House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 54% of the vote.
Health March 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, three years ago, the Prime Minister stated, before Bill Gates, that Canada was committed to financing a research centre to produce an AIDS vaccine. Last month, during the prorogation and without a compelling reason, the program was cancelled. Yesterday, to our surprise, the Conservatives declared that they are convinced of the importance of research and innovation.
How can this government reconcile its actions and its words?
Robert Thirsk December 1st, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the return to Earth of my friend, astronaut Robert Thirsk, who spent six months on the International Space Station. That is quite a trip.
Robert returned to Earth this morning, gently touching down in Kazakhstan.
During his mission he conducted many scientific experiments while helping to build the station. His mission was marked by three important firsts for Canada. He was the first Canadian to fly on the Russian Soyuz rocket. He spent six months in orbit, the longest stay for a Canadian in space. On two occasions he met up with visiting Canadians Julie Payette and Guy Laliberté.
Robert is a fine example not only for the scientific community, but also for our youth. I hope that many young Canadians will be inspired by his experience and follow in his footsteps, thus helping Canada become a world leader.
To my long-time friend Robert, congratulations. You have made Canada proud.
Housing November 30th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, people who live on the street and in rundown social housing cling desperately to government announcements.
Yet this government has spent less than 1% of the $1.9 billion announced 14 months ago for affordable housing and almost none of the $1.5 billion announced for social housing in the last budget.
We know that this government likes to make announcements, but this time, can it guarantee us that it will keep its promises and spend all this money on affordable housing and social housing?
Housing November 30th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives have spent less than one per cent of the $1.9 billion they announced for affordable housing 14 months ago. They have spent almost nothing of the $1.5 billion they announced for social housing in the last budget. I think we would all agree that these programs were intended to help the most vulnerable in our society at a particularly difficult time.
Before the Conservatives blame the provinces and territories, let me ask them why have they not done everything humanly possible to expedite these important programs for those who need them the most?
Health November 24th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the uncertainty about the future of a Canadian nuclear reactor to produce isotopes is having impacts in a number of areas. There are concerns now that our colleges will see a drop in enrolment of nuclear medicine technicians, who are responsible for diagnostic procedures.
What is this government doing to ensure that Canadians with certain cancers or heart problems will have access not only to isotopes, but also to the technicians who administer the required procedures?
Telecommunications Industry November 16th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, this is certainly not the way to treat our businesses.
This government awarded Globalive Communications Inc. a portion of the spectrum reserved for cellular telephone communications.
The company paid $442 million for that privilege 15 months ago.
Last week, the government informed the company that it was not eligible because of foreign ownership rules—15 months later!
How could this government have exhibited such enormous incompetence in handling this matter?
Telecommunications Industry November 16th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, Canada was recently ranked 28th out of 30 countries on cellphone costs.
Canadians need competition to ensure better services and lower monthly bills.
The government has horribly mismanaged the Globalive file. It took $442 million from the company 15 months ago and encouraged it to invest in a new network. Last week the government told Globalive it was not eligible to operate in Canada under foreign ownership rules.
This is nothing short of total incompetence. What does the government intend to do about it?
ADISQ Gala November 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the most important event of the year in the Quebec music industry was held yesterday in Montreal. Of course, I am talking about the 31st ADISQ Gala, where the Felix awards were handed out.
No thanks to the Conservatives, Quebec's music industry continues to impress, as the Liberal Party leader, who mingled with the crowd at the St. Denis theatre yesterday evening, can confirm.
Ginette Reno—known country-wide for her powerful voice—was honoured for her tremendous talent and went home with several statuettes.
The roots revival group Mes Aïeux was also amply rewarded for its folk tunes that take us all back to the bygone days of our shared history.
The next generation is also very promising. Performances by Coeur de pirate, Yann Perreau and Pierre Lapointe said it all.
Long live our music.
Business of Supply October 28th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Jeanne-Le Ber.
I am here today to speak to the motion presented by the NDP. I believe I responded to that quite clearly in the 20 minutes I used to speak about the Liberal Party's position.
Business of Supply October 28th, 2009
As usual, Mr. Speaker, the member for Outremont is utterly predictable. There is no depth to which he will not sink to try to make his point.
I have to say that people really appreciated what I said in 2006 because I showed that, unlike the member, I was able to admit my mistakes. I have never seen the member do that.