House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 38% of the vote.
Social Programs February 5th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce to the House and to members from all parties that we have already begun the process with our Quebec counterparts. We have already set a date to begin our discussions. Let us wait to see the outcome of these initial discussions.
Social Programs February 5th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we were very clear on this issue. We are reviewing the court ruling, its impact and the steps that we will take. We have not ruled out anything.
Employment Insurance February 4th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I guess the hon. member ignores the fact that there has been a reduction in EI premiums every year for 10 years, both from employers and from employees. In fact, there is an additional reduction even this year. We are going on a constant path where we are reducing deductions and we are maintaining the appropriate level of benefits as required by the EI act.
Employment Insurance February 4th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I guess we engage in hyperbole for the simple reason that we do not want it to go into disuse, but the hon. member would know, of course, that the amount of money he is talking about has all gone back into the consolidated general revenue and has gone to programs that have helped Canadians, all Canadians, especially the ones to which he has made reference.
Because programs have gone to poor families to provide for sustenance, to provide for community building, as I said, as well as for programs for their children and programs for the elderly, those are moneys that have gone to enhance the quality of life--
Post-Secondary Education February 4th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure we should disparage students this easily and in such a facile fashion. The fact of the matter is that over 75% of all students have an easy time of repaying their debts. For those that do not, we have put in an interest relief package that totals some $77 million and accommodates some 128,000 students across the country.
We have extended the repayment period for up to 15 years beyond graduation so that they have an ability to pay. What we have done is included as well--
Post-Secondary Education February 4th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by addressing the allegation and accusation by the member opposite. Of course, tuition fees have increased. I do not want to suggest that it is somebody else's responsibility. I am sure she is well aware of the jurisdictional divide. We have transferred additional billions of dollars in order to address that.
Most importantly, in the Speech from the Throne, we have given an indication of the comprehensive fashion in which we will address accessibility by all Canadians to institutions of higher learning and we have done it in a variety of fashions.
Employment Insurance February 4th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, my department is currently examining and reviewing all the employment insurance boundaries.
This process takes place every five years. The Prime Minister has shown particular interest in this matter and an accelerated process was implemented to find a way to address the problems the hon. member opposite is talking about.
Speech from the Throne February 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will know of course that there is no such thing as a surplus in the EI account.
All of those moneys have gone for a series of programs. Many of them have gone to help out the poor, for skills development, to provide benefits in periods of unemployment, and to develop skills for students, unemployed workers, et cetera.
They have gone for a series of items that the member will acknowledge have gone to community building to provide employment and sustenance when it is needed.
Income Tax Act October 21st, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I think you would find that in a moment of distraction the clerk did not see me stand up to vote in favour of the motion. My colleague to my left is larger than life and so I was probably missed when I stood up.
Petitions October 8th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I thought you might grant me a little more indulgence inasmuch as I have 50,000. I can present them either singly or in a batch, but I thank you for drawing this to my attention.
The petitioners are concerned about the definition of marriage and pray that this Parliament will pass legislation to recognize the institution of marriage in federal law as being the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. I thank you for your attention, Mr. Speaker.