John Baird

[Status of Women, March 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, that is simply not the case. The minister has been very clear.

I will tell the member about our priorities for Prince Edward Island: their jobs, their hope and their opportunity. We on this side of the House are focused on the economy, on our economic action plan and on restoring economic growth in every corner of this country. We are moving full speed ahead with infrastructure projects and new investments to make the Prince Edward Island economy strong, to create more jobs and to help build an even better P.E.I. in the future.

[Status of Women, March 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, for a member who has served in the House for more than a decade, I find his tone rather regrettable. Let us be very clear. Our colleague and friend, the Minister of State for the Status of Women, has offered a sincere apology. I think it calls upon all hon. members in this place to accept that apology. Let us focus on the people's business.

[Status of Women, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said in the past, the minister has offered a sincere apology and we should accept that.

What we should also accept is the fact that the Minister of Fisheries is delivering for P.E.I. in a big way.

When lobster fishermen needed help, where did they turn? To the Minister of Fisheries. Did she deliver? Yes. When the health care system in P.E.I. needed a budget increase, did the Minister of Fisheries deliver? Yes. When they needed infrastructure funding to create jobs, hope and opportunity, did the Minister of Fisheries deliver? Yes.

The people of P.E.I.--

[Status of Women, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said in the past and will say again, the Minister of State for the Status of Women has made a sincere apology. I think it is important, and it is incumbent upon all hon. members of the House to accept that apology and move on.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, that I recently visited Prince Edward Island, and what we are seeing in Prince Edward Island is really remarkable. Finally, after a long time, Prince Edward Island is getting strong representation around the federal cabinet table. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is doing an outstanding job. She is delivering infrastructure projects. She is delivering jobs and opportunity. The people of Prince Edward Island are pretty lucky to have the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

[Automotive Industry, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, it was actually a Conservative member of the committee who first called for hearings before the committee. The government is very pleased to support that.

We have offered members of Parliament a briefing on all of the fine work the Department of Transport has done on this important issue. We have offered the media a full briefing. We have indicated to the committee that we will provide all necessary documents to help it do its work.

We believe that the safety of Canadians is tremendously important, and we will work to ensure that all manufacturers and importers are held to the highest standard under Canadian law.

[Automotive Industry, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, one of the most important priorities for us at Transport Canada is the safety of Canadian motorists and others who use our roads. At Transport Canada, we will ensure that all legal measures, the full force of Canadian law, are used to ensure that all efforts will be taken to ensure Canadians are safe now and in the future.

Canada has a strong record of leading in recalls. Many of the major recalls that have been taken have been led by Transport Canada. We are proud of the work we have done. We welcome the opportunity for hearings so those who are in decision-making positions can be held accountable.

[Status of Women, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as I said in my answer to the first question and last week, our colleague, the Minister of State for the Status of Women, has put forward a very sincere apology. When I grew up, I was told that when a sincere apology was offered, it should be accepted. That is the long-standing tradition of the House. I would encourage all members on the other side of the House to do the same.

[Status of Women, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, our colleague, the Minister of State for the Status of Women, has issued a pretty clear apology. I would encourage all members of the House to do the honourable thing and accept that apology.

[Infrastructure, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we recently announced more than 100 projects. We have created jobs in every region of Quebec for the first time during an economic crisis thanks to a major infrastructure program. Quebec municipalities are ready to act. We announced more than 100 projects, and all the municipalities said they were prepared to complete their projects in the next 13 months.

[Infrastructure, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, our main priority in Quebec and across Canada is to create jobs and hope and stimulate the economy. That is why we are spending the money now. We cannot wait another year to create jobs, and that is why we are taking action.