Mike Bossio

[The Budget, April 11th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, our government is looking to invest in Canadians. I think we have learned over the last decade that we cannot cut our way to growth. Rather, we need to invest our way to growth. That means investing in innovation, in public transit, in increased productivity, and in digital infrastructure. However, most important, it means putting more money into the pockets of people so they can spend that money to generate that growth in our economy, to help those small businesses, and to help all of our communities.

The Canada child benefit would do just that. On average, it would put $2,300 into the pockets of nine out of ten Canadian families. Surely, the member would agree that the middle-class tax cut will put money into the pockets of people and that this money will help generate that growth in our local communities. Surely, the member can agree that this budget will do exactly that, put money into the pockets of people who need it the most so they can spend it in our local economies to generate that economic growth and to help our small businesses.

[Resumption of debate on Address in Reply, January 27th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member on winning his seat in October and on his excellent speech this afternoon.

I come from a rural riding, like the hon. member. What I see in the Speech from the Throne would benefit all of the ridings in this country.

From the standpoint of our focus on social infrastructure, green tech infrastructure, and climate resilient infrastructure, our tax cuts will benefit a large proportion of people who live in our ridings, that $45,000 to $90,000 income rate. The Canada child benefit will also assist many lower and middle-income families to support their children and lift 300,000 children out of poverty.

On the social infrastructure side, as far as our emphasis on long-term care facilities, affordable housing, senior facilities, and child care spaces, I am sure that the member in his own riding will find that he also sees projects that will be valuable to him as well.

[Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply, January 25th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the hon. member for his maiden speech in the House. It was very eloquently put.

In the throne speech, our government emphasized infrastructure and its ability to create an environment for growth. By investing in our infrastructure, we open up our markets and boost their ability to increase productivity so they can create the growth and jobs necessary to get our country moving once again.

In the ideal environment that we are in today, where we have a low debt-to-GDP ratio and interest rates at historic lows, it makes sense to invest in our country. If we do not invest, who will?

I would like to pose a question for the hon. member as to the effect this infrastructure investment will have on his riding.

[Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply, January 25th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. member on his election.

The member spoke about infrastructure, deficits, and that at some point we have to invest in our communities. I have had a number of community meetings over the last few months, and every one of them has talked about the massive infrastructure deficit that we face as a country and the need for these investments, particularly digital infrastructure. I come from a rural riding, and there are huge gaps in that investment.

Would the member comment on where he thinks the money will come from in order to make these infrastructure investments and not go into any deficit, given the economic climate that exists today?

[Hastings—Lennox and Addington, December 10th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour to stand in the House for the first time to thank the people of Hastings—Lennox and Addington for placing their trust in me as their elected representative. I would also like to thank my wife, family, friends, and supporters for their love, support, and sacrifice.

The government has talked about a change in tone and an increase in accountability and collaboration. I could not agree more. I would like to add to this goal two important lessons that I learned while serving municipally under the recently retired 90-plus year old reeve of Tyendinaga township, Margaret Walsh.

If we wish to serve the interests of all our constituents, we must put aside partisan politics, and we must not think about the next election. If we do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, the rest will take care of itself.

I look forward to serving with all members in the House in the interests of all Canadians.