Laurin Liu

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, that is absolutely ridiculous. We know that the Conservative government continues to muzzle its scientists.

However, let us move on to cuts to the department. As one of the largest science-oriented departments, Natural Resources Canada plays a key role in supporting economic development in the natural resources sector. Before the cuts made in recent years, the department had 3,000 employees who supported science and technology activities.

How many of them will be left after all the cuts have been made?

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, does the minister control what scientists can say to the media about climate change and the oil sands?

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, has this protocol been made public?

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, when was the protocol on the relationship between the scientists and the media developed? I would like a short answer.

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, I am still waiting for an answer, but let us move on.

Is the minister co-operating with the inquiry that the Information Commissioner launched in April 2013 on the Canadian government's systematic efforts to obstruct the right of the media and, by extension, that of Canadians to timely access to the government's scientists?

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, the minister keeps dodging my questions. I will ask the same question again.

Which regions were affected by the cuts and how many layoffs were there in Quebec?

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, my question had to do with the sectors affected by the cuts and the layoff of 40% of departmental scientists.

Perhaps the minister will be able to answer my next question.

Which regions were affected by the cuts, and how many layoffs were there in Quebec?

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, 40% of positions have been cut, and the minister refuses to answer questions.

Scientists at Natural Resources Canada play an important role with regard to environmental protection and safety.

What responsibilities did the minister have to abdicate by laying off 60-some scientists?

[BUSINESS OF SUPPLY, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Chair, I will be using my full 15 minutes for questions.

During the consideration of business of supply in committee, the deputy minister said that about 65 scientist positions have been cut. Which unit did these scientists work in?

[Science and Technology, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities made a ridiculous comment that only makes sense to the Conservatives.

He said that instead of funding researchers who never find anything, he would rather fund finders.

With an attitude like that, it is no wonder that the latest report on the state of Canada's science, technology and innovation system is so damning for the Conservative government.

Instead of making industry pay for research, why do the Conservatives not invest more in research?