Mathieu Ravignat

[Helping Families in Need Act, November 19th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, it is obviously difficult not to support some of these measures, particularly in the case of kidnapping. No one can oppose that.

My colleague commented on more than just this bill, and I congratulate him. I have to say that some basic changes to employment insurance will affect families. One measure is good for families, but there are other measures that will be detrimental.

I would like my colleague to explain how the changes to employment insurance will be detrimental to families.

[Questions on the Order Paper, November 8th, 2012]

With regard to the early retirement packages in place for employees affected by reductions in the federal public service: (a) what proportion of public service employees are between 50 and 54 years old, as a figure and as a percentage; and (b) what proportion of public service employees between 50 and 54 years old have accumulated (i) over 25 years of service, (ii) over 30 years of service?

[Petitions, November 8th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the second petition calls upon the House to pass Bill C-398, without significant amendment, to facilitate the immediate and sustainable flow of lifesaving generic medicines to developing countries.

[Petitions, November 8th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present today.

The first petition asks the government to recognize the importance of the ELA to the Government of Canada's mandate to study, preserve and protect aquatic ecosystems and reverse the decision to close the ELA research station and continue to staff and provide financial resources to the ELA.

[Petitions, November 7th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to present a petition that underscores the importance of protecting Gatineau Park. This petition has been signed by Canadians from coast to coast, from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia. The petitioners are calling on the House of Commons to “adopt legislation giving the Gatineau Park the necessary legal protection to ensure its preservation for future generations”.

In other words, what the petitioners are telling us is that Gatineau Park is a Canadian treasure that must be protected as of today.

[National Defence, November 7th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, while the government is slow to release KPMG's study on the real cost of the F-35s, Australia's auditor general estimates that these fighter jets will cost more than $131 million each and that after 2019, the cost will increase by $2 million a year.

I want to remind the Conservatives that the report on the cost estimates was due in July. This is November.

I have a simple question. Will the Conservatives abide by their own seven-point plan and issue an update on the cost of the F-35s?

[Taxation, November 6th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, do you know how much money the Conservatives took out of the pockets of Canadians last year by imposing all kinds of different fees, even though our economy was struggling? No less than $8 billion, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

These taxes disguised as hidden fees became the Conservatives' cash cow. They have more than doubled since 2000.

While the Conservatives' corporate friends are increasing their profit margins without increasing salaries—thanks to generous tax cuts—Canadians must pay more to get passports, visit their beautiful national parks and, unfortunately, to get divorced.

Canada ranks second, among all the G7 countries, in terms of the highest hidden fees. That is the Conservatives' legacy.

Since the Conservatives came to power, they have been taking money directly from the Canadian middle class, one fee at a time.

In 2015, the NDP will put an end to this injustice.

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, October 30th, 2012]

With regard to the Enabling Accessibility Fund--Mid-Sized Project Component: (a) what was the score given to each of the projects at (i) the initial screening stage, (ii) the external construction expert stage, (iii) the internal review committee stage; (b) what projects were recommended to the Minister by (i) the external construction experts, (ii) the internal review committee; and (c) what was missing from the project proposal for the Centre Jean-Bosco in Maniwaki according to (i) the external construction experts, (ii) the internal review committee?

[Public Safety, October 26th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, one has to wonder what planet the Conservatives are living on. In their world, cyberpirates will hopefully wait and launch their attacks only during office hours, because the centre is not even open 24/7. Unbelievable. And now we have to ask them to be patient, because the money was not managed properly.

How can the Conservatives explain that only 2% of the money set aside for cybersecurity was actually used for that purpose?

[Combating Terrorism Act, October 15th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his great contribution to this debate.

I would like to focus on the principle of the presumption of innocence, which is a foundational principle of our legal system. Does the member share some of my concerns about how this may question this fundamental principle?