House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
International Co-operation April 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of International Cooperation has been very clear. The government has a wide range of initiatives that it will be funding under its maternal and child health initiative. Frankly, there is not enough money to do all the things we want to do, even in those areas. We will concentrate our efforts on areas where the Canadian people are united and want to see progress.
International Co-operation April 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, once again, it was the opposition that decided to have Parliament vote on this issue and Parliament's decision was clear. The government's policy respects, not just the decision of Parliament but also the definitions used by the World Health Organization and many other countries in the G8 and around the world.
We understand that other governments and other taxpayers may do something different but we want to ensure our funds are used to save the lives of women and children and are used on the many things that are available to us that, frankly, do not divide the Canadian population.
Ethics April 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Jaffer's actions came to light for one reason: the Minister of the Environment and other ministers exercised transparency. They reported these activities to the authorities and we are determined to hold people responsible when they do not comply with the laws passed by our government.
Ethics April 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, it is clear that this does not pertain to government business. No government contracts are involved.
If Mr. Jaffer or someone else was engaged in illegal lobbying, our government will take steps to ensure that they are held responsible.
International Co-operation April 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the position of the Government of Canada is very straightforward. We are sponsoring an initiative to help save the lives of mothers and children around the world. There is a range of initiatives that can be funded in that regard by various G8 countries. We are clear what initiatives we are funding and, believe me, there is more than enough to do in those areas to save the lives of women and children.
International Co-operation April 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it was the leader of the Liberal Party who decided to force a vote on this issue. He divided his own caucus and he got the opposite answer from the one he was seeking.
The government's policy respects not just the will of the House. It respects definitions of organizations, like the World Health Organization.
I think the lesson to the leader of the Liberal Party should be clear. He may think a culture war is a good idea but the fact is that Canadians want to see their foreign aid money used for things that will help save the lives of women and children in ways that unite the Canadian people rather than divide them.
International Co-operation April 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it was the Liberal leader who insisted on having a vote in the House.
The government's decisions respect the vote in the House and World Health Organization definitions. There are a number of ways in which we can help and save the lives of women, mothers and children around the world.
We can focus on things that unite the people of Canada, not on things that divide them.
International Co-operation April 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the answer is, no.
Ethics April 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this is rather bizarre. The Bloc leader is basing his comments on hypothetical situations. These are serious allegations and they have been forwarded to the authorities, who will take the necessary action.
It is not our place to comment on the allegations of others. The authorities have the information and will investigate.
Ethics April 22nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I said that I received information about the allegations from a third party. We acted responsibly. We forwarded the information to the authorities. It is up to the authorities to take action.
I am convinced that the RCMP will take the necessary action.