Stephen Harper

[Aboriginal Affairs, January 31st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, like the 2012 plan, our government's economic action plan 2013 will focus on the economy, economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. Those are our priorities, not just for aboriginals, but for all Canadians.

I would like to point out that Canada continues to outperform other countries, thanks to the steps we have taken. Of course, there are challenges that lie ahead for certain communities, particularly aboriginal communities. We will continue to pursue these objectives.

[Aboriginal Affairs, January 31st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as I outlined yesterday, the government's priorities remain strengthening Canadian families, making sure that our streets and communities are safe, strengthening this country and its place in the world and, of course, on top of them all, making sure we have a strong economy where people of all ages will have opportunities not just now but for generations to come. These are the priorities we have for all Canadians. They are important to all Canadians whether they are anglophone, francophone, aboriginal or new Canadians and we will continue to pursue them in the best interests of all Canadians.

[Parliamentary Budget Officer, January 30th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, we created the position of Parliamentary Budget Officer to ensure that parliamentarians from all parties have credible and non-partisan analyses. We are looking for someone new to fill this position so that this mandate can be fulfilled.

[Employment Insurance, January 30th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the government has been very clear in its reforms to EI that employment insurance will continue to be available for all people who cannot find employment close by that they are able to get to and that is within their qualifications. We have been very clear on that. That is this government's policy. EI will always be there for people who need it.

[Aboriginal Affairs, January 30th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, when we talk about making the economy the number one priority for Canadians, in this party that includes all Canadians.

This government is involved in a historic consultation process with first nations across this country to develop a more effective education system. We recognize the tremendous potential that aboriginal people of the next generation will have, and that is why we want to make sure that we make investments in our education system that will get us the results we need.

[Aboriginal Affairs, January 30th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, let me repeat: It is the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation, an historic event between first nations in Canada and this country that we all recognize and honour.

This government has built or renovated over 260 new schools. Not only have we made unprecedented investments in this area but we are also presently in consultation with first nations on how to improve an education system. We know we have to improve that system. We do not just want to throw money at a problem. We want to make sure we get the absolute best results for aboriginal young people because they will have more opportunities than any previous aboriginal generation.

[Employment, January 30th, 2013]

Of course, Mr. Speaker, it is completely to the contrary. Since the recession ended we have created 900,000 net new jobs in this country, the best track record in the G7. There is no better place for a young person to be today than in Canada.

Challenges obviously still exist in the labour market and for young people. That is why the government has addressed this in a series of budgetary measures, things like the youth employment strategy that has created over 50,000 positions, the Canada summer jobs program and others, which the NDP unfortunately always votes against.

[Employment, January 30th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, job creation and economic prosperity are our top priorities. In fact, the Canadian economy has created more than 900,000 net new jobs since the end of the recession. That is the best record of all G7 countries.

There are obviously still challenges in this regard, especially for some young people. That is why our budgets include specific measures for youth. I encourage the NDP to support these measures.

[Environment Canada, January 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I would be delighted to meet any of these credible sources to correct any misinformation they may be giving the hon. member.

[Parliamentary Budget Officer, January 29th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, of course it was this government that created the Parliamentary Budget Officer to ensure that Parliament has independent and non-partisan information on the financial position of the government. We are committed to that and want to make sure in future that the office does credible and non-partisan work.