House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
Afghanistan April 16th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, once again the answer is not clear. It leaves open the possibility of extension.
This government refuses to take the necessary action to ensure that our allies can take over from us when our commitment in Kandahar ends in 2009. The government is postponing talks on this issue until next year, when it will be too late.
Why does this government not pledge to end this mission in 2009? Does it intend to extend it?
Afghanistan April 16th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the government continues to refuse to be straight about its intentions in Afghanistan. First the defence minister said Canada will be there until the progress is irreversible. Then he said we may withdraw by 2010, but only if certain conditions are met. Now we learn that the Conservative cabinet has not even discussed the issue of withdrawal and will not do so until next year.
There are too many different answers to the same basic question, which is how long we are going to be there. When will the government begin to level with the Canadian people about its intentions in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan April 16th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, last week all Canadians mourned the loss of eight Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.
We on this side of the House have a duty to demand clarity and accountability from the government and the defence minister has demonstrated a very poor grasp of his responsibilities. Last week he said this about the death of those soldiers: “I've got my fingers crossed that this won't happen again”.
Canada deserves a defence minister who does more than cross his fingers and hope for success. When will the Prime Minister replace his incompetent Minister of National Defence?
Virginia Tech University April 16th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, it was with shock and grief that we learned of the terrible shootings on the university campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia this morning. Such a senseless act leaves Canadians stunned and horrified.
We extend our sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and to the students and staff of the university whose lives have been altered forever by this tragedy. For those who have been injured, we offer sincere wishes for a swift recovery.
We are reminded today in this House that life is both precious and fragile. We renew our commitment, wherever we are, to reduce gun violence in our homes, on our streets and on our campuses.
Our thoughts are with those scarred by the tragedy and we vow to rededicate ourselves to prevent such tragedies from occurring in our own communities.
Minister of Public Safety March 29th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Public Safety refuses to stand aside while the RCMP, for which he is responsible, investigates its own actions. There have been some disturbing allegations of corruption and obstruction surrounding the RCMP.
Will the Prime Minister take action and call on his minister to stand aside immediately?
Royal Canadian Mounted Police March 29th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister discusses events that occurred between 2000 and 2003, but in November 2006 the Auditor General concluded that the investigation into the RCMP pension and insurance plans was not structured to ensure that it was independent and unbiased. The RCMP promised at that time to develop a new policy on investigations into its conduct. The RCMP also promised to review all amounts charged to its plans to determine whether anything needed to be reimbursed.
What steps did the Minister of Public Safety take between November and now to ensure that the RCMP kept those two critical promises?
Government Accountability March 28th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, that was a tired tale if I have ever heard it.
Canadians must have confidence in our public institutions. The RCMP must appear to be free to investigate any wrongdoing without fearing any consequences.
Why is the Minister of Public Safety putting his own reputation ahead of that of the RCMP? When will he step down?
Government Accountability March 28th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the government has created a culture where puffery and bluster pass for debate, but which conceal ugly realities.
We have a Prime Minister's adviser and Conservative campaign chair under police investigation. We have a Minister of National Defence who has made a habit of misleading the House. We have a Minister of Public Safety who refuses to step aside while the RCMP, the police force he manages, investigates his conduct.
When will the Prime Minister face reality, do the right thing and bring this ugly behaviour to an end?
The Budget March 27th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister of the party opposite thinks that Canada is his to manipulate and that our unity is his to gamble with. He is wrong.
When it comes to national unity, we do not play games. We do not roll the dice. We do not try to manipulate provincial elections. Quebec is not a pawn on the Prime Minister's chessboard. Canada is not a game to be played with and possibly lost.
Why does the Prime Minister risk the national unity of our country for no other reason than trying to win the next election?
The Budget March 27th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, last week, after promises of a budget that would forever end tensions between the provinces and the federal government, we all woke up to discover that Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and British Columbia all raised substantial objections to the budget. Allegations of betrayal abound.
On top of that, the Prime Minister tried to manipulate the result of the Quebec election.
This is no way to hold our country together. A Prime Minister should unite and not divide. When will the Prime Minister put the national unity of his country ahead of his own blind ambition?