House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2011, with 29% of the vote.
Points of Order March 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. In response to a question that I asked the President of the Treasury Board, he referenced a legal opinion that he had regarding the integrity commissioner. He referenced the actual opinion, and I would ask that the minister table that referenced document.
Former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner March 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the former integrity commissioner ignored all 228 whistleblowers. All complaints were swept under the rug.
Fact: the office is supposed to be independent, yet there was a close relationship with the PMO. Fact: the Prime Minister's Office paid her half a million dollars to quit and disappear. Fact: the departure agreement requires that she:
—not engage in any conduct or make any statements...which may be otherwise detrimental to...the Government of Canada.
What could possibly compel the Prime Minister to pay so much hush money?
Points of Order March 7th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise the House, and I will be happy to table the documentation, which is the public notice of administrative monetary penalty issued under the authority of the Conflict of Interest Act, that gives the nature of the violation, the name of the public office-holder, the amount of the penalty, as was discussed, and also the notice of the date of violation, which was January 26, 2011. I ask leave to table this document.
Ethics March 7th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I am looking here at a public notice of an administrative monetary penalty. The name of the public office holder included is the minister's name, and the amount of the penalty is also cited. It has been more than six weeks since she was fined by the Ethics Commissioner and she is still refusing to pay the fine. She is not owning up to that.
Why will the minister not abide by the law? It is clear that she violated the act.
Ethics March 7th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the minister of immigration is not the only Alberta Conservative under an ethical cloud.
Would the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs confirm that she broke the Conflict of Interest Act and was recently penalized by the Ethics Commissioner? Would the minister tell the House and the Canadian people why?
Main Estimates March 3rd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the President of the Treasury Board recently tabled the main estimates, which confirm two things: that the Conservatives lack financial management and that, at all costs, the Prime Minister will do as he said, “You won't recognize Canada when I get through with it”.
The estimates show that spending is still $11 billion more than it was in 2009. So much for fiscal restraint. Every year, spending by the Conservatives has well outpaced inflation. A media report this week said, “The...government has a poor track record when it comes to controlling spending”.
However, there are cuts to the CBC, to EI and to regional economic development. The estimates show that the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is being cut by $64 million. These are all areas that the Prime Minister said he does not support.
The one area where there is a massive amount of increased spending, over half a billion dollars, is on Conservative crime policies, the same policies that failed in the United States and in the United Kingdom, and are being brought in when crime rates are actually falling in Canada.
It is about choice. Choices made by the Conservatives certainly are changing Canada, but not for the better.
Mount Pearl Frosty Festival February 11th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the Frosty Festival in Mount Pearl is not just one of the best winter carnivals in this country, it is also a prime example of the tremendous work being done by volunteers in the community.
This year is the 29th annual Frosty Festival, an outstanding fun-filled event that exudes the strong community spirit and pride of the people of the great city of Mount Pearl.
The talent and entertainment is incredible and the fun and friendship bring warmth during the winter. The adults and children who participate create memories and friendships that will last forever.
This year's schedule features over 50 separate events. There are visits to seniors homes, a costume skating party, a tailgate party, a film festival, hockey games, dinner theatre and Mount Pearl Idol. There truly is something for everyone at this year's Frosty Festival.
I ask members of the House to join with me in thanking chairperson Andrew Ledwell, his entire board of directors, the many volunteers and sponsors for their dedication and contribution to the Frosty Festival. They make Mount Pearl a great city.
Search and Rescue February 10th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the government should give more than an apology; it should give resources. Search and rescue is a federal responsibility.
It is outrageous that Conservatives will cut corporate taxes and spend billions on fighter jets, but they shirk important lifesaving responsibilities.
The member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke has said to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that they should take responsibility for their own lives. That viewpoint is degrading. It is insulting. It is wrong.
Will the Conservatives commit today to provide adequate Coast Guard services to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador?
Search and Rescue February 10th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, my father-in-law was lost to the sea. Many others have suffered the same fate. The Atlantic waters are treacherous. Seconds count, the Coast Guard and the auxiliary count, helicopters count.
A Conservative MP has said those who make their living from the sea should take more responsibility for their own lives. The government consistently shirks its responsibility. It is every person for themselves.
The Prime Minister has said that Atlantic Canadians have a defeatist attitude.
Is that why Conservatives are telling Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, “You're on your own”?
Questions Passed as Orders for Returns February 9th, 2011
With respect to the government’s use of consultants and employment agencies: (a) what was the total amount spent on consultants and employment agencies during fiscal year 2009-2010; (b) what is the projected total amount that will be spent on consultants and employment agencies during fiscal year 2010-2011; (c) how much did each department or agency spend on consultants and employment agencies during fiscal year 2009-2010; (d) which consulting firms and employment agencies received contracts from each department or agency during fiscal year 2009-2010; and (e) for each contract in (d), (i) was it sole-sourced or awarded following an open competition, (ii) what was its value or amount, (iii) for what services was it granted, (iv) what was its duration?