House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
National Defence April 4th, 2012
Yes, Mr. Speaker, the government and the ministers accept their responsibilities and the Auditor General's recommendations. We will act on these recommendations. The government has not yet purchased any such planes. Clearly, we will re-examine the process and make changes.
National Defence April 4th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General's report was very clear about responsibilities. The government has accepted the Auditor General's recommendations and, clearly, we will act on them to ensure better oversight.
National Defence April 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, that is a miscategorization of what the Auditor General actually said.
I remind the leader of the opposition that the government has not yet purchased this airplane. It has not yet signed a contract.
The Auditor General has identified a need for greater independence and supervision over some of the activities of the Department of National Defence in this regard. The government will put that supervision in place before we proceed.
National Defence April 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I do not accept the Leader of the Opposition's conclusions. The Auditor General reached certain conclusions and we have accepted his recommendations. He identified a need for greater supervision over costs and the government will accept his recommendations.
The Budget April 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary. For example, our health transfers are increasing twice as fast as the health expenses of the provincial governments. We are keeping our promises.
Ethics March 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I have already answered that question. I am not aware of any connection with contracts and government business here.
National Defence March 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I do not know what position exactly the leader of the Liberal Party is advocating, but this government's position is that we will replace the CF-18 when that airplane begins to reach the end of its useful life at the end of the decade. We will ensure that our men and women in uniform have the best equipment possible.
National Defence March 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure anybody alive can square all the circles over in that corner of the House.
In terms of the specific request, I note today that the estimates put out by the United States with regard to the costs of this plane are well within the contingencies established by the Department of National Defence.
However, as the member knows well, the government has not yet signed a contract and retains considerable flexibility on that matter.
Ethics March 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, as I have said several times, the minister did not use a contract or taxpayers' money inappropriately. That was not his intention and I trust the minister.
The Budget March 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, this government ran in the last election on a plan to continue to create jobs and growth in this country.
Part of that plan was a gradual elimination of the deficit over the life of this Parliament. That is and continues to be part of the plan. As we were clear, we are not cutting health care and pensions.