House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 78% of the vote.
The Economy February 4th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the Chicago Tribune is right. Canada is indeed among the world's most prosperous countries, thanks to our economic action plan. That plan has actually helped Canada create over 900,000 net new jobs since the end of the recession. That is why the IMF and the OECD are predicting that we will have among the strongest growth in all of the G7 countries.
However, we need to keep focused on this. The economy is fragile. The last thing we need is a $21-billion NDP carbon tax.
The Economy February 1st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, unlike the NDP, we actually believe in the Canadian economy. We continue to support the Canadian economy to help it grow. We believe that by leaving more money in Canadians' pockets, they can actually help the Canadian economy grow and help grow jobs. In fact, through what we have put forward in policies, Canadian families have over $3,000 more per family in their pockets.
Unlike the NDP, we will encourage Canadians to invest. Through that, through the businesses in Canada, we have created over 900,000 net new jobs since the end—
Taxation January 31st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, actually making taxes fair is a surprising comment coming from a Liberal. The only thing I have ever heard previously from the Liberals is, “Let's raise taxes on Canadians”. We hear that every day from them. We hear it from the NDP opposition members who have actually put a quantifying number on it of $21 billion. That is how high they want to raise taxes.
We have focused on reducing taxes, making it simpler for Canadians, but most of all reducing their tax burden. In fact, a family of four is paying $3,000 less now than they were before.
The Economy January 30th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Essex for that question.
Today the economist at Scotiabank announced that auto sales climbed last year by a 6% margin, largely due to the strength of the resource-rich provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
More auto sales mean more jobs for Canadians all across this country and more jobs in Ontario. Our government looks at this evidence. This is more evidence that a strong resource sector makes a strong country. We will not—
The Economy January 30th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, speaking of responsibilities, it was rather irresponsible of the NDP to vote against all of the tax reductions we have provided to Canadians, which actually put back in consumers' pockets, a family of four, some $3,000.
I would remind the NDP that it actually voted against that. Every time we attempt to leave more tax dollars in people's own hands so they can spend it as they wish, the NDP votes against it. I cannot even imagine what a $21 billion carbon tax would do.
The Economy January 30th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance has recognized that there are some problems out there with household debt. That is why we acted.
However, we do need to clarify the misinformation that was part of that question. Equifax actually has reported that credit card debt has fallen by nearly 4% in 2012, so it was rather misleading information in the question.
We have also moved four times to tighten mortgage lending and introduced new credit card rules to protect consumers. We are on consumers' side. We are not just trying to frighten them.
Pensions December 12th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, certainly we do want to make sure that pensioners are protected. Industry Canada looks after that, and we have actually brought pensioners up above where they were under a prior government. We continue to work with our provincial partners, making sure that pensioners are protected at all levels.
The Economy December 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Chatham-Kent—Essex for his question. That is accurate. PricewaterhouseCoopers today confirmed that, due to our government's actions, Canada has one of the best tax systems to help businesses create jobs. In fact, we have moved up three spots. We now rank in the top 10, earning high praise for low taxes and less red tape.
Let me quote from that report. It states that Canada has “attractive tax regimes, which impact all companies—in particular small-medium sized domestic companies”.
Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 December 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I share my hon. colleague's frustration that we have heard so much about a $21.5 billion carbon tax. That was not our idea; we are just repeating what the NDP said. They should stop saying it if they do not want to hear any more about it.
We have an incredible environment minister who is actually at an international conference right now, making sure that we are able to protect our environment. I represent some of the most beautiful landscape in this country, beautiful mountains and pristine streams. We all realize how important they are, but we protect them through environmental regulations. We do not do it by stopping or increasing navigation on any river. There are different departments that look after different things in this country.
Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 December 3rd, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I am not bragging about Canada's accomplishments but about the accomplishments of the businesses of this country that employ Canadians. We have put in place a lower tax plan that leaves more money for businesses to expand. It is businesses that create the jobs and employ Canadians, and that is exactly what makes the economy work.
When I hear comments like the member's, I cannot help but ask, as many of my constituents have done in the last few weeks, what on earth it would cost if we allowed the NDP to throw a $21.5 billion carbon scheme on top of this.
We put in the budget implementation act improvements to the registered disability savings plan. We are putting in place many things like that, including taxation rules for the pooled registered pension plan. These are all to help Canadians and to keep them sustainable.