John Baird

[The Economy, October 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, it will not come as any surprise to the leader of the NDP that I totally reject the premise of that question.

Let us look at the reality. We have seen economic growth month after month, we have seen more jobs, more hope and more opportunity created because of the thoughtful policies pursued by the Minister of Finance and the Minister of State (Finance), who have done an extraordinary job. We have seen, because of the fiscal discipline exercised by this government, a gradual return to balanced budgets and the creation of more jobs to help Canadians who are looking for work.

The job is not done. We remain focused on economic growth so that every single Canadian looking for work can find a job.

[The Economy, October 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, when this government came forward with thoughtful ideas to help Canada's economic action plan, the NDP voted against them. When we came forward with money for municipalities, the NDP voted against it. When we came forward with investments for affordable housing, the NDP voted against them. Despite the NDP voting against all of this, the measures have helped create more than 800,000 net new jobs.

The job is not done. This government remains focused on this year's economic action plan to create even more jobs, more hope and more opportunities.

[Ethics, October 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, there is a new official agent in place that is working with Elections Canada to address some of these issues.

I only wish the leader of the Liberal Party would look at his own caucus. One member of his caucus has been fined $4,900 for breaking the rules. Four senior members, including one of his own front bench members, have accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars illegally through loans that they have never paid back.

Why does the member not get his own Liberal house in order before he starts throwing barbs at an hon. man who is doing an excellent job for the people of Labrador.

[Employment Insurance, October 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our government remains focused on economic growth and job creation.

This temporary measure was brought in and reintroduced in 2008 and 2010. It was meant to last two years. We are proud of our economic record. The creation of over 800,000 new jobs is a step in the right direction for Canada.

The job is not done. We will continue to work hard to achieve economic growth.

[Employment Insurance, October 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our government remains focused on jobs, economic growth and long-term economic prosperity.

This was a temporary measure that was brought in and reintroduced in 2008 and 2010 as part of Canada's economic action plan. Notice was given in 2010 that this temporary program would no longer be continued. It was meant to be temporary.

The good news is that the economic action plan brought in several years ago by the government has seen the creation of more than 800,000 net new jobs. The job is not done. We remain focused on economic growth. We remain focused on ensuring that every Canadian can have the dignity of a job.

[The Economy, October 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, it is this government that presented a job creation action plan to Parliament earlier this year. It is this government that has weathered the economic storm for our country. It is this government, which at the bottom of the global recession, has seen the creation of some 820,000 net new jobs.

While challenges remain in Europe and in the United States, this government's strong economic leadership has been fundamental to more job creation, more economic growth, more hope, more opportunity. The only thing the NDP would want to do to that is bring in a $21.5 billion carbon tax on Canadians.

[Foreign Investment, October 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, so much for the Leader of the Opposition raising the tone of political debate in this place.

This government will always stand up in the best interests of Canada. We welcome foreign investment. Foreign investment in Canada's economy can help create jobs and opportunity. We are looking at these issues very carefully and closely before making any decision.

It is interesting to see the member stand and support the oil sands, something that he once called a disease and something that his own policies want to shut down. That would be the real cost of an NDP government, a carbon tax.

[Foreign Investment, October 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our government has always been very clear. We welcome foreign investment if it is of net benefit to Canada. The Investment Canada Act has provisions that allow transactions to be thoroughly reviewed. That is exactly what the Minister of Industry is doing at this time to ensure that the Canadian interest is always put first.

[Foreign Affairs, October 24th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge the strong leadership and hard work of the member for York Centre on this important issue.

Canada is absolutely horrified by the large number of rockets targeting civilians, men, women and children, in southern Israel. The terrorist group Hamas is in control of Gaza, and Canada holds it responsible for these outrageous actions.

We stand with the people of Israel. We stand with the Jewish people in their constant battle against terrorism, now and in the future. This is absolutely deplorable.

[Foreign Affairs, October 23rd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, we have lost 157 Canadians, including one diplomat, in Afghanistan. This government will take all the necessary actions that we can possibly take to ensure that our diplomats are safe.

If we look at these two places, both Islamabad and Kabul, they are two of the most dangerous parts of the world where we ask Canadians to serve and represent Canadian interests and promote Canadian values extensively.

Issues of national security and urgency are tremendously important and this government will do everything it can to keep our diplomats safe. Frankly, that is what Canadians expect us to do.