House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 54% of the vote.
International Trade December 6th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, as I explained to my colleague a few days ago, this project is being managed by a federal Crown corporation called VIA Rail. VIA Rail is the one responsible for replacing the fleet of trains for the Quebec-Windsor corridor.
Naturally, we need to respect international rules, under which we have free trade agreements with Europe and others, through the WTO. We cannot give Canadian companies special privileges.
Rail Transportation December 4th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley for his strong advocacy on behalf of Manitobans.
It is with great pleasure that I announce that VIA Rail service to Churchill has now been restored and the first train since the washout arrived at Churchill station today. We said we were committed to restoring VIA Rail to the Hudson Bay rail line: promise made, a promise kept.
Rail Transportation December 4th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, rail safety is my top priority. In fall 2017, I announced that we were going to review the rules on working hours for train conductors. We know it is a major factor in rail safety. It is something we committed to address and I announced that in 2017.
Rail Transportation December 3rd, 2018
Mr. Speaker, as I explained last week, Via Rail, which is a federal Crown corporation, is independent and responsible for awarding a contract for replacing the fleet of trains for the Quebec-Windsor corridor. It is Via's decision.
Under our free trade agreements with the European Union, we cannot demand a certain percentage of Canadian content.
Rail Transportation November 27th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, as I said, it would be totally inappropriate for anyone to comment on VIA Rail's procurement process, which is currently under way, to replace its Quebec City-Windsor fleet.
I would remind my colleague that VIA Rail is an independent Crown corporation and is responsible for this procurement process. I can assure the member that it is open, transparent and thorough, and that it has been conducted in accordance with all trade rules.
Rail Transportation November 27th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, it would be totally inappropriate for anyone to comment on VIA Rail's procurement process to replace its Quebec City-Windsor fleet. I can assure the House that the process was open and transparent, and I would suggest that my colleague opposite wait for the results.
Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2 November 26th, 2018
Madam Speaker, I believe I heard my colleague from Sherbrooke say a few good things about the economic update.
He said that providing an accelerated capital cost allowance for the purchase of machinery, including equipment for producing renewable energy, also affects manufacturers and exporters.
Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec, or MEQ, also complimented the Government of Canada on that initiative. As the member said, new equipment creates jobs, and job creation helps the unemployed get jobs.
Does the member see this as a positive, or is he focusing solely on the things he disagrees with?
Air Transportation November 19th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, at the request of Transport Canada, Nav Canada is taking a second look at the specific situation in Rouyn-Noranda. That study is currently under way, and we will have the results soon.
Air Transportation November 6th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley for his service to his country.
We know that local airports in Manitoba are extremely important to the local economy for travel, for tourism, for resupply and for medevac. That is why we are increasing the safety at two airports in Manitoba, at Gillam and Bloodvein River, by providing them with snow removal equipment. On top of that, we previously announced funding for airport improvements at Gods River, Red Sucker Lake, Flin Flon, Brandon, Tadoule Lake, The Pas, and Thompson.
International Trade November 5th, 2018
Mr. Speaker, I have to say I am surprised again. Once again, I have to remind my colleague from the other side that the leader of the NDP was at a reception celebrating the fact that Canada had arrived at a deal on USMCA.
In fact, their Quebec lieutenant, the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, actually said that this was the best deal possible. He said this at an occasion that was multipartisan, and very clearly indicated that the NDP is quite pleased with the deal this government arrived at.