House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2019, with 50% of the vote.
Public Safety October 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette for his outstanding work and support with his team for wildlife, sports, and outdoor activities.
Of course, our priority is public safety. That is why there is mandatory training. That is why individuals who engage in domestic violence will lose their licences.
That is why we will cut red tape and make sure our country can restore dignity to those who are law-abiding citizens.
Public Safety October 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, what is really hurting the safety of Canadians is when politicians engage in partisanship and do not stand up to make this country more safe.
What is making this country safe is that this government has tabled a counterterrorism strategy with the combat terrorism act. We would revoke citizenship. We would revoke passports.
We are acting on terrorism, and members opposite vote against those measures.
Public Safety October 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the hon. member that our government increased the number of front-line border officers by 26%. That is what we did.
I would also remind my colleague that, despite objections from the Liberals and the NDP, we passed legislative measures that allow us to revoke the Canadian citizenship of dual-nationalists who commit crimes, including acts of terrorism. We also passed an anti-terrorism law, which included a strategy.
What did the NDP do? They voted against it.
Public Safety October 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, we welcome the recommendations of the Correctional Investigator.
However, we will not do what the New Democrats want to do and give inmates pensions. We see no sense in that.
We are going to continue to ensure that the Correctional Service of Canada works to keep criminals behind bars and we are going to ensure that those with mental health problems are dealt with appropriately.
I have implemented a strategy precisely in order to improve the services provided to inmates with mental health problems, and I look forward to seeing Correctional Services' report in response to the report on the investigation conducted by the Ontario coroner.
Public Safety October 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, we welcome the report of the Correctional Investigator. One thing that is clear on this side of the House is that while we keep criminals behind bars, we also have a serious concern for victims. That is why this government has tabled a victims bill of rights to ensure that our justice system achieves a balance through restoring the rights of victims throughout the system. We will continue to do so.
Public Safety October 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, it is very clear: those who try to engage in terrorist activities here and outside the country pose a threat. That is why we passed the combatting terrorism act and that is why we are revoking passports. We are prepared to go as far as removing dual citizenship when people in that situation are found guilty. We live under the rule of law. My colleague will agree with me that the courts are doing their job and police investigations are ongoing.
What are the hon. member and his party doing to support the fight against terrorism here and elsewhere?
Public Safety October 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, Canadians can rely on the intelligence of their law enforcement community and their national public safety community to keep them safe.
That being said, we have to be vigilant, because there is a threat. That is why this government is sending troops and planes abroad to combat terrorism. We will make sure that while there are air strikes over there, we are keeping Canadians safe here.
Public Safety October 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to inform the House that there are currently 63 investigations under way concerning over 100 individuals. Why? Because Parliament passed a law to fight terrorism. Why is it that the NDP never supports the anti-terrorism measures put in place by the government?
Military Contribution Against ISIL October 6th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her question and I congratulate her on speaking in French.
The Prime Minister was very clear on Friday: we will go where nation states ask us to intervene to fight barbarism. That is exactly what Iraq asked us to do, and that is where we are going.
It is important to understand that humanitarian aid can go hand in hand with military action. I hope my opposition colleagues can understand that it is part of the equation. If we do not prevent these barbarians from uprooting populations, humanitarian aid will be useless. People are being subjected to terror, barbarism and the terrorists' acts of violence. They are also exposing us to the threat of domestic terrorism.
That is why providing humanitarian aid, together with supporting the international coalition, is the solution our government has chosen to enhance security and combat terrorism.
Military Contribution Against ISIL October 6th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for his question. I could give him a copy of the press releases that show Canada's record as a leader in providing humanitarian aid in Iraq.
In 2014 alone, we have spent almost $28 million on tents and supplies. These people are living in terror and suffering reprisals. That is why we are providing them with logistical support.
We put in place legislation to combat terrorism because this threat is found in Canada as well. Unfortunately, we were unable to count on the support of the member and his party to ensure that Canadians who want to fight in Syria are intercepted.
We have concrete examples thanks to this law. For example, Hasibullah Yusufzai wanted to fight in Syria, but we were able to intercept him. He is now facing charges under Canadian law, which makes terrorism a criminal activity punishable by stiff prison sentences.