House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 62% of the vote.
Division No. 89 February 19th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, we have heard talk today about heartstrings, and let me tell you my heartstrings are pulled as well when I think about Bill S-4. Except that they are pulled in a little bit different direction maybe than what the hon. member referred to when I asked questions before.
I refer to section 53 of the Constitution Act that provides that only the House of Commons may table money bills, bills which require the expenditure of public funds or involving a tax or impost.
Division No. 89 February 19th, 1998
Madam Speaker, could the member comment on the appropriateness of whether or not the bill should be brought forward from the House of Commons or from the Senate?
Small Business Loans Act February 19th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, every time this exchange goes on I think of something else to add to this debate. One thing that glares at me from the text of Bill C-21 is the idea of subsidizing businesses. It all speaks to the lack of priorities.
I look across the way and I think about the cuts to seniors, the medicare cuts and education cutbacks. I think about the lack of priorities where prisoners get exotic foods in jail, where there are many working poor in Canada who cannot afford the meals that prisoners receive after the heinous crimes they have committed. I think of all these things, of the lack of priorities. Then I wonder how corporations can justify these subsidies when all these other programs are being cut. It does not make any sense.
Small Business Loans Act February 19th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, in the context of the exchange that has been going on in the House, I cannot help but feel that one other issue needs to be addressed to broaden the nature of this debate. We have had 38 tax increases since this government took office in 1993. There has been bracket creep, business taxes, going after people with social security benefits, CPP, EI, et cetera. I look at all these things.
It strikes me that tens of billions of dollars have come out of the pockets of Canadians, Canadian businesses, those people who create and sustains jobs in Canada. The money has come out and is now being siphoned off to create a bigger administration and bureaucracy. Once again I am struck by how tens of billions of dollars can be taken out of people's pockets every year, increased taxes, 38 new tax increases since 1993. There have been two so far and more increases proposed since the June 2 election.
At the same time we have these pittances. There is cutting in education and giving back a small amount in scholarships. There is raising taxes on businesses, people who create jobs and families and giving back a little in some sort of business loans program which most businesses do not need when they apply for it.
Small Business Loans Act February 19th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I listened to both speakers today and cannot help but feel I have been somewhat deceived.
It seems as though Bill C-21 is all part of a public relations ploy on behalf of the government. The government has raised payroll taxes with the Canada pension plan. It has taken $7 billion a year out of the economy with its over contributions and the taxes it has in terms of the EI premiums, therefore hurting the economy and job prospects in this country. Yet it gives $1 billion back through this C-21 with all the strings and problems attached. Most of those businesses actually have access to capital outside of this loans program.
I want somebody to comment on the public relations scam that I feel this really is, where the government takes a dollar and gives back a dime.
Canadian Blood Bank Corporation February 17th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there is another scandal at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities agency. The Canadian Blood Bank Corporation received over a $1 million from ACOA and HRD. This money went to fund Rolex watches and expensive cars for the chief executives. Now the company is going down, the executives have resigned and the taxpayer is left holding the bag.
What is the minister going to do to get our money back?
Canadian Wheat Board Act February 17th, 1998
We do not like dictators and people who put farmers in jail. That is what we do not like.
Employment February 13th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal cabinet just keeps on dishing out pork patronage appointments and the little piglets keep on chowing down.
What a coincidence that in the city of Edmonton, a city of 800,000 people, one person qualifies to be on the National Parole Board, Elizabeth McKall, the wife of the riding president in the justice minister's riding. It is slim pickings for Liberal patronage appointments in Alberta these days.
To the little minister who ran all the way home to appoint her riding president's wife to a patronage position, will the Liberals' job creation strategy ever include a Canadian who does not slurp at the party trough?
Employment February 13th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the snack pack likes its bacon but when it comes to pork we raise our forks to the Liberals.
Who is the latest to leave the sty for the public trough? His name is Stephen Gaon. He was the riding president for Ottawa South, the home riding of the Minister of Industry. Mr. Gaon is now a chairperson of the EI board of referees.
My question is for the little minister who went to market. There are millions of Canadians who need work. Do they need a Liberal Party membership to qualify for the Liberals' promise of jobs, jobs, jobs?
The Senate February 13th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, we now have everybody criticizing Andy Thompson, even Senator Ron Ghitter.
Canadians can be relieved that even Senator Ron Ghitter thinks that Andy Thompson's attendance record is unacceptable.
A note to any senators watching, they may not remember Senator Ghitter, since he comes to work only about half the time.
This week Mr. Ghitter cranked up the handle on his lazy boy to a semi-reclined position and was outraged at absentee Andy.
A note to any citizens watching, this half-time senator cost them $150,000 last year. That is a pretty expensive lazy boy.
Now that Senator Ghitter is paying attention I will extend an invitation to him to get up out of his easy chair, step down from his Senate seat and stand for election.