Michael Ignatieff

[Taxation, March 29th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, this weekend we heard from thousands of Canadians and public policy leaders right across the country about the challenges that face us: an aging population, rising health care costs, slower economic growth, and a pension crisis that is already here.

Given these facts, we need to make some targeted investments to help our families, give our kids the skills they need, and pay down the deficit.

Given all these challenges, why is the Prime Minister rushing ahead with corporate tax cuts this country cannot afford?

[Afghanistan, March 25th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, he did not answer my question.

The question is as follows: there are well-founded rumours about extending the military mission in Afghanistan past 2011.

Can the government assure Canadians that any extension of our mission in Afghanistan will be subject to a vote in Parliament?

[Afghanistan, March 25th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, then the government will have to explain why this obvious trial balloon entered the press.

The United States is asking Canada to keep as many as 600 soldiers in Afghanistan after 2011. The government did not bring this before the Canadian people. This is no way to conduct foreign policy.

Will the government commit to putting any deployment in Afghanistan past 2011 to a vote in Parliament?

[Afghanistan, March 25th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we learned in the press today that the government's officials have discussed with the Americans the possibility of keeping Canadian troops in Afghanistan post 2011. This government made no mention of this in any of its quarterly reports to Parliament or in any of its submissions to parliamentary committees. This is no way to run the foreign policy of a serious government.

Will someone in the government tell us what in heaven's name is going on?

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 24th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the government's cuts will affect not only aboriginal peoples, but students throughout the country as well. It is going to hurt our economy.

The government has cut $250 million in grants and bursaries for students. It has cut adult education and literacy programs. In addition, the Conservatives have slapped a new tax on research, which will discourage top researchers from coming to Canada.

Why does the Prime Minister not understand that investing in training and education is vital?

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 24th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, this is a bigger issue than a single institution. The Conservatives' approach to post-secondary education is in question here. This is the government that cut the Canadian Council on Learning. This is the government that cut $254 million from student grants and scholarships. This is the government that cut adult learning and literacy.

Let me ask the question again. The Prime Minister said he is exploring options. Why does he not follow the Government of Saskatchewan and give First Nations University a second chance? Why should the students of today be punished for the mistakes of yesterday?

[Aboriginal Affairs, March 24th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Government of Saskatchewan agreed to restore funding to First Nations University. It is calling on the federal government to do the same. I visited the campus last week. I spoke to the president of the University of Regina. I spoke to the leadership of First Nations University. I met the students.

It is obvious that this institution is prepared to turn over a new leaf and start again. The Government of Saskatchewan is prepared to give it a second chance. The question is, why will the Government of Canada not do the same?

[Le Devoir, March 24th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, for 100 years, Le Devoir has had a significant influence on intellectual and political life in Quebec and Canada.

Henri Bourassa, André Laurendeau and Claude Ryan showed to what extent a brilliant editor can shape debate in society.

Congratulations to the men and women at Le Devoir who are here today on Parliament Hill. Congratulations as well to the journalists who are carrying on a tradition of fortitude and courage.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the newspaper, we pay tribute to Le Devoir's ideal, which is to create a space where debate respects people's intelligence and is anchored in humanist and progressive values.

[International Cooperation, March 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I am not trying to change the status quo. On the contrary, I am trying to reaffirm what has been the status quo in Canada for the past 25 years.

Canada has supported family planning within Canada and around the world. If the Prime Minister were to undermine family planning outside of Canada, he would also be undermining it within Canada.

Will the Prime Minister maintain the consistency of Canada's policy, which has been the same for the past 25 years, yes or no?

[International Cooperation, March 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the issue here is the consistence and coherence of Canadian policy over the last 25 years. Does he support or does he reject that policy?

Our motion calls for the government to fund all family planning options. That has been the policy of Liberal and Conservative governments over 25 years. It is what the government itself agreed to in the G8 communiqué last year.

Why did the Prime Minister sign that communiqué if he had no intention of keeping his word?