House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 56% of the vote.
National Defence December 5th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I have often said that a top priority was to get the right helicopter at the lowest possible price as soon as possible.
Accordingly, today I have instructed my officials to proceed as soon as possible with a single tender for a fully equipped helicopter. This action, which is consistent with the industry consensus, is a major step forward in getting lower risk for the taxpayer, better value for the Canadian Forces and, last but not least, speedier development of the helicopter.
National Defence December 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the governments of the western countries do not want to be in Bosnia, Afghanistan and other difficult places forever. It makes eminent good sense for western governments to devote funds to train the militaries of these people so they can ensure their own security.
National Defence December 2nd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it has absolutely nothing to do with any possible Liberal connections. The simple fact of the matter is the Treasury Board approved the three year extension to the contract in August of this year. This was a very simple matter. The contract had to be extended for reasons of continuity of pilot training. In six months or so there will be a new tender for a 10 year contract that will be subject to competition.
National Defence November 27th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I think they do need a new leader, as I just heard it stated.
Apart from that, the hon. member has been here a lot longer than I have, yet even I, with my short experience in the House of Commons, know that budgetary decisions are made at the time of the budget and the budget will be in February or thereabouts.
National Defence November 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I have answered the helicopter question several times and it remains the top priority, but let me inform the House about one of the other benefits of the NATO meeting with respect to a second strategic need that we have, which is strategic airlift, getting our forces from point A to point B, whether within Canada or overseas. While in Prague I signed an agreement with our allies so that together the smaller countries of the alliance, including Canada, can work together to achieve strategic airlift in a highly cost effective manner.
National Defence November 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I must confess to being a little bit perplexed. The government in the throne speech announced that at some point in the future there might be a review of foreign and defence policy. That has not yet been announced, so it is very difficult to halt work on a defence review when that review has not yet been officially announced.
National Defence November 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, there is no confusion on this side of the House. As we have said on several occasions, there is a lot of tension in the Canadian Forces because of the need to do on an ongoing basis what they are already doing.
This is the objective I have been talking about for months, and that is what the Prime Minister referred to.
National Defence November 25th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it would seem that two people took a stand on the defence budget recently. The Prime Minister took a stand in favour, and the hon. member against. Given that choice, I can only be pleased.
Official Languages November 19th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as a Quebecker, I recognize, as does this government, the vital importance of bilingualism. I also recognize that there are problems in terms of achieving this objective and we will do our utmost to improve the situation.
National Defence November 18th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as I have just explained, the government has invested $7.7 billion over five years, including $1.2 billion for the military alone. The CF-18s performed admirably in Kosovo and elsewhere. They are fighting planes which do very well. They are in the process of a modernization program, which is well underway, so Canadians can rest assured that those CF-18s will be there when we need them.