House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
Employment Insurance March 26th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, as I just said, this government changed the legislation so that vulnerable people who find themselves with these kinds of illnesses are protected in the future. The case currently before the courts falls under the previous rules.
Obviously, I cannot comment on this case, but I can assure the opposition that the government is looking at a way to resolve this case.
Employment Insurance March 26th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the reason the NDP has voted against so many job creation measures, as we learned from its leader in Washington, is because it actually opposes job creation in this country. That is the unfortunate reality.
In terms of the specific situation that the member has mentioned, he will know that this government has changed the rules so that those who find themselves with these kinds of illnesses are protected by employment insurance in the future. He knows full well that I cannot comment on a case that is before the courts. The fact of the matter is that this is a case under the previous rules, but the government is exploring ways that this matter can be addressed and resolved.
Taxation March 26th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, it was this government that lowered the GST on everything by 2%, and once again the NDP voted against the interests of consumers on that occasion.
In terms of support for the budget, I would note that various measures are supported by the Canadian Building Trades, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada, the Forest Products Association of Canada, Food and Consumer Products of Canada, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, the Canadian Auto Workers union, the Canadian Steel Producers Association and the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries.
Will the NDP get onside with the Canadian public and get onside with job creation, or will it continue to campaign against jobs—
The Budget March 26th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I note how well the budget has been received across the country. I note in particular the first issue that the member raised, the infrastructure program; this government is undertaking the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history. That is why the budget is supported so strongly by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Really, there is a choice. Is the NDP going to vote against infrastructure once again and vote against the FCM once again, or is it going to stand with municipalities and with these infrastructure investments?
International Trade March 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, once again, as I think I have said many times before, Canada's economic relationship with China is very important. China is the second-largest economy in the world and growing. I note that Canadian businesses, Canadian investors and Canadians generally have welcomed the fact that we will have legal protections in our dealings with China.
Financial Institutions March 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, mortgage rates are currently at their lowest in the history of Canada because of sound economic management. The government regularly takes action to ensure that the market remains affordable and stable in the long term.
I should also point out that recent actions taken by the government would lower interest payments on the average mortgage over the life of that mortgage by $150,000 for a Canadian family.
Ethics March 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I do not think anybody on this side of the House makes any apologies for working hard for the interests of the people of Labrador.
These are important matters, as I have said before, ranging from the Goose Bay military base to the seal hunt to the Lower Churchill project to the ending of the long gun registry, all things that matter to people in that part of the country. We are very proud of our record on those things.
Ethics March 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I know the position of the Liberal Party on Labrador is that it is against the seal hunt, for the long gun registry and against the Lower Churchill hydro project. These are things that Peter Penashue has taken the opposite position on, positions that he and we feel more strongly and better represent the people of Labrador and the positions of the people of Labrador. Obviously we are encouraged by his fight for those things.
Ethics March 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, Peter Penashue has worked very hard on the things that the people of Labrador elected him to do and made considerable progress. The people of Labrador are the ones who will make the appropriate decisions in this regard. Minister Penashue has an important record he can point to and I think that will be much more important to the people of Labrador, their interests and what can be done to serve their interests than any sort of campaign by the NDP.
Employment Insurance March 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, once again, employment insurance is a very important program that Canadian workers pay into to ensure there is a fund there when they lose a job due to no fault of their own and find themselves unemployed. It has long been the responsibility of public servants to ensure that the fund is used for the people who are entitled to it and who genuinely need it. Obviously we support them in that important work.