House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 50% of the vote.
Ethics October 31st, 2016
Mr. Speaker, for over a year now, the members opposite have been criticizing this government regularly for engaging with Canadians too much, for being too open and accessible, for consulting regularly with Canadians and demonstrating, quite frankly, the most open and accessible government this country has ever seen.
We, of course, follow all the rules and make sure that we engage with Canadians. We are listening to them in the most positive and respectful way possible.
International Trade October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the fact is, when we came into government a year ago, we discovered that the CETA deal was in deep trouble. Indeed, Europeans had real concerns about the investor-state dispute mechanisms. That is why we sat down with the Europeans and created a new ISDS approach that actually makes it the gold standard, makes it an extraordinarily progressive deal that Europe has happily signed on to. We are confident that in the coming days we will see a positive outcome for this historic deal.
Indigenous Affairs October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we know that Canadian governments over the past years and, indeed, generations have failed indigenous people with not giving them the respect, the tools, or the support needed to be successful. We know this is something that is going to take time to turn around. It is why we are investing a historic $8.4 billion over the next five years to begin to fix these terrible wrongs.
We know there is much more to do, and we continue to work on that.
Indigenous Affairs October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, our government understands the tremendous importance of repairing relations with Canada's indigenous peoples, of engaging respectfully with them, and of partnering with them to address the huge challenges they face.
That is why we have made a historic five-year investment of $8.4 billion. We know that an investment in the future of young indigenous people is an investment in the future of our country. It is important for our country to be fair, equitable, and open.
Ethics October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we have very clear rules about political donations at the federal level. It is impossible for anyone to give more than $1,500 a year to a political party. This is done with full transparency and the level of accountability that Canadians expect.
At the same time, this government is the most open and accessible in the history of Canada. We regularly meet with people who have different views. We regularly meet with Canadians who have concerns. That is what people expect of us.
Ethics October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, Canadians can be reassured that at the federal level we have some of the strictest limits on donations of anywhere in the country. There are still places where developers can give unlimited amounts of money to political parties in our country. At the federal level, we cannot.
We have $1,500 maximum donations per year on personal limits and total transparency as to who gives that money. That means there are no ethical contradictions between fundraising for one's party and—
Ethics October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, members opposite, indeed all Canadians, know that the level of access Canadians have to this government, including Canadians who disagree with this government, is unprecedented. Whether it is town halls with Canadians who disagree with me or whether it is pre-budget consultations that the finance minister is doing across the country, we are an open and accessible government. People do not have to pay a cent to have us hear their concerns.
That is what Canadians expect. We follow all the rules and laws around fundraising. This is why we are proud that we have one of the strictest regimes around fundraising of political parties in the country.
Ethics October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, it is important to remind Canadians that the federal system has some of the strictest fundraising rules and expectations of any jurisdiction in this country. The fact is there are still jurisdictions in Canada that have no limits on personal donations, that allow corporate developers and allow unions to donate.
We have a system that has very strict limits on only personal donations, and has total transparency. Canadians can know that the federal system around fundraising is secure, transparent, and ethical.
National Defence October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we are always very concerned about discrimination and intolerance, wherever they are happening.
With regard to the troubling report about the Canadian Armed Forces, we are looking into it. As members know, this government is always prepared to stand up for the rights and freedoms of each and every person, particularly those in vulnerable communities.
National Defence October 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we have changed somewhat the approach of the previous government. We will not put our men and women of the Canadian Forces in harm's way for communications purposes.
We remain open and transparent about what this mission is, and about the extraordinary work they are doing, but we will not compromise their safety for a communications exercise here at home.