House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
The Economy January 29th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the member should stay on top of things. Not only did this government introduce the biggest tax cut in the history of Canada, right here in the House, but just last year, it reduced the debt by $17 billion.
This is why Canada's currency is stronger than most others, such as the Swedish krona, the pound sterling and the euro. It is a very clear indication of how Canada and its economy are viewed in international markets.
Ethical Investing December 14th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the criteria for federally regulated pension funds are very transparent.
I agree entirely with the basic principle put forward by the hon. member. At the same time, however, it should be pointed out that the majority of pension funds are provincially regulated.
Infrastructure Program December 14th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, a look at the demand for infrastructure throughout Canada indicates an enormous demand.
What is needed is a vehicle for private sector and governments to plan. This continuity is very important. This is why we established the foundation.
Now, in response to the member's first question, perhaps she could suggest to her friends in the PQ government that they stop delaying and sign the agreement so things can get under way?
The Budget December 14th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is factually incorrect. Anybody who reads the finance committee's report, this one and the previous finance committee report, can see the degree to which the government has been influenced. That is because of the very hard work which has been done, not only by the finance committee but by the caucus committees on the government side, which began work immediately.
I look forward one month after the budget, when the House comes back, to beginning that period of extensive consultation. I would like to thank all government members for all the hard work they put into our budget.
The Budget December 14th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, once again, not only was the finance committee's report very influential in the preparation of the budget, as it has been in the past, but it also signalled the directions it thought we should take in the future, which it has done before and which we have ultimately followed.
I would like once again to take the opportunity, following upon the hon. member's question, to thank members of the finance committee, especially members on the Liberal side, for the extensive consultations and very hard work they have put into this.
The Budget December 14th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, once again, all the member needs to do is look at last year's results.
Not only were there improvements in benefits for the unemployed, but there is also parental leave.
The problem is that there was a marked increase in benefits but the Bloc Quebecois voted against it.
The Budget December 14th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I can quote the figures: there was a $2.8 billion increase this year; it will be greater than $3 billion next year and greater than $4 billion the following year.
These are increases, following the historic agreement between the Prime Minister of Canada and the provincial premiers, of $23 billion.
Infrastructure Program December 13th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday when I quoted the Union des municipalités du Québec, not only does it support the new infrastructure program, but it also supports the infrastructure foundation.
If the member wants projects in Quebec to go ahead, she should tell her friends in the PQ to stop delaying them.
Infrastructure Program December 13th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I do not know where the member came up with 2003. If she were to help us pass the bill before the end of March, it would be in force by the second quarter of 2002.
The Budget December 13th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, based on the kinds of questions we are getting today, probably the biggest amount of waste that we could eliminate is the Alliance's research budget.