House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
Government Policies November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, Canadians are very happy with the financial management of this country by this government, not just for the reasons the parliamentary secretary stated but also because Canadians now know the purse strings are in the hands of people who will not steal the money.
Government Policies November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, once again, the approach taken by this government is a balanced approach. There are tax cuts and investments in important social programs. We have also paid off a lot of debt. This is essential to the development of the country and we pursue these policies because ordinary working people and their families benefit from them.
Government Policies November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, that is why this government has taken many steps to increase the disposable income of Canadians by reducing their taxes, by providing to every working Canadian in this country a tax credit that will grow over the next two years. It is why this government has invested in child care, why it is investing in infrastructure.
I think it is ultimately why the House passed this government's budget with the support ultimately of the NDP.
Quebeckers November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, we respect the minority position, but if we want to pass a motion on the Quebec reality, we have to accept the whole truth. The reality is that Quebeckers form a nation within a united Canada. Twice the Bloc and Parti Québécois put this question to Quebeckers and twice the people of Quebec gave their answer. They are part of Canada and will continue to be part of Canada.
Quebeckers November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, it was the Bloc Québécois that asked me to take a position and we did. We take the same position today as we did yesterday, unlike the Bloc Québécois. Our position is clear, namely that the Canadian identity is an essential part of the Quebec nation.
Quebeckers November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois leader is once again talking about partisanship. The reality is that three parties in this House support the government's motion. The ADQ and the PLQ also support it. Only Bloc members and PQ members are unanimously opposed to it. This is important, because Quebeckers are fed up with this debate. They want respect for the Quebec nation, and they also want to participate in this country, which is the best country in the world.
Quebeckers November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, there are now three motions, including two that were tabled by the Bloc Québécois. That party made its decision. Our own decision on this issue is very clear: Quebeckers form a nation within a united Canada, and this is important.
It is important because Quebeckers participated in the founding and development of this country, and they will participate in its future, because the Canadian identity is part of the Quebec identity.
Government Programs November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, everyone knows the story of the Liberal Party of Canada and its cuts in provincial transfers, its health cuts. It is the only Canadian government to have ever made cuts to health transfers.
This government has increased transfers to Quebec and given a historic role to Quebec at UNESCO. Our party is opposed to the centralist leanings of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Government Programs November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, this party has given a family allowance to every Quebec family. That is important. In addition, it is the Liberal Party that was opposed to giving these benefits to all Quebec families.
Taxation November 23rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, this government has cut taxes for all Canadians. This party reduced the GST, a tax paid by all Canadians. This party gave every worker in this country a tax credit. This party cut taxes by increasing the tax credit for every senior.
The only party that opposes these measures is the Liberal Party of Canada, which voted in favour of a tax rate of zero for large companies in this country.