House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 31% of the vote.
Justice April 24th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, this past Monday, in committee, Bloc Québécois members attempted to weaken Bill C-14against organized crime. The Bloc wanted to reduce the minimum sentence for drive-by shootings.
On Wednesday, Bloc members voted against the bill introduced by the member for Kildonan—St. Paul, which would punish criminals who traffic in children.
The Bloc's ideology is to defend criminals rather than victims.
Could the parliamentary secretary explain the objective of the government's approach?
Leader of the Liberal Party April 3rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, when the Leader of the Opposition is elsewhere and he thinks that Quebeckers are not paying attention, the things he says are not in Quebec's best interest. It seems to have become a habit. When he gets caught in the act, his response is to deny, deny, deny.
Speaking somewhere outside of Quebec, he said that he wanted to take the francophone province's seat at UNESCO away. When he was in British Columbia, he said that he wanted to shut down Quebec's chrysotile industry.
Can the Minister of Public Works and Government Services tell us what the government thinks of that?
Correctional Service Canada March 31st, 2009
Mr. Speaker, it seems that Correctional Service Canada wants to relocate its Ottawa parole office.
It is my understanding that one of the proposed sites is located in a densely populated residential area near downtown.
Last night more than 100 residents packed the local meeting hall to express their concerns and ask that Correctional Service Canada reject this site.
Would the Minister of Public Safety advise the House about the government's plans with respect to the 1010 Somerset site.
Aerospace Industry March 11th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, industries in Canada, like those in many other countries, are working hard to make it through the financial crisis. Fortunately, this government is taking unprecedented measures to stimulate Canada's economy and fight the global recession.
This is certainly true in the aerospace sector, where we have invested significantly.
Further, last year's budget committed $350 million for the Bombardier CSeries.
Can the Minister of Industry tell the House about how our investments have helped the aerospace sector?
Ottawa Food Bank March 11th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa Food Bank.
The Ottawa Food Bank has been helping people in need for 25 years and we salute them.
The “Heroes Fighting Hunger” campaign was launched this week. This campaign encourages the people of Ottawa to donate $25 and to invite 25 of their friends to do the same.
Every dollar donated generates five dollars worth of groceries for people in need.
I encourage all members of the House to join leaders such as my constituent, Rick Hillier, and also our Minister of Transport, the MP for Ottawa West—Nepean, to open their hearts, show leadership and become a hero.
In this time of economic uncertainty, we must all help the less fortunate.
Business of Supply March 9th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I would first like to welcome the hon. member for Westmount—Ville-Marie to the House. I have followed his career, a very honourable one, for more than 25 years, but I am deeply saddened by the degree of partisanship he brings to the House. It may work for other members, but it does not look good on him.
As for the position of a science advisor that used to exist within the Prime Minister's Office, would the hon. member not agree that the 18-member Science, Technology and Innovation Council, chaired by Howard Alper, is possibly a more effective means than an adviser who was ignored by the preceding Liberal Prime Minister?
New Interprovincial Bridge March 6th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, residents on both sides of the Ottawa River need a new interprovincial bridge. City planner Jacques Gréber actually planned for it over 60 years ago.
Forty years ago the approaches on both sides of the river were designed. More than 30 years ago they were built. In the spring of 1984 the National Capital Commission told the members of the then Gloucester City Council that it would transfer title to the not yet named Aviation Parkway to the Ontario Department of Transportation to give direct access from the 417-174 split to Montée Paiement and Highway 50 on the Gatineau side. The bridge would be built in 1999. Oops, another thing that did not get done.
The bridge has been a pawn in countless political manoeuvres motivated by nimbyism.
We need a bridge. Sixty years of studies all point to that bridge at Kettle Island.
Nimbyism often hurts the people who adopt it more than anyone else.
The past is an indicator of the future.
National Cemetery of Canada Act March 6th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, let me thank the hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment for graciously sharing his time with me.
Hon. members know that I do not hog the time in this chamber. When I do speak, I avoid partisanship and fanaticism, yet I am passionate about history, about the history of our home and native land, about the history of this place.
