John Baird

[Access to Information, May 8th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, with Bill C-2, it is this government that has given greater access to information. For the first time in the history of Canada, 16 additional agencies or commissions will be included in the Access to Information Act . This is very important. Giving the Canadian public more information will ensure accountability.

[Aeronautics Act, May 5th, 2006]

I admit it, you're the best.

[Aeronautics Act, May 5th, 2006]

Legalizing marijuana was a bigger priority.

[Aeronautics Act, May 5th, 2006]

Then why didn't you pass it?

[Public Service, May 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, again, I completely agree with the member from the New Democratic Party. Those brave public servants who stood up, did the right thing, reported wrongdoing, reported criminal activity or gross waste and mismanagement under the previous administration and were not dealt with fairly, their cases should be reviewed. If there is a speedy and expeditious way to do that, this government is very anxious to consider anything that would do right by our public servants.

[Public Service, May 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I will totally agree with the member of the New Democratic Party when he says that we have to do more to reward whistleblowers, people who have the courage to stand up. Our federal accountability act is all about that.

As for those brave individuals who did stand up in previous administrations and reported wrongdoing, this government is more than happy to look at each case and seek a speedy resolution. We want to do the right thing by our public servants. I agree with the member.

[Government Accountability, May 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite will be very interested to know that the government has brought forward some of the most comprehensive changes to outright ban corporate and union donations to political parties, something that is very important to clean up the ethical mess that was left by the previous government.

The Prime Minister attended two very important functions yesterday in the city of Toronto. He had a very good meeting with the Premier of Ontario. He completely followed all the rules as legislated by the Ontario legislature with respect to its political funding.

[Interim Supply, May 3rd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I can tell my friend opposite that the form of this bill is essentially the same that passed in previous supply periods. However, the supporting schedules have been modified to provide better clarity and transparency by reflecting the portion of funding that was provided through Governor General special warrants.

[Interim Supply, May 3rd, 2006]

moved:

That this House do concur in Interim Supply as follows:

That a sum not exceeding $43,494,658,430.59 being composed of:

(1) nine twelfths ($30,619,976,223.75) of the total of the amounts of the items set forth in the Proposed Schedule 1.3 and Schedule 2 of the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007, which were laid upon the Table Tuesday, April 25, 2006, and except for those items below:

(2) eleven twelfths of the total of the amount of Agriculture and Agri-Food Votes 1 and 10, Fisheries and Oceans Vote 10, Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Foreign Affairs) Vote 10, Canadian International Development Agency Vote L50, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Vote 35, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Votes 10 and 25, Indian Specific Claims Commission Vote 45, Industry Vote 5, Statistics Canada Vote 95, Library of Parliament Vote 10, Office of Infrastructure of Canada Vote L70 and Treasury Board Vote 5 (Schedule 1.1), of the said Estimates, $6,303,923,163.68;

(3) ten twelfths of the total of the amount of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Vote 20, Citizenship and Immigration Vote 5, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Vote 10, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Vote 20, Finance Vote 5, Health Vote 5, Public Health Agency of Canada Vote 40, Human Resources and Skills Development Vote 5, Indian Affairs and Northern Development Vote 1, Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Vote 10, Royal Canadian Mounted Police External Review Committee Vote 75, Transport Vote 30, Office of Infrastructure of Canada Vote 60 and Veterans Affairs Votes 5 and 10 (Schedule 1.2) of the said Estimates, $6,570,759,043.16;

be granted to Her Majesty on account of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007.

(Motion agreed to)

[Access to Information, May 2nd, 2006]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Rather than call him by his name, I should perhaps call him, Mr. Flip-Flop. This is the member opposite who voted against expanding access to information. We will move forward and we will bring more light where there is darkness. We will bring more accountability where there has been Liberal corruption.