House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 42% of the vote.
National Defence January 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure we could train troops without accompanying them. We have been very clear that we would be in the business of assisting and training these individuals.
What I do not get is the Liberal position on this, which is that we should know the outcome before we get in there and expect others to do the heavy lifting. That has never been the Canadian way for 200 years. We do not stand on the sidelines; we get out there and stand up for those who are oppressed.
National Defence January 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, we have been very clear throughout that we are there to assist the Iraqis in their fight against this terrorist organization and we are there in support of our air fighters who are operating out of Kuwait. I know the NDP has some problems with this, but I believe most Canadians are 100% with us behind our Canadian Armed Forces when they stand up against terrorism and take the fight to them.
National Defence January 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, we have been very clear. We have been giving continuous updates to members of the opposition and to the public, just as we indicated that we would do.
He asks if I agree with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister says that if Canadian Armed Forces are shot at, they will shoot back, and I am very proud of the work that they are doing.
National Defence January 26th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, that is not in fact the case. We were very clear before Parliament that our special forces would be in a position to advise and assist, and that is exactly what they are doing. From the reports that I have, they are doing an outstanding job. Of course there are risks, but they are risks that are being managed. We are 100% behind our armed forces, and everyone can be proud of the work that they are doing.
National Defence December 1st, 2014
Mr. Speaker, the coalition campaign against ISIL continues and, as always, Canada is contributing.
I can confirm our CF-18s participated in two separate missions since last Friday. Bombs were dropped on two ISIL positions. The military is currently examining the damage and will provide more detail in a technical briefing on Thursday.
The coalition effort against ISIL is necessary, it is just and, of course, we are doing our part. It has never been the Canadian way to stand on the sidelines and let others do the heavy lifting. We can take pride in the professionalism and courage of our Canadian Armed Forces.
National Defence December 1st, 2014
Mr. Speaker, we take any allegations like that with the utmost seriousness. Allegations of sexual harassment in the military, whether with cadets or anywhere else within our armed forces, are truly disturbing, and we will act on them.
CDS will investigate and look at any allegations in this area, because this is completely unacceptable to all Canadians.
National Defence December 1st, 2014
Mr. Speaker, unlike under the previous government, we have doubled the number of mental health workers who are employed by the Canadian Armed Forces. In fact, we have six uniformed psychiatrists, two who are enrolled in a four-year training program, as well as 25 uniformed social workers, 13 mental health workers, and seven chaplains. Ninety-three per cent of the mental health positions are now filled by the Canadian Armed Forces. We are getting the job done to support our men and women in uniform, unlike the Liberals.
National Defence November 27th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm to this House that the first shipment of surplus military equipment to Ukraine has left via C-17 strategic airlifter this morning from CFB Trenton.
This shipment includes 3,000 pairs of boots, 2,400 coats, 3,500 pairs of pants, and 3,300 pairs of gloves, and it responds directly to a request for assistance from the Ukrainian government.
We will also provide a military field hospital, as well as equipment such as tactical communications systems, tactical medical kits, and both night and thermal vision goggles.
Make no mistake; we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Once again, we are sending the message to Putin that he needs to get out of Ukraine.
Veterans Affairs November 27th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, no government has brought more respect and more resources to help our veterans, the members of the armed forces, than this government. We have increased the annual health care budget by over $10 million. We work with individuals who are suffering with PTSD. This has been a priority for the armed forces. We encourage everyone who has any difficulties in this area to reach out, and they will get the help that they need.
National Defence November 26th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce today that Canada will be making another delivery of non-lethal aid to Ukraine. There are 30,000 coats and pants, 70,000 pairs of Gore-Tex boots, and 4,500 pairs of gloves deemed surplus by the Canadian Armed Forces that will be shipped out starting at the end of this month.
The government is also coordinating the purchase and later shipment of equipment, including tactical communication systems, explosive ordinance disposal equipment, tactical medical kits, and both night and thermal vision goggles. President Poroshenko has said that shipments like this have saved Canadian lives. We remain steadfast in our support for a free and—