House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
The Economy November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, as I have said many times, Canada is not currently running a deficit and this is thanks to the good management of the Minister of Finance, who will present his economic and fiscal update later today. The Leader of the Opposition knows that, in Washington, the leaders of the G20 agreed on the need for a global economic stimulus. We will do this along with the other countries, if need be. We have the strongest economic outlook in the G7.
Foreign Affairs November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Opposition.
I telephoned the Indian High Commissioner today and the Minister of Foreign Affairs telephoned his counterpart to express our condolences and our solidarity with their country against the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
We would obviously like to extend all our sympathies to anyone from any country and their families who have been affected by loss of life or injury in this terrible tragedy. The ministry of foreign affairs is doing all it can to contact and help Canadian citizens who are affected by this.
Let me be very clear. We join with the entire world in expressing our outrage against this kind of unforgivable hatred, brutality and violence, and we will always stand with our friends in the democratic world against this.
Parliamentary Budget Officer November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, we created an independent position. But this position was approved by Parliament, which is responsible for managing it.
Speech from the Throne November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, in the election campaign this government made very clear its intention to keep reducing taxes for businesses and individuals. We want a mandate. I would point out that not just the Conservative Party supported that position on business taxes but so did the Liberal Party.
The vast majority of the Canadian public understands that we cannot improve the performance of the economy by raising taxes on profitable business. That is not a position this government will take.
Speech from the Throne November 20th, 2008
First of all, Mr. Speaker, I have to express a little bit of disappointment when some in the opposition oppose even a broad statement of principle. I think that really speaks of just opposing for the sake of opposing.
When it comes to the auto sector the Minister of Industry is in the United States now. We are obviously watching what the Americans are doing with great interest. In the end of course, Canada will take its own decisions. Those decisions will be in the best interests not just of the auto sector but of the entire Canadian economy and of course Canadian taxpayers.
Speech from the Throne November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, it has been clear since the election that the economy of the industrialized world is in recession. Canada is in a much better position than the great majority of these countries. And we have every intention of taking the necessary steps to maintain this position.
As I just said, I invite the other parties to give us ideas. But, we are in a better position than many other countries and we plan on keeping it that way.
Speech from the Throne November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, Canada's current world position is stronger than that of the major industrialized powers. This government intends to pursue policies in order to maintain and improve its position in the current global economy. I repeat, we are seeking ideas and are open to those from the other parties in Parliament, while the Minister of Finance is in the process of preparing his next budget.
Speech from the Throne November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, it is rather odd to fault a throne speech for being a throne speech. The reality is that this government has taken numerous steps in these areas to improve investment potential and to create jobs. In the Speech from the Throne we have said that the government will seek other measures. The government is, of course, still prepared to listen to suggestions from the Bloc and from other members of this House.
The Economy November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, this question has to do with the election, and the voters have made their decision.
I do not think it serves the Leader of the Opposition, or anybody else, to fight the last election over again.
The fact of the matter is that we put our economic plan clearly before Canadians. They know that we took measures to stimulate this economy deliberately. They can be assured that we will take whatever measures are necessary to protect the Canadian economy in difficult times. I would ask the Leader of the Opposition to provide specifically his ideas about what those best measures might be.
The Economy November 20th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, once again, this is one of the very few industrial countries that remains in a surplus position.
It is correct that the surplus is weaker than it was in the past because the government took deliberate action to provide long-term tax stimulus to the economy as the economy was slowing. That was the right fiscal decision and it was supported by Canadians. We will take additional fiscal stimulus measures, as we agreed at the G-20, if necessary.
Anybody who would say that in the midst of a global recession they would turn around and raise taxes or cut essential spending, that would be an ideological position that the government has no intention of following.