Lawrence Cannon

[Manufacturing and Forestry Sectors, January 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, a number of things have happened since the last time we members of this House got together.

First, the government announced over a billion dollars to help the forestry sector. Second, Quebec got an additional $400 million in equalization payments. Add to that the $12 billion put forward in the economic statement that the government passed. Members may recall that the Bloc Québécois opposed it. Last, with respect to softwood lumber, an issue that the Bloc Québécois took a long time to act on, $25 million has been—

[The Environment, December 13th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member must be referring to the work of the leader of the opposition in Bali. I can say this about what the Minister of the Environment is doing, and I am quoting Pierre Marc Johnson:

Canada is still playing a very important role in the working groups, despite what is being said in the media, an extremely important role as mediator. Canada often serves as a bridge between the Europeans and members from the other countries.

The Minister of the Environment is upholding a fine Canadian tradition.

[Hon. member for Westmount—Ville-Marie, December 12th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, like the other members, I would like to share fond memories I have of our colleague. We both sat in the Quebec National Assembly, and we both served in the cabinet of the late Robert Bourassa.

A few moments ago I heard her say that she had brought to political life the same values she espoused throughout her professional career. These values are what have always defined her. I have watched her lead an extraordinary political career, and she is leaving politics with the same values she held during that time. That is to her credit.

It was a great pleasure to meet with her when she was Minister of Higher Education to ask for more funding for a school or even an expansion in my riding. She was always generous with public funds in that regard. Obviously, I never had the chance to thank her for these things, and I am doing so today.

She is a courageous woman, a woman of conviction. On both a personal and a professional level, she sincerely believes that Quebec belongs in Canada. She is one of the great women of the Liberal Party of Quebec, one of the great women of Canada, and one of the greatest women this House has ever seen.

I call her my friend Lucienne. I wish you continued success, Lucienne; good luck in the journey ahead.

[Infrastructure, December 12th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, a few months ago I was in Havre-Saint-Pierre and Baie-Comeau and I had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Jones who was pushing for this project.

As you know, the Government of Quebec took a cooperative approach to this matter. It is part of the road network but unfortunately we have not officially received an application.

I indicated to them that the new infrastructure program will provide $25 million each year to every province and territory. This is new funding. They could apply for that.

[The Environment, December 10th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, we had the opportunity last Friday to announce the other tranche to the ecoAuto rebate program, which encourages Canadians to make environmentally friendly choices when purchasing a new car.

It saves them money. It is good for health, for the environment and for all Canadians. The list that we announced last Friday permits more eligible vehicles to be purchased by Canadians. We are happy this government is getting the job done.

[Finance, December 10th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, once again, I see in my hon. colleague's question the arrogance of the Bloc Québécois when it comes to this issue.

One thing is clear, though. When this party, this government, says it will do something, it keeps its promise. We kept our promise on the fiscal imbalance. We are going to keep our promise on limiting the federal spending power.

[Finance, December 10th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I understand my hon. colleague's question, in light of the very enthusiastic welcome the people of Rivière-du-Loup gave the Prime Minister on Friday. I think the hon. member is worried, and he should be.

In fact, not only have we corrected the fiscal imbalance, but over the next five years, we will be giving Quebeckers tax reductions, GST reductions and corporate tax reductions.

What is the Bloc Québécois doing? Nothing.

[Infrastructure, December 7th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, we have to be able to get the facts straight here. From 1993 to 2005 the previous government invested on a yearly basis $1.3 billion in infrastructure. We all know the debate the Liberals had on transferring the gas tax, but the parliamentary secretary for public works is the one who stood up for it.

When we took power, we committed over five times that amount, $5 billion for cities and communities for infrastructure. The Liberal Party is going to have to stop listening to the member for Wascana who continues to--

[Infrastructure, December 7th, 2007]

That is an excellent question, Mr. Speaker, and I am very happy to address it. Over half of the $33 billion will be flowing to communities and municipalities throughout the country.

I might add that now that we have launched the building Canada plan, British Columbia has agreed to sign on to the framework agreement. Nova Scotia is there. This afternoon, my colleague, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, will be with Premier Graham of New Brunswick to sign the framework agreement.

We are getting the job done, contrary to what the Liberals are saying.

[LNG Terminals, December 6th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, yes indeed, under the navigable waters portion of the legislation we are looking at this file. We have not yet made a determination. As soon as cabinet has been seized of this issue, we will make our report public.