House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 78% of the vote.
The Economy December 13th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, there is the Christmas spirit: vote against everything that Canadians want by reducing their taxes. The NDP continues to vote against it. Through the actions that this government has taken, every family of four, an average Canadian family, has over $3,000 left in its pockets. That is a good news story going into this Christmas season.
The Economy December 13th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member and his colleagues voted against a plan for jobs and the economy, not just once but several times. They, in fact, vote against Canadians whenever they seem to have an opportunity.
We have cut 120 different taxes for Canadians. The NDP voted over 100 times against those. Reducing the GST for Canadians, they voted not once but twice against that. They voted against the tax-free savings account that helps Canadians save for their future.
Points of Order December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for raising that. I would encourage him to go back and talk to his constituents. I think that many constituents across this country, and we are using the average family of four as an example, have actually got 3,000 more dollars. The best people to ask are the constituents who have that money in their pockets.
The Economy December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Liberals are a little late to the game. We have put in place policies that businesses asked for in the last two and three budgets. I believe that he was one of the Liberal opposition members who voted against it.
Let us hear what CIBC economist Warren Lovely said about Canada. He stated:
With the ranks of AAA-rated credits thinning out, market confidence in a European solution understandably shaky and political disharmony in Washington, Canada should continue to stand out for all the right reasons. Look for international capital to seek out Canada in size during the year ahead.
Taxation December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, in answer to the last question, the Minister of Foreign Affairs missed one important point. The NDP not only vote against every trade deal that we have put forward, it opposes every trade negotiation. Those trade negotiations create jobs in this country. The flow of people and goods across that border is so important.
What we are solely focused on is ensuring we create jobs within this country. Trade is supportive of that, but the policies that we put forward, which have created almost 600,000 net new jobs in this country, are results for Canadians, which is what Canadians asked for.
The Economy December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the job number that matters to Canadians is that 600,000 more Canadians are working today than were working at the end of the recession. That is because of the policies we put in place. It is because businesses are paying less tax, so those businesses can reinvest in themselves and can hire more Canadians. It is simple economics.
The NDP has voted against every one of those plans that we have put forward. We will continue to support our businesses so they can hire Canadians and get them back to work.
The Economy December 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, Canadian families are gaining the benefit of the tax reductions that this government has put forward. As has been mentioned here earlier today, we have taken over a million low-income Canadians completely off the tax roll, which has help families in need. An average family of four in this country pays $3,000 less than it did when we came to government. That is what Canadians want to hear.
Pensions December 7th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, that is why we have been focused on retirement income adequacy for all Canadians. It is not just about seniors who are in retirement now, but it is helping Canadians to prepare for their retirement. The opposition would suggest that we double the Canadian pension plan contribution. Our provincial counterparts do not think that is a good idea, even though the folks that like to tax and spend think that is a good idea. It would actually kill jobs in the country.
What we have done is, working with our partners, the provinces, we have developed a pooled registered pension plan that has been applauded across the country.
Financial Literacy Leader Act November 30th, 2011
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-28, An Act to amend the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Act.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Harmonized Sales Tax November 30th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the only HST error comes from the members of the NDP. They are uncertain whether they are for it or against it. For example, in British Columbia I understand now they are against it. In Quebec they are for the HST. In Nova Scotia they actually supported an increase in the HST.
Those members cannot have it both ways. Either they want to reduce taxes for Canadians and make taxes fairer or they do not. I am assuming they do not.