House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 78% of the vote.
The Economy September 22nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, excuse me for confusing sound economic policy with anything the NDP puts forward. That is not exactly the case. In fact, as the Prime Minister has just said, unemployment rates are still too high, but they are 1% below the United States. We put money into this economy to create jobs and that is what is important to Canadians. We continue on job creation and the economy. That is our main focus to ensure that as many Canadians who want to work can have a job.
The Economy September 22nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the government did not wait. We acted and we acted quickly.
After we took government, we paid down $37 billion in debt. That is what put us in the position where we could stimulate the economy. What happened with that stimulus? Our country has 600,000 more people working now because of our economic action plan.
Air Canada September 20th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, our labour minister has been front and centre in ensuring that whatever happens, the parties involved in this discussion continue their discussions. The pensions seem to be at the middle of it. We hope they can settle. However, it is very important that we ensure the economy is not negatively impacted. The pensions will be dealt with in due time.
Restoring Mail Delivery for Canadians Act June 25th, 2011
He did not attack the member's character.
Restoring Mail Delivery for Canadians Act June 25th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. We know that people are sleep deprived in here, but there is no rightful reason for that hon. member to attack someone's character. He should at least apologize for that derogatory comment.
Pensions June 20th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the only mistake we will not follow is that of the Liberal government that chose to do nothing about this. This situation did not just happen overnight. This has taken years to build.
We have reduced taxes for seniors by $2 billion. That is an important benefit for them, but it is not all that they need. They need assistance in saving for their own retirement. That is what we are putting together in conjunction with the provinces. We will be bringing that idea forward to the House very soon, a shared plan with our partners in the provinces.
Pensions June 20th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, in fact, it is this party that actually recognized the inconsistency with retirement income in this country.
We are working with our partners, the provinces and the territories. Over 63% of Canadians do not have either a defined benefit or a defined contribution plan. We are making sure that it is equal and fair for all Canadians.
Sales Tax Harmonization June 16th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all those who are allowed to participate in the referendum to participate in it. That is democracy.
That choice was the provincial government's choice in British Columbia, just like it was in Ontario and in other provinces.
I encourage everyone to participate in that.
Sales Tax Harmonization June 16th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, that is the choice of the provincial government. My understanding is that there is a referendum and no one should be interfering in that referendum. The people of British Columbia will choose. They elected a government that chose that. That is their decision and their decision alone.
Sales Tax Harmonization June 16th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, our finance minister is always willing to take responsibility for the economy, which is the strongest in the G7. However, he should not have to take responsibility for something that is provincial jurisdiction.
The hon. member should understand that those are provincial decisions and that they are made on behalf of the provincial government.