Lynne Yelich

[Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, June 3rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the member said that he cannot support our budget and I would like to know why, especially in Ontario, he cannot support a budget that supports Canada's manufacturers. The tax relief for new manufacturing machinery and equipment, by extending the accelerated capital cost allowance for two years, increases support for manufacturers by almost $1.4 billion. I do not understand why the member cannot support that.

I cannot understand why he would not support large-scale technology projects exhibiting strong commercial potential and promote cross-industry collaboration.

I cannot understand how he cannot support encouraging firms to invest in biogas production, or how he cannot support lowering business tax, or making Canada the first major economy tariff-free zone, or launching the venture capital action plan. I cannot understand why the member from Ontario cannot invest in what I am sure most people in Ontario would like to see the member invest in.

[Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, June 3rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's speech. I found it very interesting. I want to know what the member would like to tell us about the gas tax fund, how important that is to Canadians and how well received it is from coast to coast.

[Fair Rail Freight Service Act, May 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to put on record what works well when we let the industry work with the railways. Canpotex, which I mentioned earlier, is a shipper of potash and it recently signed 10-year agreements with CP Rail, CN Rail and UP Rail, which is Union Pacific. The agreements secured transportation for increasing export volumes with long-term customers in approximately 30 countries, a reliable and properly maintained railcar fleet that was essential. These were partnerships. These types of partnerships helped them achieve present and future logistic goals.

That suggests to me that if we work with the industry and perhaps have good legislation in place that is not too intrusive, the industry will take care of itself. I might add, being that the member got a little carried away on the environment, Canpotex also contemplated building a new greenfield terminal on B.C.'s west coast of Prince Rupert. If we let the industry work and we work well with the industry, I think—

[Fair Rail Freight Service Act, May 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk a bit about how important this legislation is for the province of Saskatchewan, in particular, Canpotex, which ships potash.

The company's inland rail car network winds through more than 1,600 kilometres of rugged terrain and severe climate challenges to reach its export terminals on the west coast. To better accommodate this journey, the company has a fleet of almost 5,000 rail cars, customized to handle the bulk density. The company's specialized rail car design results in an increase in operating capacity. However, it wants to point out that it has a partnership with Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Rail in Canada, and with Union Pacific in the United States.

The company recently signed a 10-year agreement with CP, CN and UP, and the agreements have helped to secure needed transportation. That tells me that this shipping bill is a good balance because the company is already working very well with the rail.

The member spoke earlier about how important the bill was to have a good balance. I believe this is a good balance. Would the member like to elaborate on that?

[Fair Rail Freight Service Act, May 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I wanted to put on the record how important this bill would be for Saskatchewan and for our economy.

We are a major player in the world potash market. In fact, Saskatchewan potash producers generated $7.2 billion in gross revenue. Therefore, the movement of potash is important to our railways. Saskatchewan producers spent $311 million on potash transport in 2011 and their production filled more than 110,000 train cars, equivalent to more than three full trains everyday. In terms of volume, potash is the third most important commodity for Canada's railway after coal and wheat.

Could the member tell the House if this spirit is also to be shared on that side of the House. Could she do anything possible to pass the bill expeditiously, so we can get on with our priority of our economy, which is important, and potash—

[Fair Rail Freight Service Act, May 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, it is important for me, as a member from Saskatchewan, to put on the record what this legislation means to the Canadian fertilizer industry. I want to quote Roger Larson:

The federal government has taken an important step towards balancing the commercial relationships between railways and their freight customers. Fertilizer companies have commitments to their customers not only in Canada, but the United States and around the world. Railway service cannot continue to be the weak link in Canada's export pipeline.

I would like the member to elaborate on how important this is with respect to our relationship and our trade with the United States.

[Fair Rail Freight Service Act, May 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to congratulate the chair of the committee on making sure this legislation is going through smoothly. I would like to remind him how important it is, and I know he knows this, to our own agriculture industry.

I am surprised that there were shippers who were not happy. I read that the president of the Grain Growers of Canada said:

This new legislation will go a long way to address our farmers’ shipping needs. We are thrilled to see this legislation moving through Parliament. A lot of hard work has gone into this.

He added:

We were also happy to see performance standards included in the arbitration process.

I just wondered if the member would like to elaborate a little on what this is doing for our agriculture, especially in landlocked areas such as Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and how important it is to have this for our farmers.

[Fair Rail Freight Service Act, May 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I want to put on the record what Richard Paton, the president and CEO of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, said:

The level of service offered by Canada’s railways can make the difference between companies investing here, or taking their business elsewhere...this legislation is critical — not only for our industry's competitiveness, but for Canada’s overall productivity and prosperity.

Would that encourage the member to help have this legislation be moved expeditiously?

[Fair Rail Freight Service Act, May 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear the member talk about her support for the bill, because the bill is supported by Pulse Canada, the Grain Growers of Canada, the Forest Products Association of Canada, the Western Barley Growers Association, the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, the Western Grain Elevator Association, the Canadian Fertilizer Institute, the Canadian Canola Growers Association and Western Canadian Wheat Growers.

I would like to ask my colleague if the NDP will support this bill and have it expedited as soon as possible.

[The Canadian Museum of History Act, May 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, in defence of the Minister of Canadian Heritage in asking where the taxpayer dollars are coming from, I will quote him from yesterday. He said, “How many more NDP MPs are not paying their taxes?” and he said “...the NDP will come clean on how many MPs are avoiding paying their taxes”.

The minister has been very transparent about how important this is, and he asked people yesterday to pay their taxes. That is how he is going to get it. It might be incremental, but he will be getting money for the museum.