Mr. Speaker, we are going to continue to look for ways to improve government efficiency. This is an approach that will pay off. If a government leaves positions vacant then some people will want to fill them whether or not they are needed.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2008, with 58% of the vote.
Government Spending March 9th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we are going to continue to look for ways to improve government efficiency. This is an approach that will pay off. If a government leaves positions vacant then some people will want to fill them whether or not they are needed.
Government Appointments March 8th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this is an important question because it was over a year ago that we said we would carry out a review of all of these government appointments. These are not public servants. These are government appointments to trades, to commissions, boards and agencies.
It was found that in looking at some 2,700 positions, about 245 of them, most of which were vacant at the time pending the review, could actually be dispensed with, and yet the agencies and boards could still operate efficiently.
It is what taxpayers want us to do. They want us to conduct the affairs of government and its services in an efficient way, and do it in a way that respects the taxpayers. That is what we are doing and we will keep doing it.
Access to Information March 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it is actually the previous government that continued to vote against our request for expanded capability to get information out to our citizens. We have reversed that course.
We have increased the dollars to the Access to Information Commissioner. We have increased that budget by over $2 million. Also, we have expanded the number of agencies that can in fact be looked at. The Liberals used to protect those. We do not believe in that. We believe in being transparent and that is the path in which we are going to continue.
Business of Supply March 3rd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I move:
That the business of supply be considered at the next sitting of the House.
Export Development Canada December 10th, 2009
Madam Speaker, I also have the honour to table the government's response to the legislative review of Export Development Canada.
Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan December 10th, 2009
Madam Speaker, with the greatest respect for the member and in the interest of the members, I would like to table some documents.
As a point of interest and based on timing, I am considering the coincidental matters which the hon. member is speaking to. In accordance with Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table the sixth quarterly report on Canada's engagement with Afghanistan.
International Trade December 10th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, there are currently more than 8,000 sites in the world where Canadian mining companies operate. We have put in place a process to establish the best regulations in the world for mining companies. We also have an advisor who can provide advice to companies.
Criminal Code November 23rd, 2009
moved that the bill be read the third time and passed.
Criminal Code November 23rd, 2009
moved that Bill C-36, an act to amend the Criminal Code, as amended, be concurred in at report stage.
Sealing Industry November 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, we had hoped that the European Union would follow the scientific evidence related to the seal hunt. Unfortunately, it did not. It was responding to misinformation by a professional anti-seal hunting lobby.
The Canadian seal hunt is legal. It is done in a sustainable manner and it follows international humane guidelines.
We did make the commitment that should the EU vote to ban Canadian seal hunt products, we would take steps. We have filed a challenge with the WTO. We will protect the Canadian seal hunt.