House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
Electoral Boundaries February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the rules were followed, in the same way the NDP followed them when they did the same thing.
The commission's process involves getting input from the public, including political parties and parliamentarians. The members of our party will continue to express their concerns over these changes.
International Trade February 6th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, once again, our position on supply management is very clear, and it is the same position that we have maintained in various international negotiations. Actually, a candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party is the one suggesting the abolition of the supply management system.
Electoral Boundaries February 6th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the member is wrong about the process encouraging political interference.
In fact, as the member mentioned, there are actually parliamentary hearings into this. Obviously there is political input, although the final decisions are independent.
I will bet dollars to doughnuts that we will be able to find a lot of NDP submissions to these parliamentary hearings.
International Trade February 6th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the government has defended our supply management system successfully in various trade negotiations, and we continue to do so.
In fact, to my knowledge, the only person I am aware of who is suggesting the abolition of the supply management system is a candidate for the leadership of the Liberal Party.
Electoral Boundaries February 6th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the process is independent. However, it allows and encourages parliamentarians, political parties, and all Canadians to make known their views on this matter, and we have done so and will continue to do so.
Electoral Boundaries February 6th, 2013
I have already answered that question. The government will not make any changes to the process.
However, I can tell the leader of the Liberal Party that he is completely wrong. After the 1991 distribution, both houses of Parliament spent over a year fighting—and I know because I was a spokesperson—Liberal attempts to change legislation to overturn boundary recommendations.
There is a public process. All parties—
Electoral Boundaries February 6th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, let me once again be clear on the process.
Under the law, independent boundary commissions are established. Those commissions, and part of the process, is to get widespread input, not just from parliamentarians and political parties but from the general public.
In the case of Saskatchewan, I am told that some 75% of the submissions made to that commission have been opposed to the current proposals. However, in the end, it is the commission that makes the decisions.
Some years ago, the Liberals tried to bring in partisan legislation to overturn boundary commission recommendations. We would never do that.
The Budget February 6th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the objective for our upcoming budget is the same as previous budgets: to ensure economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity.
We are the first government to reduce the deficit without making cuts that affect unemployed workers, retirees and children's education.
We intend to maintain these key programs. We are creating the jobs the economy needs.
Electoral Boundaries February 6th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, clearly I reject the accusations in that question. I think the party has explained this particular matter. As I think the Speaker knows very well, there are electoral commissions in effect to redraw boundaries. Those commissions accept and expect input from parliamentarians, from political parties and from the general public. In Saskatchewan, there has been overwhelming opposition to the particular proposals, but we are simply operating within the process as it exists, and the way indeed it encourages all actors to do.
Electoral Boundaries February 6th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, first of all let me say it is good to see the leader of the NDP here today and on his feet and none the worse for wear.
The party has already explained what happened with these calls. The party obeyed the rules set out in the act.
Our public position on the commissions is very clear. Obviously, parliamentarians and the party try to influence the placement of the new electoral boundaries. These efforts will continue, as encouraged by the law.