Rob Anders

[The Economy, April 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our government is focused on what matters to Canadians, jobs and economic growth.

Our new 2013 economic action plan is keeping taxes low while ensuring economic prosperity. After all, alone among the G7, Canada continues to receive the highest possible credit ratings with a stable outlook from all the major credit rating agencies.

The OECD is projecting Canada to lead the G7 in economic growth over the next 50 years. KPMG ranked Canada the most tax-competitive economy among mature markets.

On the other hand, the NDP would increase government spending by $56 billion, implement a $20 billion job-killing carbon tax on Canadians that would raise the price of gas, food, electricity and everything else, and implement a $34 billion tax increase on job creators.

Thanks to the leadership of this Canadian Prime Minister, our government will remain focused on jobs and economic growth and fight the NDP's reckless economic policy.

[Petitions, March 20th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to present, on behalf of thousands of people who sent these to my office, petitions in opposition to Bill C-279, otherwise known as “the bathroom bill”, that would give transgendered men access to women's public washroom facilities. These constituents feel that it is the duty of the House of Commons to protect and safeguard our children from any exposure and harm that would come from giving a man access to women's public washroom facilities. I present thousands of signatures on behalf of the riding in Calgary West, and I know that there are many others that have gone to other members in this place.

[Tibetan New Year, February 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, this Monday, February 11, Tibetans here in Canada and around the world will be celebrating the Year of the Snake.

Tibetan New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. This year marks the year 2140. The celebration lasts up to 15 days, with the first three days being the most significant. New Year's typically means celebrations, togetherness, family time, as well as prayers.

I wish all the Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet much health and happiness. May we all join in wishing them at Happy New Year or:

Losar la tashi delek.

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, December 10th, 2012]

With regard to recidivism rates for parolees, for each of the five most recent years that data is available, broken down by province or territory: (a) what is the total number of criminals released on parole from federal custody; (b) for each type of parolee, what is the total number who were convicted of (i) violent, (ii) non-violent, (iii) drug-related crimes; (c) how many of each of these three categories of parolees violated their parole conditions; (d) for each of these categories, how many of these parole violations involved violence; (e) for each of these categories, what was the nature of each of these violent violations; and (f) for each of these categories, how many of each of these parole violations resulted in the parolee being re-incarcerated?

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, December 10th, 2012]

With regard to firearms prohibitions, for each year since 1999: (a) what is the total number of firearms prohibitions; (b) what is the total number of court-ordered firearms prohibitions; (c) how many firearm owners have had their firearm licenses revoked as a result of a firearms prohibition order; (d) how many firearm owners have had their firearm licenses revoked because they have committed a violent criminal offence; and (e) how many firearm owners have had their firearm licenses revoked because they have committed a non-violent criminal offence?

[Member for Ottawa South, November 22nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the comments made on Tuesday by the Liberals' former spokesman for natural resources show that in over 30 years they have not learned a thing. The Liberal spokesman said that Alberta MPs should go back to Alberta if they wanted to represent Albertans and the energy industry. Clearly, the Liberals did not learn that their anti-Alberta attitude is bad for the country. Everyone remembers the devastating Trudeau national energy program and no one wants to see that again. His comments were arrogant, but the member himself has not apologized. His anti-Alberta attitude is clearer now more than ever.

As an Albertan, I am proud to stand up and defend the interests of my constituents and all Albertans. Alberta deserves an apology from the former Liberal natural resources spokesman.

[Carbon Tax, November 20th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP is proposing a carbon tax that would cost $21 billion. President Obama rejects a carbon tax. White House press secretary, Jay Carney, rejects a carbon tax. The Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce rejects a carbon tax. The BC Grain Producers Association rejects a carbon tax. The Fort Nelson Chamber of Commerce rejects a carbon tax. The BC Fruit Growers' Association rejects a carbon tax. Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform rejects a carbon tax. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation rejects a carbon tax.

A carbon tax kills jobs. A carbon tax kills investment. A carbon tax kills growth. Reject the NDP carbon tax.

[Petitions, September 26th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I present petitions on behalf of Canadians who challenge the 400-year-old definition of when life begins, due to 21st century medical advancements. I was three weeks premature. I thank my mother and the hospital staff for choosing life.

[Firearms Registry, September 26th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honour a hero, someone who has championed a cause for almost 20 years and someone who wants to target real criminals. He submitted hundreds of access to information requests to pinpoint government waste. This person is a whistleblower who exposed billions of taxpayer dollars gone awry.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to the member of Parliament for Yorkton—Melville. Albertans are going to celebrate this Oktoberfest at Calgary's premier shooting centre, the Shooting Edge. On Friday, October 12, much bratwurst and sauerkraut will be consumed in his honour.

I invite all members to come celebrate the man who tracked, hunted down and took out the long gun registry, our very own Conservative member of Parliament for Yorkton—Melville.

[War of 1812, June 20th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend we marked the 200 year anniversary of the War of 1812. British North America faced retaliation by American armies for press gangs and a blockade. At the time, many echoed Thomas Jefferson's bold prediction that an American victory was inevitable and would be a mere matter of marching. Yet the small and professional British army, alongside colonial militia and Indian allies, were able to repel repeated American invasions.

The War of 1812 ensured that the historic traditions of British liberty would live on in North America. It gave strength to the Canadian militia movement and to the notion of a citizen's duty and responsibility to bear arms for the defence of the nation. These same principles of freedom, liberty and voluntary military service are just as important today as they were 200 years ago.

We remember the sacrifices made by our soldiers then and now.

Today, we share the world's longest non-militarized border with the United States. May it be that way for our children and all future generations.