Keith Ashfield

[Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, April 20th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, CCFI was established in 1989 as a fishing industry research sector matchmaking service. CCFI does not do any research on its own, zero research. It is no longer necessary to fund CCFI merely to perform a matchmaking service between the fishing industry and the research community.

The fishing industry has evolved to a point where the industry and academia now routinely partner directly in research opportunities supported by ACOA. In fact, since 2002, through the Atlantic innovation fund, ACOA alone has provided $60 million directly to industry—

[April 2nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the arrangement with Atlantic Beef Products was always a provisional loan, one tied to the production of value added products. There are certain terms and conditions that had to be met in that process. Those have been met. It took some time to do that. Those were conditions that were also worked out with the three provinces with which we work very well and closely on a continuous basis.

The three provinces were aware of the arrangement. We understood the arrangement very well. The terms and conditions were met. The money was flowed several weeks ago. The fact that Atlantic Beef Products has not taken advantage of that is up to the company. It is a business decision when the agreement was signed.

[April 2nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank my colleague from New Brunswick on the opposite side of the House. It is a pleasure to be here this evening to address this question. I know we have little time in question period to do it and I hope to expand on the answer this evening, so that there is a better understanding.

The $6 million loan has been approved and the funds have been ready for some weeks. The Atlantic Beef Products plant was seeking support and received it from this government. The Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians in all regions of Canada. Since taking office our government has stepped up to the plate and we have provided the leadership Canadians want and deserve.

We have taken action through my department, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, to encourage growth and foster economic success. This includes a one time investment of $6 million from our government to Atlantic Beef Products.

The hon. member will be interested to know that the provisions for the repayment of the loan allow for the gradual development of the value added products that the plant must produce. With matching provincial contributions, that means a total investment of $12 million. This investment is being loaned to help make Atlantic Beef Products the only federally inspected beef processing facility in the Maritimes become more efficient and competitive, and encourage the development of new products and markets.

Because our government in partnership with the three maritime provinces took action, the only federally inspected beef plant was able to remain open. Because our government listened to Canadians, we were able to save 350 direct and indirect jobs in Atlantic Canada, jobs that are keeping Atlantic Canadians home, spending their hard earned money in local stores, buying local products, supporting local businesses, and generating economic activity that benefits the entire Atlantic economy.

Our government understands the importance of helping communities, small and large, urban and rural, to help them prosper and keep local industries competitive. That is why on December 9, 2007, my colleague, the member for Central Nova, announced the $6 million federal investment. This investment reaffirms our government's confidence in the maritime beef industry. It is a sign that this government is standing up for Canadians and for Canada's traditional businesses.

Our national government is all about action. Since taking office, our government has announced more than $761 million in over 1,000 projects across Atlantic Canada. Our government continues to support ACOA, so it can help further strengthen Atlantic Canada's economic advantage.

Our government is getting things done in Atlantic Canada. The results speak for themselves. They clearly show that this government is successfully tackling the economic development issues that are facing the Atlantic region.

[Atlantic Canada, March 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we are looking at all options in Atlantic Canada to promote the economy of Atlantic Canada so that it grows, thrives and continues to perform at the level it is performing at.

I might also mention that the member and her party voted against every issue that we brought to the fore, including our economic action plan. She certainly has nothing to be proud of in that respect.

[Agriculture and Agri-Food, March 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is totally incorrect. As the Minister of State for ACOA, I signed off on that paperwork some weeks ago. The money will be flowing if it has not already flowed. So I would ask the member to get his information correct.

[National Anthem, January 30th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as one of my colleagues stated earlier today, this is political correctness run wild. Canada is an inclusive country and we take tremendous pride in our national anthem. It is a song that is sung from coast to coast and it unites us as Canadians.

This government urges the principal to reverse his decision and bring back O Canada to his school.