House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
Employment Insurance February 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, it is quite the opposite.
The purpose of our system is to grant employment insurance benefits to those who have lost their jobs and need those benefits.
Public servants are there to ensure that the fund is helping those who are truly unemployed and the workers who have contributed to it.
Employment Insurance February 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, it is crucial that workers who have contributed to the employment insurance fund be able to receive payments from that fund when they need them.
Clearly, it is also crucial to identify illegal or inappropriate payments.
With regard to compensation in the public service, in all departments, a portion of the pay that managers receive is based on performance.
Employment Insurance February 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is wondering where the Senate reform is. It is contained in Bill C-7. Senate reform bills have been before the House since we took office. The NDP has blocked this bill 17 times.
I urge the House to give its unanimous consent to pass this bill today.
Ethics February 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, all senators conform to the residency requirements. That is the basis on which they are appointed to the Senate, and those requirements have been clear for 150 years.
We recognize there have to be reforms to the Senate, including limiting senators' mandates and encouraging an elected Senate. Unfortunately, it is the NDP that consistently opposes reforming the Senate and opposes an elected Senate, hoping in the future to appoint its own senators. I would encourage the NDP to join with us and allow the bill to pass so we can have an elected Senate.
Ethics February 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I have already answered this question and I think the circumstances speak for themselves.
As I will say once again, the Minister of Finance has been doing a tremendous job for Canadians and is widely viewed around the world as the best finance minister.
Public Safety February 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, that statement is utterly untrue. The government has not made cuts to those services. As we have already indicated, we will soon be announcing our stance on these services and their funding.
The Environment February 26th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, of course, this is the first government in Canadian history to actually reduce emissions of greenhouse gas.
The Minister of the Environment, the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and my colleagues have taken a number of important actions, including the announcement on truck harmonization standards, just recently. We will continue to look at ways to move forward on this important file.
Government Advertising February 26th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, those front line services are not being cut. What is being done is ensuring that the people of Canada are aware of the programs and services that are available to them. This Parliament votes billions of dollars every year of taxpayer money for the benefit of the people of Canada. It is up to us to ensure they are aware of the services and the programs they can use to better their own lives.
Employment Insurance February 26th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, we have a legal responsibility to ensure that the employment insurance fund is being used by people who are truly unemployed. Unfortunately, every year, illegal or inappropriate payments are made. It is our responsibility to make sure that those who really are out of work receive their benefits. It is our responsibility to protect the workers who have paid into the fund for their protection.
Employment Insurance February 26th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the employment insurance fund is paid into by honest Canadian workers so it is there when they lose their job and cannot find a job in their region. A million and a half Canadians collect from that fund every year. It is the government's legal responsibility. The Auditor General and others will insist that we take all necessary steps to ensure that those who are entitled to the money are the ones who get the money. When people who are not entitled to the money get the money, the only losers are the unemployed and the workers who paid in, and we are determined to protect their interests.