House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 56% of the vote.
National Defence October 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it is true that I said I would seek increased defence spending, and I have yet to specify what for exactly.
It is also true that there is much public support for defence. A survey conducted by Mr. Marzolini revealed a 33% increase in public support over the past five years. We now have the support of the Toronto Star , Thomas Axworthy, Lloyd Axworthy and many other Liberals.
National Defence October 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as I said several times in the House, the negotiations with the Americans for a joint new Canada-U.S. planning group for land and sea are underway and I think near completion. However, never has it been the plan for the Noradization of land and sea.
National Defence October 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I was very careful in my speech to point out to the public that the government has put over $5 billion of new money into defence, that the government at the end of the day will make the decision on difficult choices on priorities, but that I as Minister of National Defence am conscious of sustainability problems and will be making a reasoned and respectful argument for more resources.
National Defence October 24th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as one of my hon. colleagues just mentioned and with all due respect, the gentleman across the way is speaking absolute nonsense. The idea that I have in mind to sell our submarines, our tanks, et cetera is crazy.
Indeed yesterday I was in one of our submarines and I can say it is a magnificent, strategic new addition to the navy which will produce massive dividends in this post-September 11 world. It is a machine with which our allies are clamouring to do joint operations.
National Defence October 24th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it is typical of the hon. member to use misguided, apocalyptic language to describe various stresses and strains that we have acknowledged to exist within the Canadian Forces. It is also true that they have never failed to deliver when called upon by our country. It is also true that we are addressing the issues of funding as we speak.
National Defence October 21st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I was informed that these tests had been conducted in a safe way and produced great benefits for Canada and our allies in protecting ourselves from chemical attacks of various kinds. However I will look into the matter of the soldiers to whom the hon. member refers and will get back to her and the House on that matter.
Canadian Forces October 11th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her very good question.
I confess I was somewhat amazed to hear the contentions of the U.S. ambassador yesterday because notwithstanding stresses, the Canadian Forces operate extremely well with our allies. In the air we have been with Norad for almost 50 years operating seamlessly with the Americans. On the high seas, Canada is the only country whose ships are fully operable with the Americans. On the ground, our troops have performed fantastically in Afghanistan.
Do not take my word for it. Listen to General Franks. Listen to a U.S. lieutenant general, a U.S. colonel or a U.S. sergeant who have said our troops are--
National Defence October 10th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I will make no such promise or commitment at this time, but I will look into it this afternoon and get back to the member very soon.
National Defence October 10th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I will look into this matter and report back to the member very soon.
National Defence October 9th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, first, the fact is that Bombardier was the only Canadian company with the capabilities to undertake this project.
The second fact is that it was joined by a consortium that included all potential Canadian bidders.
The third fact is that the only alternative to this is that all the training would have been done in the United States. Is that what the member wants?