House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 50% of the vote.
Ethics February 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, at the time the senator was appointed, he was the National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, one of Canada's national aboriginal organizations. Obviously in light of recent events, action has been taken. He has been removed from caucus and appropriate steps are being taken by law enforcement authorities, and by the Senate through its own review process.
Employment Insurance February 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, we know that the best way to create jobs is actually to reduce taxes, which is why we have done that 140 times. That is why the average family pays $3,000 less in tax today as a result of our changes. Perhaps that is why we have seen over 900,000 net new jobs since the economic downturn, the very best track record on job creation in the entire G7. In fact, it is a record we expect to continue into the future. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Canada will see that prosperity continue, as a leader, into the decades ahead.
Employment Insurance February 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, our priority is job creation and sustainable, long-term economic growth.
We have lowered tax rates more than 140 times. An average Canadian family can save about $3,000 as a result of the changes our government has made to help families.
Ethics February 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, in fact, our government has been pursuing an ambitious agenda of democratic reform changes to the Senate. In fact, our Prime Minister has appointed every single democratically elected senator when he has had an opportunity to do so, including one just a couple of weeks ago.
We would encourage all provinces to provide the opportunity for democratically elected senators to be appointed to the Senate. We would also encourage the other parties that have consistently opposed such changes to modernize and democratize our important parliamentary institutions to change their positions and actually support real reforms that will make the Senate accountable to all Canadians.
Ethics February 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, in light of the serious charges that have been laid, he has been removed from the caucus and, of course, the legal system will proceed forthwith on those matters.
In terms of housing allowances and the like, the committee on internal economy over at the Senate has, of course, been seized of these matters. Today several were referred to an independent outside auditor to ensure that they are dealt with appropriately through independent oversight.
Ethics February 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, because of the seriousness of these events and charges, he was expelled from caucus. The legal system will handle this matter.
Electoral Boundaries February 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I am surprised that NDP members continue to pursue this with their “do as I say, not as I do” approach.
They criticize the automated calls, yet they made exactly those automated calls, both from Burnaby—Douglas, with regard to the process on redistribution, and with regard to one of their caucus colleagues after she left.
They criticize us for being involved in the redistribution process, while they have done so vigorously from their side. They say that we must respect the work of the independent commissions, then they push bills in the House to overturn the work of the independent commissions.
They have had a monopoly for years on sanctimony. Now they have a monopoly on sanctimonious hypocrisy.
Electoral Boundaries February 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I did want to talk about one NDP bill, because the NDP critic for democratic reform said that the electoral boundaries commissions serve in good faith and expect non-interference from political parties. However, the NDP actually has a bill before the House right now to overturn the work of those non-partisan electoral boundaries commissions, in the form of Bill C-396, which does not accept the work they have done in the past. NDP members are trying to use the power of the House and their ability to present legislation here to overturn that work. It is an example of exactly what NDP members do all the time: Do as we say, not as we do.
Business of the House February 7th, 2013
Yes, I have a plan, Mr. Speaker.
This afternoon, we will continue today's NDP opposition day.
Tomorrow, we should finish the second reading debate on Bill C-52, Fair Rail Freight Service Act. Then, we will resume the second reading debate on Bill C-48, Technical Tax Amendments Act, 2012.
Before question period on Monday and Tuesday, the House will debate third reading of Bill C-42, Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act. After question period those days, we will turn to second reading of Bill C-51, Safer Witnesses Act.
On Wednesday, we will debate second reading of Bill S-12, the incorporation by reference in regulations act. I do not expect that this bill, which responds to views of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations, would need a lot of House time. I hope we can deal with it quickly. We could then turn to report stage and possible third reading of Bill S-7, the combating terrorism act.
Next Thursday shall be the fourth allotted day, which I understand will see the Liberals choosing our topic of debate.
On Friday, we will resume any unfinished debates on the bills we just mentioned, or we could also consider dealing with any of the many bills dealing with aboriginal issues. That being raised as a concern, we have Bill S-2 dealing with matrimonial property; we have another bill dealing with safe water for first nations; and we have another bill dealing with fair elections for first nations. On all of these bills we would welcome the support of the official opposition. We have not had that to date, but if we do, we can deal with them very quickly on that day. I would be delighted to do that. I will await with interest the response from the NDP.
Ethics February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, with regard to Senator Brazeau, the reports today are, of course, a serious matter related to a domestic incident, and this will be dealt with by authorities through the appropriate process. As for his role here, in light of the serious nature of the events, action has been taken, and he has been removed from the caucus.