Mr. Speaker, the next petition is regarding a woman's right to choose.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 35% of the vote.
Petitions February 25th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the next petition is regarding a woman's right to choose.
Petitions February 25th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I have four petitions. The first one is regarding hate crimes.
Science and Technology February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, every time the NDP confronts Conservatives about their devastating cuts to science funding, the government refuses to give Canadians the straight goods about its war on science.
However, the truth is that this year the Conservative government has cut almost $700 million in funding for science. This 6% cut has blown a massive hole in the budgets of key federal agencies and is having a real impact on the front lines of scientific research. Labs are powering down. Research groups are being disbanded. Students are dropping out of graduate programs. With each closure, each cut, each cancelled scholarship, and despite the best efforts of our country's greatest minds, science in Canada loses ground.
However, scientists are fighting back. They are mobilizing across the country to keep their labs open, ensure their students will have the same opportunities to succeed and help restore Canada's once sterling international reputation.
New Democrats value our scientific community and pledge to support scientists in any way we can to help end this war on science.
Business of Supply February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I would like to add a little context to this debate.
First of all, there is a very difficult global economic situation. Canada has just lost its governor of the Bank of Canada. The finance minister was out today saying that he was going to bring in another austerity budget. Now the government is refusing to extend the mandate of the PBO.
Why are the Conservatives sending yet another negative signal to markets? Are they not concerned about the impacts this will have on our economy? Do they hate the PBO so much that they would risk market retaliation just to make a political point?
Business of Supply February 5th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I notice the hon. member opposite had the great courage to bring up the government's 2008 promise to put in a cap and trade system. Is the government going to use money from the EI system to pay for the Conservative cap and trade promise made in the 2008 election?
Science and Technology February 1st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative war on science has a new target. This time it is the National Research Council. NRC research and spinoffs drive Canadian innovation, but now we hear it is on the chopping block, folded into something called “Advantage Canada”.
Could the minister tell us what will happen to the 1,005 scientists working at the NRC and how many of these scientists are going to be fired?
Questions Passed as Orders for Returns January 28th, 2013
With regard to the refocusing of the National Research Council (NRC) mandate: (a) what was the rationale for the refocusing on business-led, industry-relevant research; (b) what constitutes a refocusing on business-led, industry-relevant research; (c) when was the change first proposed, and by whom; (d) what consultations took place regarding this change and who was consulted; (e) what programs and employee positions will be eliminated, or be at risk of being eliminated, as a result of this change; (f) what programs and employee positions will be restructured with greater focus towards business-led, industry-relevant research; (g) how many scientific positions currently exist within the NRC and how many will exist after the restructuring; (h) what was the overhead time spent by employees at the NRC for the past five years; and (i) what funding supports will be in place for non-oriented research and development once the focusing of the mandate is complete?
Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act December 11th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, it really does seem that the current culture of this Parliament is that amendments that we suggest are rarely, if ever, accepted. It is important for us to stick to our guns and to force the government to do the right thing in this case, and that is what we will do.
Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act December 11th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, that is pretty rich coming from that end of the House.
The report was tabled in 2003. When the Liberals were government, they had ample time to put these things through. It is their foot-dragging that has led us to this debate here today.
We will strongly support the amendments that we put forward and were agreed to in the past, and hope that the government will do the right thing and make those amendments in due course.
Strengthening Military Justice in the Defence of Canada Act December 11th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I doubt there is a Canadian out there who would disagree with us that civilian oversight in these days is crucial for all kinds of government institutions and that is why we support it and why we will keep pushing for it.
What I do not understand is why members on the opposite side, who supported this amendment before, have now dropped it. That causes us a bit of concern.