House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2025, with 58% of the vote.
Resumption and Continuation of Postal Services Legislation June 23rd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I have a very simple question, which I have attempted to get answered from other members of the New Democratic caucus.
Does the member believe there are any circumstances whatsoever in which the NDP could envision themselves supporting back to work legislation?
Resumption and Continuation of Postal Services Legislation June 23rd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I was a bit disappointed in terms of what the member for Vancouver East had to say.
We in the Liberal Party do not support the legislation that is being proposed by the government. I must say that she is not alone. The NDP attempts to say there is no difference between the 1997 legislation and the current legislation. Surely she can understand the difference between a lockout versus a strike. Today it is a lockout. Back then it was a strike.
Surely she can understand the difference in the legislation. All she has to do is read the legislation that was proposed back in 1997 compared to the legislation today.
I care about the workers. I care about the Canadians who are receiving the mail. I think it is important that we have some facts on the record.
Are there any circumstances whatsoever that the member could possibly imagine where the NDP would support back to work legislation?
Resumption and Continuation of Postal Services Legislation June 23rd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the former speaker would know that we are talking about a lockout as opposed to postal workers going on strike, and many believe that the government had a good idea that the lockout was going to happen.
Could the member give the House any assurances that cabinet had no idea that Canada Post was going to lock out its workers, or did the government have an idea that this was going to occur? Could he provide some information on that point?
Petitions June 23rd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, many families here in Canada have attempted to get family members from abroad, particularly in countries like Philippines and India, to come to Canada to visit.
This petition asks the government to look at the way in which visitor visas are being issued and, in particular, how they are being denied. They ask that the government take more action so that family members from abroad are better able to come to Canada and participate in things such as funerals, weddings and other types of family celebrations. There are so many reasons.
It is with pleasure that I table this particular petition here today.
Business of Supply June 22nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I want to go back to a question I asked one of the member's colleagues earlier. He made reference to a number of small businesses in his area and said that a number of those businesses rely greatly on exports.
Earlier today, there was a confusing message coming from the NDP members in regard to their position on freer trade. It seemed to give the impression that new NDP members are a bit more open to the concept of freer trade. Could the member provide some comment on this?
It is great to get those tax incentives and we applaud the motion. To what degree does the member feel that there is a place in certain situations for freer trade among nations?
Business of Supply June 22nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, it is interesting that the government has made the decision to support this motion, and I applaud its support. However, it has adopted a policy wherein the home revitalization tax credit is only available for one year. Does the government not see the merit for small businesses by making a more genuine commitment, let us say five years, to that program to assist small businesses?
Business of Supply June 22nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I want to pick up on the whole idea of urban revitalization that the member referred to, particularly the community commercial strips and the important role small businesses play in their revitalization.
In my own area, I look at areas like Selkirk Avenue and the role private businesses have to play there. Providing tax incentives and reducing taxes gives more opportunity for many of those small businesses to participate in revitalization.
I would look to the member to comment on that area.
Business of Supply June 22nd, 2011
Madam Speaker, the member makes reference to, and we are glad to see that the NDP has recognized the need for, small business tax breaks. We understand and we appreciate the vital role that small business across Canada plays.
Earlier today in question period, one of the member's colleagues made reference to the free trade argument. Small business is dependent on expanding markets in the world. Has the NDP position on the idea of freer trade in certain circumstances changed? Does the NDP see the value in terms of potential job creation for small business by looking into those types of agreements in the future?
Business of Supply June 22nd, 2011
Madam Speaker, we in the Liberal Party recognize that the small businesses of Canada are the backbone of our economy, and when we look to the future we are looking to small businesses to continue to bring us into the world economy in new and wonderful ways.
The member seemed to have endorsed the NDP in Manitoba. I do not know if the member is aware, but the NDP government of Manitoba also has a payroll tax. It also gave significant corporate tax cuts, which seem to be in a contradiction to the federal wing of the party
Maybe the member could comment on whether or not he endorses all of the business tax breaks that have been given, and would he encourage the NDP in Manitoba to get rid of the payroll tax currently there?
Petitions June 22nd, 2011
Madam Speaker, at the time we are winding down and the budget is going through the final process, the petition that I bring forward is from signatories asking for the government to recognize that the amount of supplement given under the GIS just is not enough to cover the costs of seniors.
They are calling on the government to recognize the need to give more to our seniors through the GIS. It is with pleasure that I table this petition today.