House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2019, with 36% of the vote.
Agriculture and Agri-Food October 27th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, our government continues to invest in targeted, results-based, industry-led research in order to help our farmers become more competitive.
We invested over $326 million in agricultural research in the 2013-14 fiscal year. We also announced a 50% increase in spending on cost-shared FPT initiatives and an investment of over $3 billion in innovation under the Growing Forward 2 framework.
Remembrance Day October 27th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, this Remembrance Day, I will remember in particular veteran Nathan Cirillo and veteran Patrice Vincent. I will remember them for having embodied the very essence of what it means to be Canadian.
Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who served our great country for 28 years and dedicated his life to the ideals of freedom and democracy, deserves our greatest respect and thanks.
Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who stood guard at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in honour of the memory of tens of thousands of Canadian veterans, has touched the lives of millions of Canadians and will be remembered for his sacrifice.
This Remembrance Day, I encourage all Canadians to make a special effort to attend a local Remembrance Day ceremony to pay their respects and in honour of those who have died for us and for our freedom.
International Trade October 20th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Brandon—Souris for his work on this important issue.
Today's WTO report reinforces Canada's long-standing position that the country of origin labelling is blatantly protectionist against Canadian meat products. We will continue to strive for a fair resolution, including seeking authorization to implement retaliatory measures on U.S. products if necessary.
Our government will continue to stand up for our farmers, ranchers, and workers against this type of discriminatory practice.
Prostitution October 8th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that Bill C-36, the protection of communities and exploited persons act, passed third reading here in the House only two nights ago.
Our Conservative government has provided the necessary leadership to ensure that Canada has the laws and safeguards to fight prostitution and the many evils that come with it: the proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases, the degradation and exploitation of women and girls, the scourge of human trafficking, and the involvement of organized crime to name only a few. It would be naive to think that these serious harms would be eliminated if prostitution were to suddenly become legal.
It should also be stated clearly that prostitution harms marriage and the family, both of which are fundamental to a healthy and strong nation.
As the father of five children, four of whom are daughters, I am glad that the purchase of sex through prostitution will remain illegal, thanks to Bill C-36. I personally thank each parliamentarian who voted in favour of this important legislation.
Petitions September 26th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I have a petition from Canadians who recognize that the Supreme Court struck down certain laws with respect to prostitution.
The petitioners do not want our country to be lawless with respect to prostitution and human trafficking and are calling on the House of Commons to legislate that it be a criminal offence to purchase sex with a woman, man or child.
International Trade September 26th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, our government has always defended Canada's supply management system, and with this agreement, we are continuing to do so.
The three pillars of our national supply management system remain intact. We will monitor the potential impact of this historic agreement on dairy producers' income, and if the level of production is adversely affected, we will help the producers financially.
Canadian Wheat Board September 26th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, much to the joy of our western Canadian grain farmers, our government delivered on its promise to free them of an obligatory marketing board. We were elected on a platform to deliver marketing freedom to farmers and we followed through on that commitment.
However, as the Canadian Wheat Board now competes in the open market, it has a right to protect commercially sensitive information. Unlike the member opposite, the economy is our top priority. Farmers and our government recognize the numerous benefits that are now available on the open market.
International Trade September 26th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate the organic sector of agriculture on an important trade accomplishment. Last week, the agriculture minister announced an agreement with Japan to boost trade in organic products. This new deal will make it much easier for Canadian businesses to sell organics in Japan, and gives our organic farmers equivalency agreements in markets, representing 95% of the world's organic sales.
Japan is the largest organic market in Asia. Demand is very high for quality Canadian products, like maple syrup, honey, soybeans, and grains. Industry estimates that this agreement will enable organic exports to Japan to reach $20 million annually in the next five years.
To quote Matthew Holmes of the Canada Organic Trade Association, “The government's leadership has ensured our producers enjoy privileged market access, while saving Canadian organic farms and businesses the needless costs of additional inspections and redundant certification”.
There is no doubt that Canada's products and standards are among the best in the world. Canadian farmers can count on our government to support growth and long-term prosperity on their farms.
Petitions September 24th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I have here more than one petition from Canadians who acknowledge that prostitution laws have been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, but who do not want Canada to be lawless with respect to prostitution. They are calling on the House of Commons to legislate so that it would be a criminal offence to purchase sex with a woman, man, or child, and they would like the House of Commons to move forward quickly on that.
Petitions September 22nd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I have petitions here from Canadians who acknowledge that certain prostitution laws have been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. However, as petitioners, they do not want our country to be lawless when it comes to prostitution and human trafficking.
The petitioners call on the House of Commons to make it a criminal offence to purchase sex with a man, woman or child. They ask the House to move forward quickly on this matter.