Stephen Harper

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 15th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the member's statements are totally false. For example, it is standard practice to invite developing countries, African countries. They have been invited to every G8 summit I have attended. I noted yesterday that the Liberal Party was opposed to inviting African countries to the G8 summit. That is a historic flip-flop.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 15th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, Canada will host two international conferences. We have consulted and used the experts who planned the security for the Olympics. We have made the same preparations as for the other summits, and even the experts at the University of Toronto said so.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I guess I have different discussions with Canadians than the three coalition partners over there. Canadians certainly do not tell me that they think they want to pay banking taxes for bailouts in other countries. That is not the position of Canadians.

While I am on my feet, we know the three coalition partners voted last night to take Canadians' hard-earned EI premiums and give them to people who go on strike voluntarily. That is not what Canadians want either.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see that all three partners in the coalition that everybody denies exists have asked the same questions today.

We consult widely on the summit agenda. In the past, there have been discussions of the climate change issues at the G20 for the purpose of trying to assist, not replace, the United Nations process. As I indicated to President Calderón during his visit, we will continue the same practice here.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP leader said a number of things that are totally wrong. The cost of these summits is simply the cost of summits of this kind. It is their nature. We saw the same kind of security at other summits. All these costs are in the budget, and it was passed by the House.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we always try to discuss agenda items with the other participants in order to come to a consensus. Of course, environmental issues are linked to the economy, but I would say the same thing to the leader of the Bloc. Environmental issues are linked to the economy, which is why we always keep in mind the balance between the environment and the needs of the economy.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, in preparing the agenda, we consult very actively with our guests. Clearly, a number of topics will be discussed, including some matters dealing with climate change. By the same token, the intent of the G20 is not to replace the UN process.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as for extravagance in France, I think the Leader of the Opposition has set himself up.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, in terms of security costs, we consulted the same people who did such a good job on the Olympics. I know that the Liberals criticized them on the Olympics. The Olympics were a great success.

Canada is demonstrating, as I said, and everyone in the world recognizes it, economic leadership, not simply through the holding of summits but through an example of a country with the lowest deficits of any major developed economy, the lowest debt, the lowest taxes on business investment, the strongest job growth, the strongest economic growth, and the strongest banking system, and we will continue to lead.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, of course, as has been observed by many people, the cost of these summits in this age is very expensive because of the security demands placed on the summits. Well over 80% of the cost for our summit are, of course, for security, and this is similar to all similar types of summits.

As for extravagance in France, I would not know about that, but perhaps the Leader of the Opposition, at his home in Provence, could tell us all about it.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, that is not our position. Our position is clear. Obviously, the G20 is the primary forum for international economic talks, but at the same time, we will discuss other things related to the economy, like climate change. I expect there will be discussions to help Mexico prepare for its summit on that subject in November.