Libby Davies

[Petitions, November 17th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to present three petitions.

The first petition is signed by residents in the metro Vancouver area. They are calling on the federal government and Parliament to work with all levels of government to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for all Canadians. They are also asking that new moneys go beyond the 2009 budget and that Parliament ensure the swift passage of my private member's bill, Bill C-304, An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians.

[Harmonized Sales Tax, November 5th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, those decisions on the HST began in this House with that government, aided by the Liberals, who rammed it through in December 2009. No wonder they are scared to face the voters of B.C.

We know the government could call a byelection in Prince George--Peace River any time and yet it seems happy to let that seat sit empty. I do not think the people of Prince George are happy without federal representation.

Is the government really so scared of the HST backlash that it is willing to delay democracy in Prince George? Will the government stand and announce that it will call the byelection today?

[Harmonized Sales Tax, November 5th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, it is a very different picture in B.C. because the Conservatives' HST is damaging B.C. consumer confidence in this crucial holiday shopping season.

A poll this week shows that 73% of British Columbians believe the HST is having a negative impact on them, while 54% will spend less on decorations and two-thirds say that they will spend less on gifts all because of the HST.

When will the Conservatives finally take responsibility for the HST and the harm that it is creating to B.C.'s economy?

[Harmonized Sales Tax, November 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, for over a year the government has ducked, weaved, and hid behind the premier of B.C. over its role in the HST, but with Gordon Campbell's resignation, the Conservatives have nowhere left to hide. We know the HST is part of the Conservative agenda. We know it was the Conservatives who forced it on a premier desperate for cash. It takes two to tango and this dance is clearly over.

When will the government listen to the people of B.C. and take responsibility for its failure on the HST?

[Business of Supply, November 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, there have been consultations among the parties and I believe if you seek it you would find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move:

That, at the conclusion of today's debate on the opposition motion in the name of the Member from Toronto—Danforth, all questions necessary to dispose of the motion be deemed put and a recorded division deemed requested and deferred to Tuesday, November 16, at the expiry of the time provided for government orders.

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, November 3rd, 2010]

With respect to a series of round tables hosted by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation on the topics of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and Affordable Housing Initiatives: (a) what reports and recommendations came out of these round tables; (b) what is contained in any report coming out of these round tables or arising from these round table discussions; and (c) are these reports available and, (i) if so, how can a copy be obtained, (ii) if not, when will these reports and recommendations be made public?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, November 3rd, 2010]

With regard to funding the government has awarded under Canada's Economic Action Plan since it was first introduced: (a) what is the total amount of funding the government has awarded in the riding of Vancouver Kingsway, detailing in each case the department or agency, the initiative and amount; and (b) what is the total amount of funding the government has awarded within the City of Vancouver, detailing in each case the department or agency, the initiative and amount?

[Questions on the Order Paper, November 3rd, 2010]

With respect to funding for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation programs such as the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, the Affordable Housing Initiative, the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs and other affordable housing initiatives: (a) will these initiatives be funded after March 2011; (b) what funding will they receive; (c) when will the organizations funded through these programs be informed whether or not these programs will continue to be funded; and (d) if they are not to be funded after March 2011, how will the government spend the funds previously allocated to these programs?

[Harmonized Sales Tax, November 3rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, it is way too late for that kind of line.

Everybody knows the premier of British Columbia just resigned because of the failure of the HST, a fiasco caused by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance.

The question is very straightforward. Are they willing to take responsibility and admit that they, too, failed the people of British Columbia?

[Harmonized Sales Tax, November 3rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the premier of B.C. has just stepped down because of the failed HST, but we all know that the HST was imposed by the Conservative government. I want to ask the Prime Minister, when will his government listen to the people of B.C. and take responsibility for its failure on the HST?