House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 30% of the vote.
Infrastructure February 8th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, we have closely consulted with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. We were able to craft, build and design a new building Canada program, $33 billion, to help municipalities and to work with the provinces in terms of developing new programs and fixing projects. We have framework agreements in place, and we are getting the job done.
Manufacturing and Forestry Industries February 8th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, as usual, we have to be accurate. Facts are facts. The Bloc Québécois voted against the measures in the economic statement. These measures immediately provide Quebec over the next five years with $12 billion to help companies, $12 billion to help workers, and $12 billion to help cut taxes.
We are delivering the goods and they are walking around empty-handed.
Manufacturing and Forestry Industries February 8th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to remind my hon. friend that the Premier of Ontario responded by congratulating the federal government. The premier in particular clearly stated that he was pleased with the work that had been done.
If our friends in the Bloc Québécois are saying that something else needs to be done, then why did they vote for the measure that gives Quebeckers $216 million immediately?
Manufacturing and Forestry Industries February 8th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, in fact, for two years now, our eyes have been wide open. We are delivering what Quebeckers want. Last week, this House was able to deliver $1 billion to help communities, including $216 million for Quebec. That is action.
We put in place tax measures to help businesses and Quebeckers and reduced the GST. But they voted against that, as we know.
Manufacturing and Forestry Industries February 8th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I am certain that my hon. colleague has not reviewed the Statistics Canada data with regard to job creation, for Canada in particular, but also for Quebec. It should be noted that Quebec's unemployment rate of 6.8% is the lowest it has been in 33 years. That proves that we are doing something about real issues.
Infrastructure February 7th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, with respect to accomplishments in the greater Quebec City area over the past two years, we can mention the Chauveau stadium, our participation in the study on high-speed trains, an investment of $15 million in the airport, CED investments in the 400th anniversary celebrations and, of course, the Quebec bridge.
As my hon. colleague is aware, this matter is presently before the courts.
Manufacturing and Forestry Industries February 7th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, in reality—since he is letting me repeat it—for 18 years the Bloc Québécois has done zero itself in terms of projects, bills, jobs created. I, at least, can proudly say this evening to the people in Maniwaki, in my riding, I can easily say that I delivered the goods.
Manufacturing and Forestry Industries February 7th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, we are obviously in a period of prebudget debate in the House. In this debate, we have the opportunity to indicate what the government has done in the past two years, not only to make our economy competitive but also to ensure that our businesses and workers have the necessary tools to deal with a possible downturn. The commitment of $1 billion across Canada for the most vulnerable sectors is an initiative that deserves to be recognized.
Manufacturing and Forestry Industries February 6th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I think the Bloc Québécois must have a screw loose.
When we passed the mini-budget, we provided nearly $12 billion in tax cuts of all kinds in anticipation of an economic slowdown. The government acted, the Minister of Finance acted: $12 billion in cuts to the GST, $12 billion in cuts to personal and corporate income taxes. That is action. The Bloc, unfortunately, just stands there empty handed. Nothing for Quebec.
Manufacturing and Forestry Industries February 6th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, quite to the contrary, we took immediate action when my colleague, the Minister of Finance, tabled the 2006 budget and said he would correct the fiscal imbalance. That means an additional $400 million this year, and more than $600 million, $700 million, $1.1 billion for Quebec under the equalization formula. To that should be added the funding we passed yesterday in the House to help our communities. We are delivering the goods and they are delivering nothing.