Marc Garneau

[The Economy, March 27th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, that vaunted plan is clearly not working very well.

Outside of a full recession, we have had the slowest consecutive 15 months of job growth on record. TD says things are not going to get much better on the jobs front for two years. CIBC says we have the lowest-quality job creation in a generation.

The economy could use some confidence, not deafening silence. Where is the federal budget, and why has the Minister of Finance chosen not to answer questions in the House for two months now?

[The Economy, March 27th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, one of the most important roles of any government is to inspire confidence in the economy.

However, today, we are seeing that the trust of businesses and consumers is fragile. The problem is not only that the Conservatives are shirking their duties, but also that they are absolutely refusing to talk about the economy. They delayed the budget because they do not have a plan. The Minister of Finance, who is nowhere to be found, simply stopped answering questions about the economy two months ago.

When will the Conservatives deliver a budget?

[Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act, March 27th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the fact that it has taken nine years to present this legislation, I have to say that I agree with the comments of my hon. colleague from the Conservative side. The whole problem needs to be addressed holistically, not only in terms of legislation but in terms of prevention and rehabilitation. There is also one other important aspect, which is to fight cybersexual exploitation and sexual exploitation in general.

We understand that the RCMP regularly underspends its budget to combat cybersexual exploitation by a couple of million dollars. I would like to hear from my hon. colleague what explanation there is for this underspending, considering just how important a problem this is.

[Finance, March 25th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, we understand that Canada has been invited by China to join its newly created Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The Liberal Party feels that there are good reasons for Canada to accept this invitation, which, as members know, is involved with funding of infrastructure projects in Asia.

We understand that the invitation is extended until the end of the month. We know that France, Germany, and Great Britain have joined the bank. Is the government seriously considering this invitation from China?

[Business of Supply, March 24th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed the presentation by my hon. colleague, and I congratulate the NDP for bringing forward the motion on microbeads.

My colleague spoke about the broader need for a water strategy, and he alluded to the Experimental Lakes Area. We all know that sad story. Fortunately the Ontario government came to the rescue. We are talking about a priceless laboratory to help us with a water strategy. He did not have the chance to speak about it very much during his presentation, so I wonder if the member might touch on that.

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, March 23rd, 2015]

With regard to contracts under $10 000 granted by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada since April 1, 2014: what are the (a) vendors' names; (b) contracts' reference numbers; (c) dates of the contracts; (d) descriptions of the services provided; (e) delivery dates; (f) original contracts' values; and (g) final contracts' values if different from the original contracts' values?

[Employment, March 23rd, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, over the past 15 months, job growth has dropped to the lowest it has been in nearly 40 years. Last year, the number of temporary jobs grew by 2.3%, while the number of permanent jobs grew by only 0.1%. Where are the permanent jobs and what is the government doing to improve its record when it comes to creating good jobs?

[Ethics, March 12th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, let us not forget that the Mike Duffy cover-up began only after Nigel Wright allegedly stated, “We are good to go from the PM”.

Funding of $1 million for a project that helped the Conservative Party but failed miserably when compared to the others was granted only after the Prime Minister allegedly asked Nigel Wright to deal with this file.

How can the Prime Minister defend this corruption?

[Committees of the House, March 10th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question.

Recommendation 8 calls on Canada to provide international assistance, which can help fund organizations working on the ground.

It is not just a matter of s ending government officials or workers. We also need to send experts to work with the Congolese people on the ground to help victims and educate people. That is the kind of role that Canada can play, and that was in recommendation 8 in the report.

Canada simply needs to be willing to send the resources needed for this type of work.

[Committees of the House, March 10th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to thank my colleague for her question.

When I listed the recommendations, the seventh one that I mentioned spoke about the justice system in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It asked Canada to encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to undertake a review of its national law with a view to repealing or abolishing, in certain cases, any legislation, regulation or other law that continues to discriminate against women or girls. That is a big job, but it has to be done.

In the past, Canada has certainly contributed to implementing changes and establishing institutions that brought about changes in a number of countries. It is a long-term undertaking.

However, Canada can send public servants or people who work in the justice system to those countries, for example. They can work with their counterparts in the Democratic Republic of Congo to try to implement a system that will not discriminate against women and that clearly recognizes that sexual violence and rape are crimes in times of war as in times of peace.

In time, this type of change can be made. However, Canada must play an active role and must put in the effort over the long term.