House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
Banking June 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member's question is utterly ridiculous.
What the banks were calling for is more flexibility, more leeway for forging alliances. This is something they have been asking for, and we have provided it to the tune of 20% as far as the major banks are concerned. Quebec banks, the smaller ones, have been asking for more flexibility, more leeway for expansion.
When our document is released, it will show our readiness to allow more expansion possibilities to the smaller banks.
Gasoline Pricing June 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, this is exactly why the Minister of Industry called for a study on the entire question, and we are anxiously awaiting the results of it.
Treasury Board June 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that the officials in the minister's department, in fact in all government departments, are concerned about good governance. They are concerned about controlling spending. The best example I can give is that government spending today is some $4 billion lower than it was when we took office in 1993.
Treasury Board June 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member ought to know that in fact this study was put into place a number of years ago as part of the ongoing guarantee that money would be spent wisely. In fact the study itself is very deep and profound. It is one that is going to affect the way in which this government operates.
Canada Pension Plan May 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the matter is still under discussion by officials at both the Canadian government level and at the provincial government level.
There has been no conclusion to those discussions, but I can assure the hon. member that we take the matter quite seriously.
Cultural Heritage May 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, Tamil Canadians are making a contribution to this country in virtually every segment of our society. We will build Canada only by embracing new communities, not by shunning then. Until the Reform Party understands that, all the name changes in the world will not help them.
Cultural Heritage May 30th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that the question is out of order. The motivation behind it is out of order as well.
This was a cultural event, with a group of Canadians celebrating the Tamil new year. These were young people. They were professional people. They were people with a vast range of occupations who had come to celebrate a period of enjoyment. The minister and I and others from the provincial government and municipal governments were there.
To condemn these people, to call them terrorists, is anti-Canadian. I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, there is Irish blood coursing through my veins, and I am not a member of the IRA.
International Co-Operation May 29th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, a $60 evening fundraiser at a major hotel is hardly a major fundraising event. This was a cultural event where a young Tamil Canadian teenager stood and talked about what this country meant to her. One of the things that she was saying is that we are a country of tolerance and understanding. We understand that when people from other parts of the world come here, become Canadian citizens and want to celebrate their cultural heritage, we will celebrate it with them.
Education May 17th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the premise of the hon. member's question is simply bunk. The fact is that since this government took office we have put more money into helping students finance their education and more into ensuring that post-secondary educational institutions have the labs and facilities in which to do it. We have increased the transfers to the provinces every single year for the last four years.
I would certainly stand in this House and ask the provinces to continue to put more money into education and to join with the federal government in a partnership to help us build the strongest economy that we have ever seen.
Education May 17th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, let me answer, at least in the time permitted, the first part of the question in terms of students.
The hon. member will know that in the 1998 budget we brought down a $7.5 billion contribution to education, including loans to students. In the most recent budget, there was not only the creation of 2,000 research chairs, but we lifted the exemption on scholarships from taxation from $500 to $3,000. We have brought in a program that will enable students to handle their loans.
In other words, the focus on education has been very important for this government in order to help students—