House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
Research And Development November 21st, 1997
Mr. Speaker, if the member took a look at the previous budgets, she would see that there were cuts at the very beginning, but that we have since increased the budgets. If there is enough flexibility, if finances allow it, we intend to continue along that line.
Employment November 21st, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the unemployment rate has come down substantially since we have taken office. There is no doubt that the Canadian economy continues to feel the trauma of the recession of the early 1990s.
Given the kind of news the minister of human resources has just announced, every single year since we have taken office unemployment insurance rates have come down. This represents a tax cut of $1.4 billion.
At the same time the unprecedented clean-up of the ballot sheet has led to a lowering—
Financial Institutions November 20th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, if banks are making profits, the leader of the NDP can rest assured that we will tax them. This government, in fact, levied $100 million in taxes on banks in its second budget. This government has taxed major corporations, and this includes major financial institutions.
It is a good thing that the banks are stable, but we are ensuring for Canadian taxpayers that we are getting our share of the pie.
Canada Pension Plan November 19th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Human Resources Development has already indicated, we have cut employment insurance contributions every year since we came to power. It must be pointed out that they were raised for three years during the previous government.
At the same time, looking at CPP contributions, I can state that it is true that, along with the provinces, we will be forced to raise them. It is too bad that the previous government did not act in 1984 when there was still time.
Canada Pension Plan November 19th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, what the study demonstrates is that as a result of the confidence that will be engendered in the Canada pension plan and the confidence that workers can have it will be there for them and over the long term this will lay a very strong foundation for increased employment.
Monetary Policy November 19th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, if the member is so concerned about the economic situation in Quebec, perhaps he should read the study by the French Ministry of the Economy, which calls for a temporary lifting of the referendum burden.
Perhaps he will listen to the French people who blame the whole referendum question and the political uncertainty in Quebec for Canada's high interest rates.
Monetary Policy November 19th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the member is well aware that interest rates are really a reflection of inflation. It is necessary to reduce expectations. In fact, in the last three weeks, long term rates have gone down.
So the question is based on a false premise. Interest rates are down, and it is because of this government's monetary policy.
Taxation November 19th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, in the 1997 budget the government brought in $2 billion worth of tax relief. We brought in tax relief for students. We brought in tax relief for the physically disabled. We brought in tax relief for poor families with children.
The real issue before the Canadian people is why the Reform Party opposed that tax relief to Canadians.
Points Of Order November 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I certainly understand your desire to arbitrate. It is not the decision of any Liberal to want to arbitrate between the Tories and the Reform.
The Environment November 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows full well that these figures are wrong. Tax points must also be taken into consideration.
That being said, the Prime Minister himself answered the hon. member last June when he increased transfers to the provinces by $6 billion over five years.