Kevin Sorenson

[Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 2, October 30th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, this is not so much a point of order, but I feel disappointed that the last point of order has taken nearly 10 minutes, and this budget implementation bill is such a good bill that I want to be certain that my time is not going to be cut short as we talk about the very good measures brought forward in the bill. I do not think the differences between the Liberal and New Democratic parties should prevent us from talking about the budget implementation act.

The commitments and measures that we brought forward in the budget implementation bill are important to Canadians. Canadians listened last February when the budget was being brought down. They know ways and means motions have been brought forward because of the technical changes that must happen. Changes must be made first to the Income Tax Act, but other good measures must happen as well.

We can have four days of debate in the House. It is important that we give everyone those days to focus on the budget and then get it to a committee to be studied there. We want that process to happen. We want committee members to debate this bill and then bring it back to the House.

[Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 2, October 30th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure again to stand in the House and to move the motion.

Canadians expect their government to make decisions and to make those decisions in a timely manner. We have made commitments in platforms and during the budget period. Our government is now doing something that is novel for the other parties to understand, because we are living up to our commitments. We are keeping our promise. We will continue to make our commitments to Canadians and we will then introduce the proper legislation and pass that legislation because of the commitments and the promises we have made.

My colleague spoke about the size of this legislation. It is common practice to include various measures in a budget and subsequent budget implementation bills. This budget has been before Parliament since February. We introduced the budget in February, over 250 days ago, over eight months ago. There has been debate in the House on the first part of the budget, and now we have the second budget implementation bill.

The member asked a question in regard to social assistance. The measures in this bill would simply allow the provinces their rightful jurisdiction to implement timelines in which residency must take place before individuals receive social assistance.

We look forward to the debate.

[Consumer Protection, October 21st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian consumers deserve access to credit on fair and transparent terms. That is why we have taken action to protect Canadian consumers by banning unsolicited credit card cheques, requiring clear and simple information, providing timely advance notice of rates and fee changes, limiting anti-consumer business practices, and ensuring that prepaid cards never expire.

Our Conservative government believes that with better information, Canadian consumers can make informed decisions in their best interests.

[Ways and Means, October 20th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I wish to table notice of a ways and means motion to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 11, 2014, and other measures.

Pursuant to Standing Order 83(2), I ask that an order of the day be designated for consideration of the motion.

[Taxation, October 20th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, this government recognizes that credit unions are an important part of the financial sector and provide a competitive service to the banks. However, it is important that businesses compete on a level tax playing field.

Small credit unions will continue to have access to the small business tax rate on their first $500,000 of income like every other small business in Canada.

[Consumer Protection, October 20th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that they are better off with this Conservative government. Canadian consumers deserve access to credit on fair and transparent terms.

That is why we have taken action to protect Canadians using credit cards by banning unsolicited credit card cheques, requiring clear and simple information, providing timely advance notice of rates and fee changes, limiting anti-consumer business practices, and ensuring prepaid cards never expire.

Canadians know they are better off with this Conservative government.

[Employment Insurance, October 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, just last week the Liberals had to stand and apologize in this House for trying to find support that was not there for their Liberal plan.

Let us listen to what Dan Kelly, head of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said in regard to our credit. He just released this today. He said that small firms' number one concern is the total tax burden, that the number one most harmful form of taxation is payroll tax, and that the $550 small business job credit helps.

[Employment, October 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians understand that they are better off with this Conservative government.

The Liberal EI agenda includes such measures as EI for prisoners and a 45-day work year. The Liberal EI plan has 50 weeks of sickness pay that would in total add up to a whopping 44% increase in EI premiums. That would cost Canadians nearly $6 billion. We cannot afford to listen to that type of Liberal idea.

[Employment Insurance, October 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, beginning in 2017, premiums will be set according to a seven-year break-even rate, ensuring that premiums are no higher than they need to be.

Clearly the NDP does not understand small business. They should listen to those who do. Monique Moreau, from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said that small businesses in Canada should be thrilled with this announcement because they have said time and time again that payroll taxes like EI are the biggest disincentive to hiring.

[Employment Insurance, October 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that they are better off with our Conservative government.

The NDP members clearly do not get small business. They should listen to people who do understand small business. Let me quote what Jay Myers, of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, said. He said:

The Small Business Job Credit will help a powerhouse — the thousands of small businesses — of the Canadian economy become more competitive.

Unlike the NDP, we will continue to keep taxes low to create jobs and we will also create opportunities for Canadians.