Rodney Weston

[The Canadian Museum of History Act, May 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I listened with great interest to the member's speech.

One of the things that struck me was that he talked a lot about the opportunities he has had in life to travel around and to see different museums and look at different exhibits. The member talked about the value and enrichment this brought to his life.

Why does the member not want that same experience for people from his riding, who do not have the same opportunities and the same benefit of travelling the country and travelling the world, to experience some of the things the member has gotten to experience?

Why does the member not put aside his own ultra-partisan ways and stop basing his position on this bill on partisanship, and look to the benefit for his constituents?

[Natural Resources, May 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our government's priority is creating jobs and economic growth. We know that natural resources is a key sector of the Canadian economy, helping to employ 1.6 million people and accounting for almost 20% of Canada's economy. One project is particularly important to my constituency: the construction of a west-east pipeline. This project will allow for Canadian oil to be processed at eastern Canadian refineries, creating jobs and economic growth in our communities.

Could the Minister of Natural Resources please update the House on the progress of this project?

[Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, May 23rd, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday on the television show Power Play the leader of the NDP hinted that he would drag Canadians into constitutional battles without a serious plan. When asked about Senate abolition, the leader of the NDP said, “There are other things that will be on the table....Newfoundland, Labrador and Quebec are going to look at their historical angles and some sort of protection there, so we have to take that into account”. His NDP democratic reform critic admitted that abolition will be “at minimum extraordinarily difficult”.

We have outlined our Senate reform plan both in legislation and before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Why does the leader of the NDP want to get Canadians into constitutional battles without a plan? What exactly “will be on the table”?

[Committees of the House, May 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about the Canada jobs grant as well. I wonder if the member could explain to the House why this is so important. Could he explain why we should be dealing not only government to government but also government to business? We all know how important the economy is and how much value we place on a skilled, trained workforce. I am wondering if the hon. member could talk a bit about why it is so important that businesses be incorporated into this model as well.

[Committees of the House, April 25th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans in relation to a motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, on invasive species that pose a threat to the Great Lakes system. Pursuant to Standing Order 109 of the House of Commons, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

I want to thank all members of the committee for their hard work and for the spirit of collegiality that was shown by all members. I also want to extend my thanks to the dedicated staff of the committee.

[Natural Resources, March 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is proud to stand in support of Canada's natural resource sector and the thousands of Canadians it employs. Our support is in stark contrast to that of the leader of the NDP, who attacks the growth of this sector as a disease and goes to Washington and claims that Canadians are against pipeline projects.

The fact is that my constituents in Saint John and families right across New Brunswick stand with our Conservative government in support of a west-east pipeline. This pipeline will bring jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity to New Brunswick and all of Canada. Our Conservative government supports this project and, unlike the leader of the NDP, we will be unabashed in our support in New Brunswick, Ottawa and on the world stage.

[Committees of the House, March 7th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans in relation to a motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, on closed containment salmon aquaculture. Pursuant to Standing Order 109 of the House of the Commons, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.

I also wish to thank all members of the committee for their hard work and the spirit of collegiality from all parties. I also wish to extend my thanks to the dedicated staff of the committee.

[Empty Stocking Fund, December 12th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a wonderful Christmas tradition in Saint John, the Empty Stocking Fund.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of this community fundraising institution, which has worked to ensure that children in need do not go without at Christmas in the Saint John area.

The Empty Stocking Fund began when local reporter “Dutch” Ervin resolved that every child should experience the magic of the season. What started out as a modest “pass the hat” in the newsroom has continued with the support of the Telegraph-Journal and Rogers. This tremendous community effort has raised millions of dollars with the help of many talented children and hard-working volunteers, and they ensure that 100% of the funds raised go to meet the needs of the children.

This year alone saw $149,000 pledged during the broadcast. I want to let people know that they can still contribute and remind those who have not yet honoured their pledges to please do so.

Most of all, I want to thank the many people involved throughout the years for helping to make a child's Christmas memorable.

[Veterans Affairs, November 28th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is standing up for Canada's veterans and their families.

Through our innovative veterans transition action plan, we are ensuring that veterans have the support they need to assist them with every aspect of the transition from military to civilian life.

We have taken action to harmonize our disability benefits at Veterans Affairs. With these changes and those being made at DND, our government is investing $1.2 billion into benefits and services for Canada's veterans.

Our 2012 supplementary estimates (B) include $18 million in new spending for veterans services and benefits.

The opposition members claim that they support Canada's veterans. This is their chance to prove it. I hope the opposition will do the right thing and vote in favour of this funding because Canada's veterans and their families deserve no less.

[Finance, November 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of Financial Literacy Month in Canada. With the recent global financial turbulence and the introduction of more financial products and services, financial literacy has become more important than ever for Canadian families. It means more money in their pockets and not in those of the banks and others.

Could the Minister of State (Finance) share the actions that our government is taking to promote financial literacy right here in Canada?