House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 77% of the vote.
Business of Supply December 1st, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I found it absolutely appalling when the hon. member said that there was a stain on Canada. There is absolutely no stain on Canada.
I find it repugnant, as the general did in committee the other day when he said that he was labelled a war criminal and, by extension, our troops. It is absolutely repugnant for the opposition to say such a thing about our men and women in--
Royal Canadian Mint November 27th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, since day one, this government has been very concerned about the unaccounted for missing gold at the Mint. That is why we brought in the RCMP to see if there was any possibility of theft.
We are convinced, as is the RCMP. It has concluded that there was no theft at the Mint. However, we are not satisfied how this was allowed to happen in the first place.
There is an external audit that has provided all of the explanations of where the unaccountable gold is, and that is in the hands of the Auditor General for validation. We will hold the Mint accountable as we get those numbers to ensure there is--
Royal Canadian Mint November 25th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the external review that has been ongoing over the summer is nearing completion. It is in the hands of the Auditor General for validation and we will have those actual numbers when the Auditor General is through.
Royal Canadian Mint November 25th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the missing or unaccounted for gold at the Mint, the external review that has been taking place over the last period of time has accounted for that unaccounted for gold, and it is in the hands of the Auditor General at the present time for validation of the numbers
Royal Canadian Mint November 24th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the government takes very seriously the matter of the mint not being able to account for some of its gold. That is why we brought in the RCMP to do a thorough investigation to see if there was any possibility of theft. I can announce to the House at this time that the RCMP has concluded its investigation and there was no theft from the mint.
An external review that has gone on provides an explanation regarding the gold that is unaccounted for. That review is currently in the hands of the Auditor General for her validation.
VIA Rail November 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, that is pretty rich from a party which in government contracted out RCMP contracts to the United States to Disneyland. That is very rich.
Protectionism is not a recipe for success in the 21st century. We are a government that believes in open trade and freer trade in North America. That is what we are going to do. We are going to make sure that we secure jobs for Canadians as we have opportunities in other markets as well. That is where we need to go in this country.
VIA Rail November 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, when it comes to crown corporations, the government works at arm's-length from VIA Rail. As long as the rules are abided by, and that is the thing that we get concerned about, we make sure that everything is done above board and fair.
In this case, there were a multiple number of bidders on this contract and everything was done according to the rules, as long as they were clear and open. We are not a government that believes in protectionism. That is a road to disaster that is advocated by the opposition. It is not a road to success.
Crown Corporations October 30th, 2009
Yes, Mr. Speaker, as the hon. colleague knows and everyone in the House knows, crown corporations serve their day-to-day functions at arm's length from the government.
If there is information that comes to the House for individuals, they have the full right, and I will set up any meetings that are needed for them, to do the functions of their job here in the House. I will do this not only for the hon. member but any of the opposition members at any time they would like.
Canadian Forces October 30th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, it is really amazing what our troops do overseas for us every day of the year and particularly during the holiday season. They leave the comforts of home and country to do this outstanding work for us.
It is a great pleasure for me to inform the House that Canada Post again will be allowing free parcel delivery for Canadian Forces overseas. This is the fourth year in a row. This is an amazing thing.
We should be proud of our troops and proud that an institution like Canada Post is able to do this. We certainly hope that Canadians from coast to coast will exercise the opportunity to support our troops.
Crown Corporations October 29th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I recall that I actually chatted with the member with regard to any information she would like about any crown corporation, not just Canada Post, and she is welcome to that. She is absolutely welcome to come to my office or to have it at any room in this place. Not only for that individual but for any of the opposition members, we would be more than obliged.