Megan Leslie

[Privilege, March 4th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we have a situation where the member for Skeena—Bulkley Valley moved a prima facie breach of contempt. The Speaker says, yes, let us send this to committee.

Then I listen to the debate and to the Conservatives, and it seems as if they are arguing against the Speaker. They are acting as if this is not contempt; no, it is misspeaking.

I do not know why they are doing this. In this day and age we get the news instantly and I am reading a Globe and Mail article and a spokeswoman for the Conservative whip says, “there is little to be gained by sending the issue to committee”.

The Conservative government House leader says, “The question you have to ask is if that is actually going to serve any utility? ...cannot picture anything that will come of greater utility from further discussion of the matter”.

This blows my mind, the fact that they may vote against a decision that the Speaker has made, saying this is worthy of exploration. The Speaker said there are “...completely contradictory statements. This is a difficult position in which to leave members, who must be able to depend on the integrity of the information...”.

I wonder if my colleague has any comment.

[The Environment, March 4th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it is premature to comment further? We have been waiting three years for this.

I know the Conservatives hate taking advice from progressives, but now they are actually ignoring true blue Conservatives. They are treating Jim Prentice and Brad Wall like foreign-funded radicals.

Even Conservatives know that the government failure on this file is hurting our economy, it is damaging our international reputation, and it is leaving a massive ecological debt for future generations.

When will the minister heed this advice and, as Brad Wall said, “pivot to the environment”?

[The Environment, March 4th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, last weekend, Conservatives from out west, including Brad Wall and Jim Prentice, called on Conservatives in Ottawa to introduce greenhouse gas emission targets for the oil and gas industries. In addition, Jim Prentice said that if Canada wants to be an energy superpower, it will have to be an environmental superpower as well.

Will the Minister of the Environment condemn these radical comments? Will she finally take action?

[Democratic Reform, March 3rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Reform Party founder Preston Manning is expressing serious concerns about Conservative changes to the Elections Act. He is concerned about the attack on Elections Canada's ability to educate and engage voters. Former B.C. election chief Harry Neufeld, who wrote a report on the problems in the last federal election, is warning about the potential for increased abuse at polling stations because of changes in this bill.

With so many concerns from so many Canadians, will the government now agree to cross-country hearings on this bill?

[Foreign Affairs, March 3rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the Russian Federation's unacceptable and aggressive military intervention in Crimea violates the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. It is against international law, and it threatens regional stability.

Can the government tell us how many Canadian citizens are in Ukraine and Crimea, and what is the government doing to help them?

[Foreign Affairs, March 3rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we on this side of the House stand with the government and with Canadians who are condemning these very troubling actions—

[Foreign Affairs, March 3rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Russia's military intervention in Crimea violates Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This intervention violates international law and is threatening stability in the region.

Can the Prime Minister tell us what message the Government of Canada sent to President Putin and the Russian authorities?

[Aboriginal Affairs, February 27th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Loretta Saunders was writing her university thesis on missing and murdered indigenous women when she went missing herself. Today, our community mourns.

Over 800 indigenous women have been murdered or have gone missing since 1990. It is time for us to acknowledge this crisis and for us to act. Will the government establish a national action plan on violence against women?

[The Environment, February 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, why are the Conservatives' officials speaking out?

The deputy ministers of the environment are calling for the implementation of practical measures to combat climate change and condemning the Conservatives' lack of action, which is endangering our economy.

President Obama reminded the Prime Minister last week that measures to combat climate change must be implemented immediately. However, the Conservatives refuse to impose greenhouse gas emission reduction targets on the oil and gas industries.

Why is the minister ignoring the advice of her deputy ministers?

[The Environment, February 24th, 2014]

Their own officials would beg to differ, Mr. Speaker. The Conservative government loves to blame foreign radicals for criticism of their inaction on climate change, but now those so-called radicals are their own deputy ministers. Deputy ministers wrote to the Clerk of the Privy Council warning that action is needed now to protect Canadian communities, our wildlife, our food security, our health, and our economy.

Last week the Prime Minister also heard from President Obama about the need for urgent action. So why are the Conservatives refusing to act?