House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
Infrastructure June 19th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, this party did not approve a plan that was going to stiff Canada's largest city.
By turning its back on this project, the government is demonstrating an astounding lack of vision. The government has an opportunity to invest in public transit to create jobs and move the economy forward, all for an estimated $312 million. It sounds like a good investment to me, the kind of investment that fuels economic recovery.
Why is the government missing in action? Why—
Infrastructure June 19th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, let me raise another issue on the government's conduct. Today the mayor of Toronto and the premier of Ontario are in Thunder Bay to announce funding for new streetcars. The federal minister responsible has so far contributed nothing more than a profanity.
Why is the government not supporting a project that will create thousands of jobs in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba? Why is it not supporting a world-class company, Bombardier, and why is it not supporting energy-efficient transit for Canada's largest city?
Medical Isotopes June 19th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, this side of the House will welcome anything that will assure an adequate supply of isotopes to Canadian patients. We welcome this development, but we have to continue to ask why we got into this situation in the first place with no backup plan.
Will this committee of experts come out with a credible plan that shows us where the shortfall will be made up?
Medical Isotopes June 19th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I should be asking the minister what its mandate is, what the purpose of this panel is, and will there be a plan? However, I must ask another question.
What is the future of isotope production in Canada? The Prime Minister said Canada was going to stop producing isotopes and the government's own adviser in this file said that abandoning the rest of the world like that would be, and I quote, “criminal”.
Why does the Prime Minister and this government insist on maintaining this irresponsible course of action—
Medical Isotopes June 19th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, in May 2008, following the last isotope crisis, this government's own panel of experts said that the government must provide Canadians with a credible, transparent plan the next time isotope production stopped. Production stopped again in Chalk River five long weeks ago, and for the second time under this government's watch.
Where is the public, transparent and credible plan for Canadians?
Don Newman June 19th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute, along with others, to a journalist and a gentleman, a lion of the press gallery whose rich baritone is the envy of his colleagues.
Tonight, after 48 years in journalism, Don Newman will leave the anchor's chair at CBC's Politics.
A generation of Canadians have grown up with Don as the great explainer. He is tough, fair and balanced.
From health insurance to Watergate to Meech Lake, he has accurately interpreted the events that have marked our history. Thanks to him, Canadians have a better understanding of their government and their political system.
Bravo. Don brought honour to his profession and insight to his fellow citizens. Our very best wishes to Don and Shannon. This whole place is going to miss him.
Medical Isotopes June 18th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, there is a global shortage of medical isotopes. Diagnostic tests have been cancelled. The triage of patients has already begun. The price of isotopes has gone up dramatically. Hospitals and patients are already paying the price.
What is the government doing to correct this situation?
In other words, where is the public and transparent plan to correct his situation?
Medical Isotopes June 18th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, we are in the fifth week of this crisis and in the fourth year of a government that has seen two shutdowns of isotope production on its watch.
Chalk River is shut down indefinitely. The Dutch reactor, on which hopes rest, will be shut down for repairs this summer. Cancer tests are being cancelled. Hospitals cannot get isotopes.
The issue is simple. When will the government stop improvising and provide Canadians with a plan that is transparent, public and credible?
Medical Isotopes June 18th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the isotope crisis is not just a health care issue; it is about leadership. The government has not shown Canadians that it has a plan to deal with the crisis. Canadians need to know what the current and projected isotope shortfall is, which patients will get treatment and who will not and who will pay the skyrocketing cost of medical isotopes.
The Prime Minister promised Canadians a plan. This plan should be public. Where is it?
Participation of Women in Politics June 18th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I rise to associate our party with a renewal process as old as Parliament itself.
As time goes on, this House is reflecting more and more our country's diversity in terms of the different languages, genders, sexual orientations, races, beliefs and cultures.
We have to become more representative of the population. Today, I rise to take a step in that direction.
Today, on behalf of my party, I accept the Equal Voice challenge. The Liberal Party is committed to having more women in politics, in Parliament, and in government after the next election.
Today, on behalf of my party, I pledge that, at the next election, at least one third of our Liberal candidates will be women.