Bill C-17 is an opportunity for all members of the House to work in this spirit, and as the House can see, we are.
First, I would like to praise the Minister of the Environment for his hard work and dedication to this project. While this idea is not a new one, this minister and this government have made sure to make it happen.
In addition, I would like to mention the contribution of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Chief Government Whip, the members for Ottawa—Vanier, Ottawa Centre and Gatineau, as well as Senators Keon and Munson and Bruce Carson, from the Prime Minister's Office. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Grete Hale and her foundation.
Some may ask, why does Canada need a national cemetery? In answer, I am sure that many hon. members are familiar with the Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington, D.C. In fact, there are 141 national cemeteries in the United States, but they are generally military cemeteries containing the graves of U.S. military personnel, veterans and their spouses. The Arlington National Cemetery is an exception, as it contains the graves of outstanding civilian leaders and other people of national importance in the U.S. National cemeteries in that country thus serve a very specific military purpose.
Other countries have established national cemeteries. The Pantheon in Paris is a building that serves as a repository for the remains of many illustrious French citizens.
Members of the British royal family are interred at Westminster Abbey and at St. George's Chapel in Windsor. These models serve very specific purposes, and while of interest, do not meet the needs of our country.
This government believes that a made in Canada formula is required for a national cemetery that extends beyond military burials and that pays tribute to the contributions made by all those who came before us in shaping Canada as a nation.
I am sure that hon. members support the need for a national cemetery in Canada. Over 75,000 Canadians from all walks of life found their final resting place at Beechwood Cemetery, including 23 national historic persons who have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to Canadian history.
Many prominent Canadians are interred at Beechwood, including leaders such as: William McDougall, a Father of Confederation; Sir Robert Borden, the eighth Prime Minister of Canada; Tommy Douglas, the seventh Premier of Saskatchewan and the first leader of the New Democratic Party; and Ramon Hnatyshyn, a former member of this House and 24th Governor General of Canada.
There are military figures such as: Generals Andrew McNaughton, Henry Crerar and Charles Foulkes; engineer and scientist Sir Sanford Fleming; and poets Archibald Lampman, Arthur Bourinot and William Wilfred Campbell.
By virtue of its location in the nation's capital, Beechwood Cemetery serves as a focal point for national memorial events such as Remembrance Day.
Finally, in the spirit of promoting the ideals of Canadian unity, the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation is committed to ensuring the delivery of services in Canada's both official languages.
This recognition will illustrate our government's commitment to the heritage in this place. It is our duty to preserve this heritage, to make the younger generations aware of it and to pay tribute to those who shaped our country's history.
By passing this bill, our government will open the doors of Beechwood Cemetery to prime ministers, governors general and recipients of the Victoria Cross who wish to be interred in the nation's capital.
This recognition would also ensure that there is a place conducive to reflection, a perfect place to pay tribute to those who came before us and who fought to make Canada an open, free and peaceful country, a country characterized by strong values such as justice, respect for human rights and gender equality.
This will be a way for us to preserve and highlight our country's historical heritage.
When we put away partisanship and fanaticism, when we work together for the common good, we can all get things done.
Business of Supply February 24th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I regret that I have to interrupt my colleague from Lévis—Bellechasse, but I spent the afternoon here, and when members such as the member for Québec were speaking, I noticed that members from all parties were polite enough to listen. However, as the member for Lévis—Bellechasse was speaking, there was a terrible uproar from the benches of the Bloc Québécois. I would like politeness to be equal on both sides for those who are interested in knowing what is being discussed in the House.
The Budget February 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, following comprehensive consultations, our government has shown that we listen to Canadians and respond in a proactive manner.
Last Tuesday, we revealed an economic action plan that effectively stimulates the economy, protects Canadians and ensures we enjoy long term prosperity even during this world financial crisis.
Can the Minister of National Revenue explain to the House the initiatives that the government has proposed to stimulate construction and encourage families to buy their first home?