Robert Goguen

[Justice, May 15th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we followed a well established procedure and we will respect the Supreme Court's decision. Procedures are in place and we respect the letter and the spirit of the Supreme Court's decision.

[Justice, May 15th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the process that was followed was an open and democratic process, which was followed by all three parties. The Prime Minister obtained independent legal advice, prior to the appointment, from Justice Binnie. This opinion was supported by Justice Charron and also by the eminent constitutionalist Peter Hogg.

We followed a proper process, and we will stand by the court's ruling on this matter.

[Transport, May 13th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hard-working member for Miramichi for her great work on this important file to deliver the goods again.

Our government supports an efficient use of taxpayers' dollars in delivering a rail service that meets the needs of today's Canadian citizens. We are very pleased to announce that VIA and CN have made a tentative agreement on the remediation and repair of the middle portion of the rail in the Newcastle subdivision in northern New Brunswick. This represents a $10-million investment to begin the repair of the tracks.

Of course, we are doing this in an efficient manner, and this shows our government's commitment to the local economies of New Brunswick—

[First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act, May 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it is disappointing that both the Liberals and the NDP are opposing constructive and necessary steps in supporting the goals expressed by the first nations for control for their respective treaty rights and aboriginal rights. Recognition of language and culture are a clear statutory guarantee for fair funding under education.

The Liberals had 13 long years to act, but instead they neglected the first nations and by opposing this bill, they are again signalling their willingness to allow another generation of first nations youth to fall through the cracks. Instead of doing what is best for first nations students, the Liberals have decided to hitch their wagon to the NDP message of partisanship and of the critics of the bill who would like nothing more than to disrupt Canada's economy.

I would urge the Liberals and the NDP to do as Chief Augustine suggests and do the right thing, to reconsider their position and stand up for first nations children.

[Justice, May 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice sought outside advice from former Supreme Court justices on the eligibility requirements of a Federal Court judge to the Supreme Court of Canada.

The legal advice was reviewed and supported by another former Supreme Court justice as well as by leading constitutional scholar Peter Hogg, and this was made public.

None of these legal experts saw any merit to the position eventually taken by the Supreme Court of Canada, and their views were similar to the dissenting decision of Mr. Justice Moldaver.

[Justice, May 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Justice sought outside legal advice from a former Supreme Court judge regarding the eligibility criteria of Federal Court justices for the Supreme Court. That opinion was reviewed and supported by another former Supreme Court judge and by Professor Peter Hogg, a renowned constitutional scholar. That opinion was made public.

No legal experts saw any merit in the final position of the court. Their point of view was similar to the dissenting opinion of Justice Moldaver.

[Justice, May 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, during the selection process, the Chief Justice tried—emphasis on “tried”—to talk to the Prime Minister.

The Minister of Justice advised the Prime Minister not to take the call, given the subject she wished to raise. The Prime Minister did not take the call, and no discussion ensued. Neither the Minister of Justice nor the Prime Minister would ever take a call on a matter that is or could ever be before the court.

[Justice, May 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, it is a known fact that the Chief Justice did try to contact the Prime Minister during the selection process.

On the advice of the Minister of Justice, the Prime Minister was advised not to take a call of this nature since it would be inappropriate during the selection process.

The Minister of Justice and the Prime Minister both agreed that the call was inappropriate. Neither the Prime Minister nor the Minister of Justice would ever take a call on something that would be before the courts or that even might tentatively be before the courts.

[Justice, May 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Justice asked for an outside legal opinion from a former Supreme Court justice on whether Federal Court justices can be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. The legal opinion was reviewed and received the support of another former Supreme Court justice, who was also supported by an eminent professor, an expert in constitutional law, and that opinion was made public. All experts agreed that there was no basis for the Supreme Court's opinion and that, basically, Justice Moldaver's dissenting opinion should prevail.

[Battle of the Atlantic, April 30th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to highlight the efforts of the local veterans associations in the riding of Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe in putting together their ceremonial service of remembrance on the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. This service will take place on May 4, 2014.

The Battle of the Atlantic ceremony is held in memory of those who laid down their lives at sea and ashore during the Second World War victory, which came at a huge cost to our navy. Canada lost over 20 ships and 2,000 personnel.

This is also a personal commemoration, as my father-in-law, Robert Green, a teenager at the time, took part in this battle and, thankfully, survived it.

I would like to encourage my colleagues, as well as the members across the aisle, to participate in similar ceremonies taking place in their ridings to honour those who lost their lives in the cause of freedom.

Lest we forget.