House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 45% of the vote.
Taxe Harmonization October 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, we supported open federalism. It was very welcome, not only in the province of Quebec, but throughout Canada. We respect provincial jurisdictions, which is very important. It is known that Canada has already paid $1.7 billion to Quebec since collaborating on the issue of the GST. That is a very important point in this debate.
Government Communications October 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, my friends in the Bloc Québécois remind me that blue is a nice colour too. I appreciate that helpful intervention.
We are working hard to restore jobs and opportunity in this country. Our economic action plan is beginning to show some good signs. I read this morning in the Montreal Gazette: “Canada to lead recovery, IMF says”. Is that not great news?
Government Communications October 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite has gone from trolling the Internet in the middle of the night on Monday to becoming a couch potato and watching government advertisements on TV on Tuesday, and now she is trying to become a game show host by asking spot questions.
Obviously, we are committed to communicating with Canadians. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that we report back to Canadians on the economic resources and economic prospects for our country. That is an important responsibility and one which we take seriously.
Natural Resources October 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, if the member for Mississauga South reads the morning papers, he will see that the Ethics Commissioner has been asked to look into it. We will allow the Ethics Commissioner, who is a quasi-judicial agent of this place, to look into the matter and report back to the House.
Natural Resources October 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the member for Mississauga South brought forward allegations with respect to an individual who is employed by the Toronto Port Authority, an arm's-length body of the government, and who was using resources of the port authority for fundraising purposes. I said at the time and I will say again that was wrong and it is unacceptable. I understand the Toronto Port Authority is taking the matter seriously.
Let me be very clear. Government resources should not be used for political fundraising, period.
Tax Harmonization October 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, in British Columbia tax freedom day, the day when individuals, British Columbians, start to earn money for themselves, is now some two or three weeks earlier, thanks to the efforts of this government.
If the NDP had its way and if the member for Vancouver East had her way, the woman would be working an extra 21 days to support big government rather than to support her family. Those of us on this side of the House think that is unfair.
Tax Harmonization October 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the same woman went to fill out her income tax and got some good news, that this government cut her income tax. The member will have to explain to that same constituent, that same woman whom she professes to care so much about, why, if the member had her way, the woman would have to pay higher income taxes.
The woman for the last two years has been paying a lower GST. Why? Because the Prime Minister and this government stood up for that woman so she could pay less tax, so she could invest in her community, so she could provide services and supports for her family.
This government is concerned about that woman. Where has the member for Vancouver East been when we have been trying to help that woman for all of these years?
Tax Harmonization October 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the decision on whether or not to harmonize the sales tax is a decision of the province.
I find it most interesting to see the member for Vancouver East now becoming the newest tax fighter in Canada. We welcome her new-found interest in cutting taxes and keeping taxes low.
Where was she when this government needed her support to cut the GST? She was not just missing in action, she was voting to keep taxes high. That is something she will have to explain to that same woman she spoke about.
Natural Resources October 1st, 2009
Mr. Speaker, as I said in response to a question a few moments ago from the New Democratic Party, government resources, those of taxpayers, of agencies, boards and commissions, are not to be used for partisan political fundraising. That practice is wrong. It is totally unacceptable and it is totally inappropriate, and that has been communicated in no uncertain terms.
Toronto Port Authority October 1st, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the basis of the member's concern about the Toronto Port Authority is that it operates an airport. She does not want the airport to be there. The people of Toronto and the people of Canada have shown overwhelmingly that they want the airport to be there. This government supports the airport being there. There is an honest difference of opinion on that.
Let me tell members why it is a good thing that airport is there. Not only is it providing support to a lot of commuters in the city of Toronto and across the country, but the airline that operates out of there is buying good Bombardier technology, Bombardier airplanes built right in the city of Toronto, and that is creating a lot of jobs for Canadian auto workers.