House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 54% of the vote.
Questions Passed as Orders for Returns June 19th, 2015
With regard to materials prepared for past or current deputy heads of departments, crown corporations and agencies or their staff from April 1, 2007, to March 31, 2009: for every briefing document or docket prepared, what is (i) the date, (ii) the title or subject matter, (iii) the department’s internal tracking number?
Questions Passed as Orders for Returns June 19th, 2015
With regard to contracts under $10 000 granted by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada since February 2, 2015: 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?
Foreign Affairs June 18th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister just returned from a trip to Europe, but what were the results?
He did not help Ukraine by signing a free trade deal with it, as our EU allies did. He did not work with our European partners to lead the way in combatting climate change, unless we count watering down the commitment. He certainly did not seal the CETA free trade deal. He did not ask the Pope to apologize for residential schools.
Could the Prime Minister explain why he spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on nothing but glorified vanity photo ops?
Incorporation by Reference in Regulations Act June 18th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, I think my hon. colleague finished off on a positive note. Yes, we are here to debate Bill S-2, in this case. We may have different views on things, but that is what we are here to do.
I would like clarification on a couple of things she said.
Would she agree with me that the 28 countries that are part of the European Union have not signed the CETA agreement? In fact, I am concerned that they are moving away from that. Therefore, it is somewhat of an exaggeration to claim that we have signed a free trade agreement with 28 countries.
My second point is far more important. I believe I heard the member talk about the will of Parliament. I am referring, of course, to the destruction of registry documents by the RCMP, with the encouragement of the current government.
The will of Parliament is a very important thing, but would she not agree with me that it also includes respect for all the laws of this land, including the access to information law? In this particular case, this access to information law has actually been violated.
Would she agree with me that it is fine to talk about the will of Parliament but that one must, at the same time, respect all the laws that have been made in this House?
Science and Technology June 16th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, this government has no respect at all for science. It has muzzled our scientists, especially those who dare speak out about climate change. Our leader made a firm commitment today to allow scientists to speak freely. Canadians pay for federal research and they have a right to know the truth.
Why does this government not understand that our decisions must be guided by science and not ideology? Why does this government not allow our scientists to tell us the truth?
Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act June 16th, 2015
It would be in great shape.
Social Development June 15th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, one in seven Canadians is living in poverty. In 2011, 13.3% of our children were living in poverty and 40% of our aboriginal children were living in poverty.
However, according to a memo to the minister, the government has no intention of applying the post-2015 sustainable development agenda in Canada or taking on any new reporting obligations. Canada is setting a terrible example for other countries.
Why is the government not taking the lead and setting an example?
Taxation June 12th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the National Post writes that "The Liberals' revamped child benefit appears broader, simpler and better targeted than the Tory plan, without imposing punitive clawback rates”. We are reducing middle-class income tax by a full 7% on top of that.
Unlike the NDP's promises, our plan is fiscally responsible. Unlike the Conservatives', it is fairer and benefits a much larger number of Canadians.
Why does the government not take a leaf from our book?
Taxation June 12th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, average Canadians need a break, all of them, including single people and single parent families. Our fairness plan will substantially reduce income taxes for middle-class Canadians, including singles. Our child benefit plan is more generous and simplified and is tax free. Unlike the Conservatives' income splitting, it is not aimed only at a small percentage of families who are so rich they can get by on one paycheque. It reaches a much larger number of families, including single-parent families. That is what fairness looks like.
Why is the government failing to do as much?
Taxation June 12th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, with the Liberals' plan for fairness, all families who earn less than $150,000 a year will receive a larger monthly cheque.
A couple struggling to raise two kids on $45,000 a year will receive $9,850 a year under our plan, compared to $5,900 a year under the Conservatives. We are able to do this because we will not bring in policies that primarily benefit wealthy Canadians.
Why do the Conservatives always refuse to support those who need it most?