Mark Warawa

[Business of Supply, September 28th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, hearing the comments like meanspirited, if the Liberals were in government they would raise the GST back up because they voted against that. They voted against providing parents the choice in child care. They want to take back that $100 a month for children. That would be meanspirited.

I have a question that relates to the comments that have been made about REAL Women. REAL Women is going to be coming to the committee. I am looking for some wisdom from the member who just spoke. I have been on committees for many years. My understanding is that when a delegation is coming to a committee that the committee is open-minded and the committee is prepared to listen to delegates that come and dialogue in order to learn.

However, when we have the chairperson of a committee publicly ridiculing a delegation that is about to come, like REAL Women, I have real concerns that democracy may be under attack. We hear rhetoric now and heckling. Is that a good approach for a delegation coming? I would like to hear an answer.

[Points of Order, September 28th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the member is correct. The quote that I used is, “In 2008, I will be part of Kyoto, but I say to the world I don't think I can make it”. He also went on to say “which is simply unachievable” in referring to it. He is quite correct.

[The Environment, September 28th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, our new government recognizes that climate change is an issue that must be dealt with. That is why our plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cleaning the air that Canada breathes.

Our plan will go far beyond Kyoto and will improve the health of Canadians and the environment.

[The Environment, September 28th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for the good question. We agree with the commissioner's recommendations, as I said previously. She said that the previous Liberal government lacked leadership, direction and planning on the climate change issue.

It is no wonder Canadians are asking why the Liberals did nothing for 13 years. Listen to this quote, “I will be part of Kyoto but I say to the world, I don't think I can make it”. Who was that? It was the former environment minister.

[The Environment, September 28th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad the member across is so excited about our plan, but unfortunately I am not going to be providing details on that plan today. He is going to have to wait.

Also, the commissioner said that the Kyoto target was not achievable and that is to the blame of the previous Liberal government. She has asked and recommended that we set targets. We agree with those recommendations and our targets will be achievable.

[The Environment, September 28th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, we agree with the recommendations of the commissioner. Those recommendations were that the previous Liberal government did too little and too slow and it was poorly managed.

This government is a government of action. Our action will provide clean air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[Petitions, September 27th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition from residents of my riding of Langley. The petition deals with the serious transportation problems in Langley, those of congestion and public safety, resulting from trains that go through Langley, cutting it in half. The petitioners are asking that relevant ministers provide federal government funding and support in developing a long range, 50 year master transportation plan for the lower mainland and assist Langley in determining whether alternate and safe routes for bulk and container traffic that travels through Langley is warranted. They ask that the federal government provide adequate funding for railroad separation projects and potential alternate routes and assist Langley to secure efficient, workable and affordable transportation systems that include light rail at surface levels, with growth capacity as required.

[September 26th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, yes, human activity is having an impact on climate change. I think that is what science supports. If that is the member's question, then absolutely.

The member has also asked for the government to come clean. Actually, the government is coming clean with a clean air act. He is asking for specifics on that. It is a good plan. It has been developed through consultation and will be coming very soon.

I am sure the member would like me to provide details this evening, but he will have to wait for our plan which is coming soon. I hope the member will be very happy with it.

[September 26th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for the question and also for his commitment to the environment in dealing with issues such as pollution and climate change. I also appreciate his work on the environment committee and his dedication.

The question that the member raises is based, as he said himself, on rumour. I caution the member on asking questions based on rumour. We need to get the facts and so he is asking for the facts.

The government absolutely recognizes that climate change is occurring and the importance of taking action on climate change.

That is why this new Conservative government is taking concrete action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to improve air quality for the health of all Canadians and for the health of our environment.

The minister herself hosted representatives from 70 countries at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change workshop in Edmonton several months ago to address the issue of adaptation related to climate change.

It is clear that we need to take action. For 13 years the Liberals did virtually nothing to address climate change. The Liberals were all talk and no action. Because of that, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions have increased to 35% above the Kyoto target. The Liberal solution was to send billions of taxpayers' dollars overseas. Hopefully, the member does not endorse sending billions of dollars overseas. We need those dollars to stay in Canada to find solutions in Canada.

That is why we are taking the time to develop a made in Canada plan that will provide real action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions here at home.

[September 26th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, this government offers sound, accurate and up to date information to Canadians on its websites. We strive to give Canadians information that they are looking for and offer them services that they are interested in.

This government is accountable to tax reduction and we deliver this in the House, on the website and everywhere in this country.