House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
The Economy October 25th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, this is in fact what we have always done.
If we look at the tax reductions, which are substantial, at the infrastructure program and at the investments made by the government, we can see that we have always invested in measures that promote economic growth and job creation for Canadians.
The Economy October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows that any discussion of that kind would require negotiations and discussions with the provincial ministers of finance and it would require agreement with them on that line.
On the other hand, I am delighted the hon. member recognizes that it is the responsibility of governments to help low and medium income Canadians, those who absolutely suffer the most in times of downturn. I can assure the hon. member that they rest uppermost in the mind of this government.
The Economy October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, what every single economist in this country recognizes is that if the government had proceeded with the tax cutting plan of the opposition we would be in a deficit and there would have been no opportunity for the bank to act. What Canadians recognize is that if we had engaged in the slash and burn of all of our social programs recommended by the Alliance, Canadians would not have the underlying support that they require in this tough time. What Canadians recognize is that virtually every single policy brought down by the Alliance Party is a policy of perdition and not what this country requires in this time period.
The Economy October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, what the Bank of Canada recognizes is that by the elimination of the deficit, it is in a position to act. What the Bank of Canada recognizes is that by the paydown of $35 billion worth of debt, the Bank of Canada is in a position to act. What the Bank of Canada recognizes as a result of the massive tax cuts brought down by this government in the stimulation of the economy is that it is in a position to act. That is what the Bank of Canada recognizes.
The Budget October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member's question is very much to the point.
The fact is that the impact of September 11 was quite serious. There is obviously a great deal of short term uncertainty out there. It will be very important for us to have the national accounts so that we can see what in fact occurred following September 11.
At the same time it is necessary for us to be able to lay out the financial underpinnings of a fight against terrorism, the fight for national security here at home, the military fight that is taking place outside our borders. We definitely will be in a position to provide all of the information and a full accounting.
The Budget October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, just so the hon. member understands, oui, monsieur le Président. Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Economy October 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, first of all the leader of the NDP ought to know that is exactly what we did in the October statement and that plan is ongoing.
She also ought to know, and I am sure she does, that the Governor of the Bank of Canada would never have been able to proceed with a very large cut in interest rates had the government and the Canadian people not cleaned up their balance sheets. That was the condition precedent.
I must say I apologize for not having understood that the leader of the NDP was complimenting the government. I am glad she has seen the light.
The Economy October 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we had an excellent meeting with the private sector economists. They pointed out, as we all know, that there is considerable short term uncertainty but they were quite confident as to the medium and longer terms.
They also pointed out that Canada was in much better financial shape to weather this storm as a result of the actions taken by the government.
They also pointed out the dramatic difference between the financial conditions in Canada today and those in 1990 when the hon. member's party was in power.
Money Laundering October 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, once again, as the hon. member must be aware, the OECD has put in place a process for examination of all tax havens. Canada has given full support to this entire initiative. Moreover, Canada has given $13 million to countries of the West Indies to ensure that they are able to control money laundering and to examine just how all the problems involved can be solved.
Money Laundering October 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, Canada has already called for this. Moreover, it is in part because of Canada that the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, an international body created by the G-7, has been created.
I can assure you that its work will continue. Moreover, Canada has already said that staff must be increased so that this can be done as effectively as possible.