House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2008, with 58% of the vote.
The Conservative Government December 3rd, 2008
Mr. Speaker, maybe after question period, outside the House, the member will be able to tell us all whether he and I ever talked about a coalition. The answer is: we never did.
He can give us an answer after question period. Perhaps it a dream for him, but it would have been a nightmare for Canadians and for me.
The Economy December 3rd, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and honoured to repeat that I had not seen or heard of this document until last night. I never authorized this document and I have never, ever discussed this document.
As I have said before, it would be bad enough, it would be going against my very DNA to do a coalition deal with socialists. It would absolutely go against my heart and the hearts of Canadians to do a deal with separatists. No coalition with separatists.
The Economy December 3rd, 2008
Mr. Speaker, before last night, I had never seen this document, I had never heard of this document and I never authorized this document. It is a complete fabrication.
I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, my DNA would never allow me to do a deal, a coalition, with socialists and my heart would never allow me to do a deal with separatists.
Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act December 1st, 2008
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Economic and Fiscal Statement December 1st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I have a couple of quick questions.
The member opposite mentioned the political subsidy to parties and tied that to democracy. Does he realize that was a very recent introduction into our political system by former Prime Minister Chrétien? Does he not think that democracy flourished fairly well for 140 years without it or was there no appreciable democracy before the tax-forced subsidy?
Could he also comment on the effect of this coalition talk over the weekend? This is an economic question that relates directly to the update. The Toronto Stock Exchange, in closing on Friday, had six days of gains and improvements, and over the weekend with the coalition discussions it has turned negative.
In that context, can he explain how he can look people in the eye and say that he is going to build a coalition that relies specifically on the support of people who are trying to tear the country apart? That would be the Bloc Québécois. Does he think that has any impact at all in a positive or philosophical way or, in fact, a moral way with his own political persuasions? Could he explain that to us, please?
Forestry Industry November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, on the question of the softwood lumber deal itself, the members of the opposition have a very short memory. They forget that for years the industry was being assailed by attacks from the U.S. side, resulting in millions of dollars of litigation and untold amounts being paid to quotas.
The deal has the virtual unanimous support of the industry. This industry is being hit by a global crisis and players in that industry are having to make some tough decisions. Let us remember that the deal returned $4.5 billion to Canadian industries. It is not a fault of the deal.
Afghanistan November 26th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, a report entitled, “Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan”. This report is further to the recommendations of the independent panel on Afghanistan, also known as the Manley panel.
I might just add at this time that we continue to be indebted to our men and women in uniform who are making a difference in Afghanistan, saving lives and protecting freedoms of everybody. We appreciate that.
International Trade November 24th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate we have more or less just returned to session and people are busy. This is a very thick document that was signed, but the sections that are being referred to by the hon. members are very clear. There is a very clear protection on human rights. The enforceable standards to comply with the International Labour Organization on everything from child labour to health and safety and occupation issues are very clear provisions.
This is not just for the many companies that are investing in Colombia. There are other companies there that have not been subject to these rules. They are now subject to them, along with rules on the environment and corruption.
International Trade November 24th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, it was an honour for me to sign the document mentioned by my friend. I would like to encourage him to read it because it contains very precise and specific sections. In chapter 16 in particular, I believe sections 16.3 and 16.4 relate to human rights and the rights of workers. The wording is very clear and strong.
Points of Order June 19th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, barring some legal requirement, which I cannot foresee, I will be happy to do that.