House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 30% of the vote.
Transportation April 20th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, clearly we sympathize with all the travellers who have been inconvenienced by this volcanic eruption but, as members know, it is a natural phenomenon that nobody could have predicted.
Canadian officials are closely monitoring the ash cloud and I have directed officials at Canada's embassies overseas to help Canadians in practical ways. We are encouraged by signs that the situation might be improving. As we speak, eight aircraft are flying Canadians home from Europe.
Transportation April 20th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, naturally we empathize with all those in these circumstances because of this natural phenomenon.
As I mentioned yesterday, we are monitoring the situation very closely. As we speak, our embassies are on alert to provide assistance to those who truly need it. However, I am encouraged by signs that are emerging throughout Europe. At this time, about eight aircraft are bringing Canadians home.
Transportation April 19th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we are aware, obviously, that the volcanic ash over Europe has left millions of travellers stranded across the globe. We are monitoring the situation very closely and officials in my department are ready to provide consular services.
We hope the air space will reopen so that affected Canadians can return safety to Canada. I encourage travellers to check our website with our advisories, as well as to verify with the airlines.
Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of South Africa April 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, with leave of the House and pursuant to Standing Order 32, I would like to table, in both official languages, the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of South Africa regarding Mutual Assistance between their Customs Administrations, signed in Johannesburg on October 30, 2009.
Convention between the Government of Canada and the Government of the French Republic April 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, with leave of the House and pursuant to Standing Order 32, I would like to table, in both official languages, the Protocol Amending the Convention between the Government of Canada and the Government of the French Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital signed on May 2, 1975, as amended by the protocol signed on January 16, 1987, and as further amended by the protocol signed November 30, 1995, signed in Paris on February 2, 2010.
Environment April 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I cannot help but mention the statement made in Calgary yesterday by the hon. member's leader. He was in western Canada, as we all know. I will quote him in English so that we fully understand what he said:
I’m fighting for my own interests, you’re fighting for yours. Fine. I’m not opposed to the tarsands.
He is not against the oil companies. But what does his party member think? Maybe he should talk to his leader.
Rights & Democracy April 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, once again, I invite my colleague to read, not just glance at, but read the act. He will discover that section 13(3) of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development Act states that the board must have knowledge of Canadian foreign policy. It is right in the act.
Rights & Democracy April 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the member that Rights & Democracy is an independent organization. The government has never been and is not involved in its day-to-day activities. The man responsible for its operations, Mr. Latulippe, appeared before the parliamentary committee yesterday. All questions that members wanted to ask or could have asked were put to him and he answered them. That is his job and part of his duties.
Ethics April 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the members of this House that the Prime Minister acted as soon as he was made aware of these allegations. He forwarded the documents and the allegations to the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner so that she could take the necessary action, and he also referred them to the RCMP.
The Prime Minister did the right thing under the circumstances.
Ethics April 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, when we were made aware of the allegations, we forwarded them to the appropriate authorities. The allegations do not concern the activities of this government. Needless to say, we support the Prime Minister's decision to refer these documents, the allegations in question, to the authorities concerned.