House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 30% of the vote.
Canada-U.S. Relations February 13th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, anyone who is following the news, no matter what is happening around the planet, knows that the main concern, the top priority, is stimulating the economy.
Obviously, out of all the of the topics that will be discussed between the President and the Prime Minister, the economy will undoubtedly be the most important.
Canada-U.S. Relations February 13th, 2009
As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, as has been stated on numerous occasions in the House not only by myself but as well as other members of the cabinet, this government has taken action. We have taken action not only through budget 2009, the one that we are looking at now, but also through budget 2008.
This government is dedicated to getting this country back in shape, making sure that the action program that we put forward will come to full fruition and be able to help Canada, as well as the other countries, come out of this situation. I hope that we can count on the opposition's support.
Canada-U.S. Relations February 13th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, we are extremely pleased that the President has made Canada his first international destination. Quite obviously, the discussions on the agenda will be on the economy. As we know, the Prime Minister travelled to Washington in November and met with G20 leaders. He went to the APEC meeting as well. There again the economy was top of discussion and we expect that will be the subject of discussion.
Airline Crash February 13th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, clearly, we as well are extremely saddened by the loss of life and want to extend our deepest sympathies to the families that are involved.
Representatives from the Consulate General in Buffalo, as a matter of fact, are at the crash site and remain in contact with local and airline authorities. Canadians are advised to consult local news reports for the latest information. To be specific, we do not have any proof as yet as to whether or not Canadians are involved.
Afghanistan February 11th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I am listening to my hon. colleague's assertions. I can say to him that clearly, on this side of the House, this government stood up. We stood up with a program of six priorities. We stood up and supported our Canadian troops. We stood up and supported a government in Afghanistan to be able to help them rebuild their country, give them democratic institutions and make sure that what was addressed here in this House would be something that we are going to not only meet but be able to deal with. We will get the job done.
Afghanistan February 11th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, we are of course deeply saddened by the events that took place yesterday in Kabul. I would say to my hon. colleague from the Liberal side of the House that there is a special envoy. There are a number of people who are taking care of it, and they are all under the direction of our ambassador in that country.
Foreign Affairs February 10th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, officials in my department have carried out regular discussions with both the defence and the prosecution in this case. I also want to point out that consular services have been offered to this individual. He is being treated as any other Canadian citizen in detention would be treated.
Foreign Affairs February 10th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, our position regarding this case has not changed. It is exactly the same position that the previous government put forward. This individual has been accused of the very serious charges of terrorism and murder.
As the member knows, there is a process in place that has already commenced. We will wait until such time as that process which has just been put in place by the President of the United States completes its course.
Foreign Affairs February 10th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the member's assumption is based on the fact that he does not know what will happen in the United States, even though one of the first things that the President of the United States did was issue an order to close the military base at Guantanamo and to resolve this and every other detainee's case. Clearly, what we have to do is have faith in the system that is in place and not question the credibility of the President of the United States.
Foreign Affairs February 10th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, this afternoon we will have the possibility of going into more depth on that. With regard to his first question, the answer is no. On his second question, I believe that the agenda that is going to be discussed between the President of the United States and the Prime Minister is still under discussion, and stay tuned.