House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2008, with 49% of the vote.
Financial Institutions October 27th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member were to read Bill C-8, I am sure he would recognize that one of the major components of Bill C-8 is in fact consumer protection.
Also, above and beyond that, we have created the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to address precisely some of those key concerns, as well as generate the type of competitive environment required so that people have choices.
Government Assistance October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, the Minister of Finance is presently meeting with the finance minister of Nova Scotia.
We are always looking for better ways to deal with finances here in Canada, but as always, we do that with a great deal of fairness.
Job Creation October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of the House that we are indeed pleased to see the increase of 46,000 new jobs in the month of September. It means that since the beginning of 2002, over 650,000 new jobs have been created in Canada. The majority are full time jobs.
On behalf of the government I want to thank the hard working men and women of the country for helping us build Canada's economic renaissance.
Gasoline Taxes October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, there is a lot the government understands. One of the things it does understand is that a reduction of $100 billion in taxes was the largest tax reduction in the history of this country. That is what we understand.
We also understand what job creation is all about. We also understand that by reducing the debt, reducing taxes, making strategic investments in innovation and productivity enhancement measures, economic growth occurs. That is what we understand. More important, that is what Canadians understand.
Gasoline Taxes October 10th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I am sure the meeting will be a very worthwhile one. It is very important for ministers of finance at the federal and provincial levels to consult and to always improve on federal-provincial relations as they relate to a number of issues, including tax issues.
Of course equalization is on the agenda. There is also other business on the agenda. One of the issues may be the one cited by the hon. member.
Ways and Means October 3rd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1) I wish to table a notice of a ways and means motion to amend the Excise Tax Act. I am also tabling legislative proposals and explanatory notes on the same subject. I ask that an order of the day be designated to debate the motion.
Steel Imports October 3rd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the government is seized with this issue. The government is very much aware of the problems of the international steel market caused by overcapacity and cheap imports. The overcapacity is a global problem that we are attacking on several fronts, particularly in the context of discussions and negotiations with the OECD.
Interest Rates October 3rd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the government has done quite a good job in educating Canadians about the fact that there are over 500 products in the credit card business which means that the best way to protect the consumer is to create a competitive environment. That competitive environment exists here in Canada.
Finance September 22nd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member raises very important points. A point that is worth underlining is that after we achieved a surplus budget, 80% of our investment has been in the areas of health care, education, and research and development. This generates the type of wealth that will be redistributed to those in need. It is an effective way of creating a very effective economy.
Government Expenditures September 22nd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, historically the finance committee has done excellent work on prebudget. I would of course recommend that all members of Parliament continue to participate and make the excellent contributions they have historically on a number of budgets.
If the hon. member does not want to participate that is his personal choice.