country talking to Canadians who take pride in the work they have and who take pride in the opportunities they have. They know that if Canadians have the opportunity to compete we can succeed.

The government has been focused on creating a strong economy for Canadian jobs and that, frankly, is why we differentiate ourselves from some of the other countries that face difficulties as the American economy begins to slow.

[Forestry Industry, January 29th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, we announced a $1 billion community development trust fund.

We continue to work on all of the issues that affect the forestry sector. The softwood lumber agreement in particular has provided a framework to get on with developing the lumber industry. We continue to work on all of the other areas I have spoken about. This industry will be strong in the future of our country.

[Forestry Industry, January 29th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, it is not correct to say that the government has taken no action. That is simply not the case. This government, from the time that it has come to office, has been in action with respect to Canada's fiscal framework and with respect to our competitiveness.

We have lowered personal income taxes. We have lowered corporate income taxes. We have lowered punitive income taxes on investment. We have lowered consumption taxes. We have reduced government debt. In particular, the targeted initiative for older workers has special application, with $72.5 million for the forestry sector. We appreciate the difficulties of individuals in the forestry sector and we are taking action.

[Forest Industry, January 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad the hon. member is pleased with the community trust fund that has been put forward by this government. I am glad that he sees that it will provide the opportunity for structural adjustments across our country.

Of course, this will require agreement with the provinces that are affected. We certainly intend to work forward with all of the premiers to ensure that the trust is put in place in a way that is effective and timely. Hon. members should not make any assumptions about when that will happen.

[Manufacturing and Forestry Industries, January 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that when we look at the Canadian economy there are certain structural adjustments that are being made, specifically in the manufacturing sector.

However, it is important that we have responsible statements in the House because employment in the country continues to be at an all time high. In those areas where the structural adjustments are taking place, we are creating high quality employment in the area of computers, in the area of public administration and in the area of construction. More jobs are being created than jobs that are being lost.

We will continue to have a sound economic record in this country.

[Manufacturing and Forestry Industries, January 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, it is essential that we have sound fiscal policy and fiscal management, which is what the government has created. We have the most solid fiscal finance record anywhere in the G-7. Canadian unemployment is at a 33 year low, taxes are low and industrial confidence is high in this era.

For sure, as the American economy has softened, there will be structural adjustments but we are poised in this country to deal with that and to deal with it because of the sound fiscal finances that we have. That is something in which all Canadians should take pride.

[Manufacturing and Forestry Industries, January 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, when we speak of the manufacturing industry, let us speak of the auto sector and the record of the government.

The government has been working on all the issues that affect the auto industry ensuring, through the leadership of the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister, that we have solid fiscal policy, but beyond that, dealing with issues such as regulatory harmonization with the Americans, dealing, as the Minister of the Environment is, with the question of a stringent North American fuel standard and dealing with infrastructure issues.

It is a record to be proud of and it is yielding results for Canadian workers.

[Manufacturing Industry, December 13th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, let us be clear. What Canadians need and what the manufacturing sector needs is a Conservative government, a Conservative government that creates a sound fiscal framework and that is creating smart fiscal policies.

Every time the Minister of Finance brings forward those kinds of measures, the Liberals vote against them. Shame on them.

[Manufacturing Industry, December 13th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure where the hon. member gets her statistics but it is very clear that in this year, to date, 388,000 jobs have been created in the Canadian economy.

What this Minister of Finance is doing is creating a sound fiscal framework, a fiscal framework that involves the lowest corporate income taxes anywhere in any G-8 country and sound policies on accelerated capital cost allowance that will benefit the manufacturing sector.

What Canadian industry wants to do is to compete and win and we can do that with the sound fiscal framework that this government is creating.

[Manufacturing Industry, December 11th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, it is always difficult when a plant closes and those kinds of decisions affect people's lives. The government understands that and we are sympathetic to that.

There has been a softening of demand and the restructuring of some industries. However, the Canadian economy continues to create jobs at an unprecedented rate with 388,000 jobs created this year to date.

The place in Canada where job creation is the highest is in New Brunswick at a 4.2% increase year over year. The employment rate in New Brunswick right now is the highest it has been in recent times.