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Automotive Industry November 21st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, this is the fourth question in a row from the Liberal Party demanding a knee-jerk reaction to a very complex global issue.
The minister is gathering the best information in order to make the best possible decision in the interest of Canadian workers and their families, Canadian businesses, Canadian taxpayers and Canadian consumers.
Automotive Industry November 21st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, the government is concerned about any family that is being affected negatively by the global economic slowdown.
I reiterate the same answer that I have gave when asked this same question twice. Our minister is carefully considering options, gathering information from stakeholders, people who have valuable information and ideas to add to the conversation.
We will be coming up with a course of action in due course that will benefit Canadian taxpayers, Canadian consumers, Canadian workers and business interests as well.
Automotive Industry November 21st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to hear the hon. member talk about the American plan because the American's sent the auto executives back to come up with a plan and come back on December 2. If the member had been paying any attention he would have noticed that.
Our minister is meeting with industry leaders and stakeholders on both sides of the border to gather the best information so he can make a decision that will be taken in the best interest of Canadian consumers, Canadian auto workers, Canadian businesses and Canadian taxpayers.
Automotive Industry November 21st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, we have heard time and time again from members on the other side of the House their proposals for a knee-jerk reaction to this complex global situation involving the auto sector.
The minister has said that he will listen to stakeholders and to the industry on both sides of the border because it is an integrated industry. He will make a well thought out decision in due course in the best interest of Canadian workers, Canadian businesses, Canadian consumers and Canadian taxpayers.
Seniors November 21st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, regarding the auto industry, the minister has said that we need to see a plan from automakers and unions for the industry's long-term success. No one wants to be back where we are at a year from now.
Legislators in the U.S. said the same thing yesterday. They sent automakers back and told them to come back on December 2.
We need to see a solid, accountable business plan from automakers and their stakeholders.
Automotive Industry November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that the global auto industry is facing unprecedented circumstances and the North American integrated automotive industry is no different.
The situation is changing daily. The minister is down in the U.S. right now talking to stakeholders. He has met with stakeholders here in Canada over the past couple of weeks.
The solution here needs to be a carefully considered one with a long-term view to the interests of Canadian consumers, Canadian workers, Canadian businesses and Canadian taxpayers. Any decision taken will be carefully considered in that regard.
The Economy November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond to that question by reading a statement.
During question period today we have heard a lot of rhetoric, but it is important to understand that our leader is the envy of the world in terms of the way he is approaching the economic situation.
In July, the London Telegraph wrote, concerning the economies of the G-8:
Of all the leaders, only [the Prime Minister]...is able to point to a popular and successful record in office....the Canadian Tories are a model of how to behave during a downturn....If the rest of the world had comported itself with similar modesty and prudence, we might not be in this mess.
Human Resources and Social Development June 19th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, the NDP has now delayed debate on its own child care bill seven times over the past six months. NDP members obviously know that it has zero support from the provinces and in fact would hurt many Canadian families. Canadian parents can see right through the NDP rhetoric on child care.
In reality, it is this Conservative government that is offering the widest range of child care options. It is this Conservative government that has given the provinces the freedom to create the types of spaces that meet their needs.
Can the Minister of Human Resources please update Canadians on the achievements of this government in child care and the effect the NDP bill would have on this progress?
Carbon Tax Proposal June 17th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, during his leadership run, the current Liberal leader was unequivocal in his opposition to a carbon tax.
Shortly after his win, rumours surfaced in the west that he might be rethinking his position. This prompted a visit to Edmonton, where he made his memorable though cryptic statement: “I'm not here to kill the milk cow...”. While milk cows were no doubt reassured, human beings were skeptical.
Edmonton Journal columnist Lorne Gunter wrote: “Just watch. Soon [he] will begin insisting he never promised to avoid carbon taxes”. But the Liberal leader was adamant, even writing in a letter to the editor that his plan “will not include a carbon tax”.
In October he returned to Edmonton to speak to a business crowd and promised that “there will be no carbon tax”.
Today, faced with at least $60 billion in scattered spending promises they have no idea how to pay for, the Liberals appear set to announce guess what? A carbon tax.
Meanwhile, Canadians from coast to coast will be asking the same question: “Honey, what's that guy with the green scarf doing to our milk cow?”
Child Care June 12th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, today the Canadian Labour Congress had the audacity to criticize the government for its refusal to support the NDP child care bill. That is puzzling since the NDP has refused to debate its own child care bill in the House seven times now knowing that it has zero support from provinces and very little support from parents.
Our government will not cave in to the paternalistic demands of the NDP and a small group of union leaders who believe that government is better at raising children than Canadian parents.
Can the human resources minister please tell the House what the Conservative government is doing to ensure parents have the options they need with respect to raising their own children?