House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 40% of the vote.
The Economy December 1st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, roads are being repaired, taxes are being lowered, workers are being retrained and clearly Canada's plan is working.
The global economic recovery is fragile. That is why our government's number one priority is jobs and economic growth, not job-killing tax hikes, as the opposition proposes, which the Chamber of Commerce labelled a “disastrous idea”. Our government is on the right track.
Would the hon. finance minister please give Parliament an update on the latest economic data?
Petitions November 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to rise on behalf of constituents in the Okanagan who are tabling a petition with regard to Bill C-474. They have concerns with respect to the seeds regulations and support amending the seeds regulations to require an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted.
Trade October 20th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is always working to expand opportunities for Canadian farmers.
Our government's free trade agenda includes talks with close to 50 countries, in addition to the eight countries with which we have already signed trade agreements. We are also working to improve the mere three trade agreements signed under the previous government.
Our top trade initiative is our negotiations with the European Union which are progressing very well. Canadian farmers are speaking up in support of a deal with the EU.
The Canadian Cattlemen's Association has said that an agreement could be the biggest single opportunity for the Canadian cattle and beef industry since the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance said that opening the European market for Canadian agriculture and food products is critical.
It is clear that only the Conservative government can be counted on to support free trade and open markets for Canadian workers, businesses and farmers. We are getting this done for Canadians, opening jobs and creating hope and opportunity for all Canadians.
Petitions October 6th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the second and third petitions deal with Bill C-474, An Act respecting the Seeds Regulations (analysis of potential harm), and the petitioners call upon Parliament to enshrine it in legislation.
Petitions October 6th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table three petitions.
First, the petitioners are calling upon the House of Commons and Parliament assembled to bring forward and adopt into legislation Bill C-544, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act and the Meat Inspection Act (slaughter of horses for human consumption).
The Economy October 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, last week Canadians were shocked to learn that the Liberal Party supported a wild expansion of the EI program that would lead to $7 billion in new costs to the Canadian economy. This came after the Liberal leader said clearly to all Canadians that the proposal was a bad economic policy.
Thankfully, this government will press on with its sound economic policies while the Liberal coalition keeps spinning its wheels.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry please update this House on how our sound economic policies are creating real jobs for Canadians?
Petitions September 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the second petition requests the Minister of Justice to amend the Criminal Code to recognize the instances of violence on public transit and school buses, and a variety of transit operators' concerns, so that they can be recognized in the Criminal Code the same as peace officers.
Petitions September 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I rise to table two petitions on behalf of constituents. The first petition requests Parliament to call a halt to recruitment activities of Canadian Forces in schools.
Sindi Hawkins September 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, yesterday former Kelowna area MLA and provincial cabinet minister Sindi Hawkins passed away after a courageous fight with cancer. She was only 52. This was her second battle with leukemia, which she first contracted in 2004.
I had the opportunity to work alongside Sindi in the community. I know she selflessly dedicated her life to helping others as a nurse, a lawyer, an MLA, and an advocate to raise awareness for cancer.
She was the MLA for Okanagan-West and Kelowna-Mission from 1996 to 2009. She also served as deputy speaker, minister of state for intergovernmental relations, and as minister of health planning.
In her honour the province of British Columbia has announced it will rename the BC Cancer Agency's Centre for the Southern Interior. In the words of Premier Campbell, the centre will be “a lasting legacy of her kindness, her passion for helping others and her generosity of spirit”.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. I would like to thank Sindi, who has gone too soon.
Jazz Air June 17th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we are quickly approaching the summer season, which is the most heavily travelled quarter of the year. My constituents in Kelowna—Lake Country are very concerned that they will not be able to fly to their holiday destinations because of a potential work stoppage by Jazz Air. I know that our government has played an active role in bringing both sides to the table.
Can the Minister of Labour please update the House on the progress of this labour dispute?