Kevin Sorenson

[Business of Supply, February 26th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the member dealt to a great extent with aboriginal questions in his speech. That is not the angle I am going to take with respect to my question to him.

We are discussing infrastructure because it is part of a stimulus package. A lot of people believe that it is government's role, and government's role only, to stimulate a comeback in this global recession. That member is a good Conservative who believes the market has a role to play.

Certainly governments in some places also have a role to play, but there are some things the government has not done. Our government has not stepped forward to nationalize corporations. We have not stepped forward with protectionist legislation. We are trying to stay away from nationalization and protectionism. We are also trying to stay away from overregulation, but we have gone into deficit.

Does the member believe that the infrastructure spending we are bringing forward is the approach to take, rather than taking the approach of putting forward long, ongoing programs?

[Committees of the House, February 26th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development entitled, “Canada in Afghanistan”. Pursuant to Standing Order 109 the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.

It is a pleasure for me, again, to present, in both official language,s the third report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development entitled, “Omar Khadr”.

I also have the honour to present, in both official languages, the second report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development entitled, “Corporate Social Responsibility”.

[The Economy, February 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this government has a plan, a plan for its country, a plan for its people, a plan that is working. It is a plan that puts ordinary Canadians first, a plan with tax cuts for low and middle-income Canadians, extended EI benefits for the unemployed, a plan of investments in real projects that will create real jobs.

The Leader of the Opposition can muse and pontificate all he wants about the economy, but everyone knows he has no plan. The only substantive economic idea he has ever proposed was a carbon tax, a carbon tax far deeper and far more sweeping than the carbon tax proposed by his former leader, the member for Saint-Laurent—Cartierville. One other thing he wants to form is another parliamentary committee to study it.

I have spent a lot of time talking to ordinary people and business leaders and the only two people in the country who remain wedded to a job killing, recession worsening, carbon tax are the Leader of the Opposition and his former leader.

[Indian Oil and Gas Act, February 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the government had intended to call another bill for debate today, however, upon consultation with the opposition, two parties have indicated that they are not ready to proceed with that debate at this time.

I would also like to thank opposition parties for their cooperation this week in considering government business.

Under the circumstances, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you seek unanimous consent to see the clock at 2:30 p.m.

[The Budget, February 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians re-elected our Conservative government to stand up for Canada during the current global economic turmoil.

Budget 2009 delivers an economic action plan that provides a multi-year approach to stimulate our economy and protect Canadian jobs. We are acting to provide targeted and temporary measures that will build on Canada's long-term strengths and help hard-working Canadian families through the short-term challenges. Our government is delivering access to financing, taking action to stimulate the housing market, building infrastructure to create jobs sooner rather than later, and providing extra support for communities and business.

In my riding we will be taking advantage of the recreational infrastructure program in Canada. This program helps communities build new facilities or upgrade existing ones. Arenas, swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts and soccer fields are examples of recreational facilities that could qualify for 50% funding from the government.

Let us keep building Canada.

[Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, February 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, unfortunately the member is just continuing his rant against Israel. We are dealing with Bill C-9, which is a transportation act here in Canada.

I would again ask the Chair to again ask the member to bring his speech back to something relevant to the topic of debate today.

[Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, February 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is more a point of clarification. I have listened with some interest to what the member has been saying. He has spoken about CIDA, about poppies and about Afghanistan, and now he is on a rant about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

I am just wondering whether we have moved off Bill C-9 or whether we are still on Bill C-9. If indeed we are still on Bill C-9, I would encourage the member to bring his speech back to some point of relevance that deals with transportation of goods here in our country and with providing safety and security here in our country, which is what Bill C-9 does.

[Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, February 13th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as I listened with a degree of interest as my colleague across the way spoke to a number of issues in the bill, I tried to get a real grasp as to his position on the bill. On the one hand, he said that it was a dangerous bill that would give the minister far too much leeway and sweeping powers, but, on the other hand, he said that it was a pretty good bill.

Not only since 9/11 in 2001, but over the past number of years I think Canadians have recognized the need for security, not just from terrorist attacks from outside but also security on our highways and in and around our country. Bill C-9 does deal with security for Canadians, security in regard to dangerous goods that are being transported around our country, not only the goods that are involved in some kind of a terrorist attack but goods such as propane, fuel and hundreds of other products that we see moving up and down our highways every day. Most parties here recognized that there is a real need for this legislation.

I have a bit of a concern with the New Democratic Party when, regardless of what type of bill we bring forward that would give Canadians more security and safety, it seems it is always throwing up roadblocks. This bill has come out of public feedback to the government. I think other parties have recognized that the Canadian public is on the side of protecting Canadians through the transportation of these goods.

What does the member opposite have against protecting Canadians and keeping them safe?

[The Conservative Government, February 6th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate an important milestone in this government's history.

It was three years ago today that the Conservative government and our Prime Minister were sworn into office.

What a period of time it has been. In that short time we provided tax relief for every Canadian, we strengthened our justice system's ability to tackle crime, we brought in accountability measures to clean up the mess left by the previous Liberal government and we increased our presence on the world stage.

Our record is a strong one. When that record was put to the Canadian people in the election last October, the Conservative government received a renewed mandate to deal with the issues facing Canadians.

Finally, we must not forget those who made this possible: the Conservative Party volunteers, donors, members and voters who worked so hard to make this a reality. To all those people across this great country, I say thank you. Let us celebrate this remarkable achievement.

[Member for Calgary East, February 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to acknowledge my colleague and friend, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the hon. member for Calgary East.

Last month the President of India bestowed upon the parliamentary secretary the highest honour given to overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award.

As an Indo-Canadian, the member for Calgary East has displayed a leadership role in the Indian diaspora in Canada and has been tirelessly active in the promotion of Canada-India relations.

Whether during the years of the Liberal government, when our relations with India were foolishly left to the side, or today, when our improved relations with India are blossoming into expanded and mutually profitable trade, the member for Calgary East has been front and centre, helping build the personal and professional links between the countries.

I congratulate my friend on this very prestigious honour, a testament to the value of his continued efforts.