Stephen Harper

[The Budget, January 28th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I have heard from a number of groups in Quebec who support measures contained in this budget, for example the Quebec manufacturers and exporters association, the Federation of Canadian municipalities and its head, the mayor of Sherbrooke, the Union des municipalités du Québec, the Coalition pour le renouvellement des infrastructures du Québec, the mayor of Laval, the president of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, the Fédération québécoise des municipalités, the Montreal chamber of commerce, the Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec and the Conseil du patronat du Québec.

[The Budget, January 28th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, in spite of opposition from the Liberal Party, this government corrected the fiscal imbalance by increasing equalization.

Equalization has increased dramatically under this government. In fact, equalization payments to Quebec alone have increased 70%. Under this budget, equalization payments and other federal transfers will continue to grow at a very healthy rate well into the future.

[The Budget, January 28th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I think we should correct the record on that question. I have a list here of the government's spending record on infrastructure. After this government took office in 2006, the amount of federal infrastructure spending doubled to $2.6 billion. The year after, in 2006-07, it went to $2.8 billion. In 2007-08 it went to $3.1 billion. In 2008-09 we estimate $4.4 billion. And, of course, with the co-operation of this Parliament, we can pass the measures to make that spending even more effective and more quick in the future.

[The Budget, January 28th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I agree that the measures set out in the budget are very important for the economy. Clearly, I want to see these measures implemented as soon as possible.

[The Economy, January 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the NDP at one time said he would bring forward a motion to the House to debate abolition or potentially some other reforms of the Senate. Of course, that motion never came. I would encourage the leader of the NDP to actually look at our Senate reform legislation before he takes a position and give it his consideration.

[The Economy, January 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, obviously, the hon. member speaks to different mayors than we do. Mayors appreciate that infrastructure spending in this country has been increasing. Obviously, they are looking for further increases and we will be looking to work with them to make sure that happens to sustain this economy.

As for the Senate, I think the only issue for the leader of the NDP is that I got to appoint those senators before he did.

[The Economy, January 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, let me read a quotation into the record:

MPs should not say how they will vote on a budget or a bill until they see it...we have an economic budget coming...where we announce billions of dollars of spending in deficit...So I think we should at least have a look at it before you say yes or no.

That is wise advice from the NDP member for Sackville—Eastern Shore.

[Finance, January 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, under this government, federal transfers to Quebec have risen to nearly $17 billion, an increase of $5 billion a year since we came to power. And those levels will rise in the future.

[Finance, January 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, under this government, the provinces have received much larger equalization payments, and that will continue in the years to come.

As for the securities commission, this government intends to act in accordance with its own constitutional authority and with the willing participation of the provinces.

[The Economy, January 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that in every year the government has been in office actual federal infrastructure spending has increased. Even before this budget, federal infrastructure spending was scheduled to double in the coming year.

There will be new good news in the announcement. I urge the opposition to join us to undertake this action and get that money out and get the economy going.