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Government Expenditures March 5th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, we will spend more than just the money announced in past budgets. That is why we are looking for support.
I hate to use this expression, but the Leader of the Opposition really is engaged, on this entire budgetary business, in the biggest exercise of suck and blow I have ever seen in Canadian history.
He really has to make up his mind whether he is going to help us pass it quicker or try to block it. The right thing to do is obviously pass it and let it happen.
Government Expenditures March 5th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the government is in the process of approving projects with other levels of government.
As I mentioned before, last year alone we spent three times more on infrastructure than the previous Liberal government. That amount was going to double this year even without the additional funds we are planning to spend. That is why we need passage of those funds.
The hon. member cannot have it both ways. He cannot say spend faster, but please do not let the spending get passed. Get on, pass the spending, let it happen. That is what Canadians want.
Government Expenditures March 5th, 2009
Certainly, Mr. Speaker, the government is not trying to hide the state of the deficit.
The fact of the matter is, as I have said before, these are funds that we want to make available for the new programs that are coming on line. They will come on line over the next three months.
There will be all kinds of announcements across the country. The public will be of course informed as quickly as possible. I know the hon. members opposite want to pass this money and let us go on with making those positive announcements for the Canadian public.
Afghanistan March 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, it is the Leader of the Bloc who has chosen to ask a question that is so inappropriate today.
Our soldiers respect their international commitments. They have reviewed and changed their procedures to ensure that they respect these responsibilities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to once again, in both languages, thank the Canadian military for the tremendous sacrifices and dangers they undertake on our behalf.
I do not think they have to put up with that kind of stuff from a separatist party.
Afghanistan March 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I am somewhat surprised by this question today.
We would like to offer our condolences to the families and comrades of the courageous soldiers killed in Afghanistan. They are doing a good job over there, an important job for the Afghan people, for the world. On this side of the House, we honour their sacrifices.
Government expenditures March 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the government, in consultation with other levels of government, has estimated that we will need about this much money to make sure that we get some of these new programs that have just been designated in the budget out before July. The country and other levels of government are waiting for this. I encourage the Liberal Party to stop playing games and simply let the money flow into the economy.
Government expenditures March 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, that $3 billion is money needed to cover the expenditures approved in this budget for new infrastructure programs. These projects are ready and we do not want to wait until July. It is Parliament's responsibility to approve these expenditures so that we can ensure this economic activity.
Government expenditures March 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, last year the government spent three times more on infrastructure than the Liberal government did in its last year in power.
The Minister of Finance already indicated in the economic and fiscal statement that we intend to double infrastructure spending this year, and this was even before the budget was tabled in January. The money is there. Obviously, we need to approve the estimates in order to continue spending.
Afghanistan March 3rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I would be delighted to answer.
It is quite ironic to have a member of Parliament who was demanding that Canada pull out of Afghanistan last year now wondering why we are pulling out three years from now.
The truth of the matter is this. Our soldiers, our diplomats and our development workers are doing a great job on the ground to ensure we can make this transition toward a mission more focused on development, where the Afghans handle their own responsibility.
That is what they are doing and the member should look at his own record on this issue before answering.
The Economy March 3rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, one thing is for sure, they get neither from the NDP. The fact of the matter is that we have consulted the Auditor General. We will be fully accountable for this money. This money is necessary to make sure that we take full advantage of the upcoming construction season. I urge the NDP to stop its ridiculous opposition to programs that are clearly in the interests of not only all Canadians but even in the interests of those poor Canadians who voted NDP.