House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 57% of the vote.
The Environment February 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, as I said last week, the Government of Canada and the department are continuing to work with all parties involved. The Canadian Forces base in Valcartier is providing drinking water for all employees and Canadian Forces members and their families.
In recent years, we have spent nearly $40 million on projects to improve and maintain the water supply system. We have continued the job with all those involved in the matter.
Trade February 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, in this case it is clear that the Canadian Forces need a certain type of truck.
On this particular procurement, what we have done is receive, dollar for dollar, the amount for this particular contract in the range of $274 million. Much of the work on the component parts of this particular truck will be done in Canada. Much of the in-service support will of course be done in Canada, around the country at various bases where these trucks, these workhorses of the Canadian Forces, will be located.
The Environment January 29th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the department continues to work with the city of Quebec, the community of Shannon, the province of Quebec and various federal departments.
This problem does go back to the year 2000. We understand there are obligations that will be met. Valcartier is continuing to provide potable water to the community as we speak. Upwards of $19 million have been spent with respect to this issue. We continue to work to address this issue and the presence of TCE in the water in the region.
Afghanistan November 27th, 2008
What is scandalous, Mr. Speaker, is that the Bloc and that member seem to be completely out of touch with reality when it comes to the necessity of providing the men and women in the forces with the necessary equipment that they have to have to do the job in this dangerous and ever-evolving environment.
There were estimates tabled in the House. We have appeared before committees. We have followed the recommendations of an independent committee. We are doing what is right for the Canadian Forces. I would expect the member to show a little more solidarity in our efforts to give the forces the important equipment to do that job.
Afghanistan November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I do not know if the hon. member was here, but there was a vote taken in this place that did involve an end date, and that is 2011.
As far as the security situation in Afghanistan is concerned, clearly there are still challenges, but it is incumbent upon this government and the Department of National Defence to provide the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces with the necessary protection that they need. That includes such things as helicopters. That includes the protective equipment that is part of the force protection package that will be voted upon in the supplementary estimates, and I know that I can count on the member to support that estimate.
Afghanistan November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the hon. member does not understand that it is impossible to have development without security.
The hon. member is missing the point. We clearly cannot do the necessary development and reconstruction inside Afghanistan without a secure environment. That is why we are there as part of a NATO-led UN mission, which, by the way, for the member opposite and for President Karzai, it is clear that we are there at the invitation of the Afghanistan government.
Points of Order November 26th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I want to correct the record. Yesterday in question period I responded to a question from my critic, the member for Vancouver South, where I referenced 35,000 documents when in fact it was 3,500. I wanted the record to be clear and pristine, in keeping with your efforts, Mr. Speaker.
National Defence November 26th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to providing our brave soldiers with the best possible equipment. In fact, we have recently purchased six Chinook helicopters and UAVs in addition to those that were leased, all of which will be operational next year.
I am pleased to tell the House that we will also deploy eight specially-equipped utility Griffin helicopters to act as escorts for these Chinooks. Most importantly, this will help reduce the risk to soldiers and civilians from ambushes, landmines and IEDs, all of this saving lives and continuing the important work of Canadian soldiers in theatre.
Afghanistan November 25th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, picking up on his latter question, nothing could be further from the truth. We are in fact co-operating. There have been over 35,000 documents. We have made officials available for discussions on the subject matter.
The reality is that the only issue is one of jurisdiction, not one of disclosure. As for disclosures to the House, we have had numerous opportunities before committee to discuss the mission in Afghanistan. We have had no less than 30 technical briefings. I invite my colleague to be in attendance when those technical briefings take place.
Afghanistan November 25th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleague back to this portfolio.
The answer to the member's questions is yes and yes. We have secured additional battle groups. In fact, I met with defence ministers from RC (South) this past weekend in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia and we had a very frank and open discussion about this.
We continue to seek other support from NATO allies with regard to troop commitments as well as equipment, as well as the development, as well as the work that is being done in aid of Afghans living in this region. I met with the defence minister from Germany today to have further discussions.
So, yes, we are seeing progress. It is a difficult challenge but Canadians are making a significant contribution.