House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 45% of the vote.
Member for Calgary Centre-North November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this government has consistently, over the past four and a half years, stood up for the best interests of Canada. We saw that this week with the actions taken by the Minister of Industry, a difficult decision that certainly, I am sure, was not welcomed in every corporate boardroom in the country, but this government will always be motivated by what is in the best interests of Canadians and the best interest of Canada.
Member for Calgary Centre-North November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the government has an unprecedented commitment towards the environment. The former minister of the environment and his predecessor accomplished a great deal for the environment, including a 30% increase in the amount of protected areas in our national parks system, also including the Haida Gwaii marine protected area and a whale sanctuary in northern Canada.
We have a strong environmental record of which we can be proud.
Member for Calgary Centre-North November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the minister at the time sought the advice and the counsel of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and followed that counsel.
It was our government, as a matter of first priority when we were elected four and a half years ago, that brought in the Federal Accountability Act, brought in the toughest ethics reforms in Canadian history, with a strict five-year ban on lobbying, which the member in question will follow to the letter.
Member for Calgary Centre-North November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, all of us have had the opportunity to work with the member for Calgary Centre-North. We all know that he is an individual with incredibly high ethical standards and incredible competence and that he has contributed not just to his constituency but to all of Canada.
The member in question spoke yesterday that he had been in touch with the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner in September and indeed this week to get her guidance on conduct, her advice and counsel, which he followed.
National Defence November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it was started by the previous government. The previous Liberal government spent $170 million designing and developing this new aircraft. That is why we are continuing this process. The Liberals had a transparent, open competition and Lockheed Martin won.
And it not just Canada; it is 10 of our closest allies that are acquiring this first-rate aircraft, because the men and women of the Canadian armed forces need the equipment required to fulfill the responsibilities that the Canadian people demand of them each and every day.
National Defence November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this government has a strong track record when it comes to supporting Canada's veterans and supporting the men and women in uniform today with the huge investments that we have made to support the Canadian Forces.
I have a question, though. Why is it that every time Canada gets into a disagreement with another country, and in this case, we have a difference of opinion and a disagreement with the United Arab Emirates, the Liberal Party always lines up against Canadian interests?
National Defence November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it should not come as any surprise to the member for Wascana, or indeed any member of the House, that the government does not normally talk about operational matters involving the deployment of Canadian Forces abroad.
The government always makes decisions and makes arrangements for what is in the best interests of Canada and what is the best value for the taxpayer.
What the United Arab Emirates was offering was not of net benefit to Canada, and this government always stands up for Canada.
Business of the House November 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, today we are debating the NDP opposition motion.
Pursuant to any order adopted by the House earlier today, the vote on that opposition motion will take place on Tuesday, November 16 at the end of government orders.
Tomorrow the House will have the occasion to debate at second reading Bill C-32, Copyright Modernization Act, and the backup bill, should debate conclude at second reading, will be Bill S-9, Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act, which I know is a key priority of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Next week, as the member opposite said, is a constituency week. I encourage all members to remember and recognize the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces, on November 11.
When we return on Monday, November 15, we will call a number of bills, including Bill C-3, Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act, Bill C-31, Eliminating Entitlements for Prisoners Act, Bill C-35, Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act, Bill C-20, An Action Plan for the National Capital Commission, Bill C-28, Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act, Bill C-22, Protecting Children from Online Sexual Exploitation Act and Bill C-48, Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders Act. We would also consider calling other bills that may have returned from committee by the time we return.
Thursday, November 18, shall be the next allotted day.
In closing, I wish all members a productive constituency week.
Conservative Party November 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, ties between the Bloc Québécois and the RRQ keep appearing. Today we learned that the chief of staff of the Bloc leader himself also supports the RRQ.
I have a very simple question for the Bloc leader: will he fire his chief of staff?
Conservative Party November 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this government, as its first order of business, brought in the Federal Accountability Act. It contained the toughest ethics reform and the toughest anti-corruption measures ever undertaken in Canadian history. We are tremendously proud of these reforms, and anyone who does not follow the law will face its full force, as they should.