House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
Points of Order February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, if I could clarify, in fairness to the hon. member, I think I was citing the NDP critic for foreign affairs for Canadian-American relations and not the general critic.
In fact, he was the one who actually said he was opposed to the Canada-Jordan free trade agreement.
International Trade February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, it is well known that we protect supply management. It is protected in all our trade negotiations.
By contrast, the NDP forgot to mention supply management in its election platform. We are well aware that the NDP continues to oppose the free trade agreement with the United States. That position is completely at odds with the position taken by every provincial party, by every party in Quebec at the time.
International Trade February 7th, 2013
Once again, Mr. Speaker, let us be clear about the record.
The integrated Canadian-American auto sector that we have today, which is so fundamental to the prosperity of southern Ontario, was opposed tooth and nail by the New Democratic Party in the 1960s, as it has opposed every trade initiative since because of its socialist ideology. The fact is that we see that party once again opposing a trade deal with the European Union before one is even signed.
We will protect and promote the economic development—
International Trade February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the trade deals this country has are basic to its economic prosperity. The free trade deal signed by an historic Conservative government with the United States is the basis of a lot of the prosperity we have today.
We will never let the ideologues on that side of the House tear that up or the Auto Pact or anything else they want to tear up. We will make sure we have good and diverse trade throughout this country.
International Trade February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I know the NDP members are trying to shift all over the spectrum these days, but they are not going to fool anyone with that one.
The fact of the matter is that this is a party that is so ideologically opposed to trade, its foreign affairs critic actually already called for Canada to pull out of the talks some time ago. We would not even be discussing this with the European Union if the NDP had its way. It is very consistent, since it opposed trade with NAFTA, every other trade deal we have had, and even the Auto Pact.
The only people who pursue responsible trade are on this side of the aisle.
Electoral Boundaries February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the record will show very clearly that the Liberal government suspended this process in the 1990s when it did not like the map, something that we on this side of the House were completely against and ultimately successfully fought, allowing the process to continue to go ahead.
Electoral Boundaries February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, of course, hundreds of people in Saskatchewan oppose the proposals. They also have a right to their opinion, including those in rural Saskatchewan in particular, which I know the hon. member is notorious for not caring about.
However—
Electoral Boundaries February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, there is no violation of CRTC rules in this case, unlike what the Liberal Party did in a very different case.
The fact of the matter is that the party has said there was a mistake made here and has clarified that.
What the Liberal members says about the process is just completely false. In fact, there were actually parliamentary hearings on this very subject of electoral boundaries. So, obviously, the process is to garner opinion—and, by the way, not just his opinion, but the opinion of all members of Parliament.
Ethics February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I think it is known that in light of the serious events that have been reported today, I have removed Senator Brazeau from the Conservative caucus.
Obviously, I think our understanding is that these are matters of a personal nature rather than of Senate business, but they are very serious and we expect they will be dealt with through the courts.
Electoral Boundaries February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, obviously I regret that categorization. In fact not only have the rules here been followed, but in the very same way as the NDP, which has done exactly the same thing.
The party's position on the boundary changes in Saskatchewan is public. It is extremely well known. It is not a matter of any mystery to people. We continue to urge the commission to look at changes, as do a large percentage of the people of Saskatchewan.
That is part of the process to get this kind of political input, and we will continue to make our voices heard.