House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 46% of the vote.
The Environment November 27th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the government has been very clear. Canada does want an international binding agreement on climate change that includes all the major emitters. One hundred and ninety-two countries will be at the negotiating table.
This government will ensure that any treaty will include Canada's economic, geographic and industrial realities. We will not sign a deal that would be bad for Canada. We will continue to work on behalf of all Canadians.
The Environment November 27th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the fact is Canada is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020. That is one of the toughest targets in the world. The fact is President Obama just announced a conditional target of a 17% reduction by 2020 using the 2005 levels. That target is virtually identical to this government's target.
Why do opposition members want Canada to diverge from a North American target and instead choose a job-killing European target? Canada will not abandon the North American harmonized approach. We will not jeopardize Canadian jobs or the Canadian economy.
Ukrainian Famine November 24th, 2009
Madam Speaker, this week marks the solemn anniversary of the Ukrainian famine of the 1930s, also known as Holodomor.
Approximately 10 million Ukrainians died from starvation and disease between 1932 and 1933, due to the genocidal policies of Joseph Stalin and the former Soviet Union. At the peak of the famine, 25,000 people were dying from hunger each day, with children making up to one-third of those who perished.
The unimaginable suffering of millions of Ukrainians was one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century.
Since 2003 Canada has joined with the country of Ukraine to remember the genocide.
I invite all members in the House to join me and the Ukrainian ambassador tonight at 6 p.m. in room 200 of the West Block to pay our respects to those who died during Holodomor.
Petitions November 23rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the last petition is again from constituents and it is with regard to medical benefits.
The petitioners state that a number of severe and potentially life-threatening conditions do not qualify for disability programs because they are not necessarily permanent. They are calling upon the House of Commons to enact legislation that would provide additional medical EI benefits to at least equal maternity EI benefits.
Petitions November 23rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the next petition is from a number of constituents with regard to life.
The petitioners state that Canada is a country that respects human rights and includes in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that everyone has the right to life. They, therefore, call upon Parliament to pass legislation for the protection of human life from the time of conception until natural death.
Petitions November 23rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I have three petitions to present.
The first petition is with regard to the fact that the long gun registry was originally budgeted to cost Canadians $2 million but the price tag spiralled out of control to an estimated $2 billion a decade later. The petitioners state that the registry has not saved one life since it was introduced.
The petitioners, therefore, call upon the House of Commons to support legislation that would cancel the long gun registry and streamline the Firearms Act.
Petitions November 20th, 2009
Madam Speaker, the last petition I wish to present to the House today is in regard to life.
The petitioners point out that Canada is a country that respects human rights and includes in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that everyone has the right to life.
The petitioners call upon Parliament to pass legislation for the protection of human life from the time of conception until natural death.
Petitions November 20th, 2009
Madam Speaker, the second petition is with regard to medical benefits.
The petitioners point out that there are a number of severe, potentially life-threatening health conditions that do not qualify for disability programs because they are not necessarily permanent.
The petitioners call upon the House of Commons to adopt legislation to provide additional medical EI benefits at least equal to the maternity EI benefits for people who find themselves in that situation.
Petitions November 20th, 2009
Madam Speaker, I have three petitions to present today. The first petition is on the long gun registry.
The petitioners wish to draw to the attention of the House the fact that the long gun registry was originally budgeted to cost Canadians $2 million but the price tag spiralled out of control to an estimated $2 billion a decade later.They also indicate that the registry has not saved one single life since it was introduced.
The petitioners therefore call upon the House of Commons to support legislation that would cancel the long gun registry and streamline the Firearms Act.
Climate Change November 20th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the minister just returned from Copenhagen. He was one of 20 people who were invited to Copenhagen to prepare for the Copenhagen process. We are a constructive player on the international stage. We have one of the toughest targets in the world. We are working constructively with the Obama administration on a continental approach.
One thing we will never do is what the Liberals used to do. They did nothing on the environment and were supported by the Bloc. The Bloc has never supported good environmental policy. We will not do what the Liberals did.