House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
Afghanistan March 12th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member is aware, of course, there have been a number of occasions where similar reports have been raised.
All we can say is that our military and our officials, when presented with credible, substantiated evidence, have taken very appropriate action. Of course, the point is that when we had an opportunity in government, we changed the arrangement for the better.
Afghanistan March 12th, 2010
With the greatest of respect, Mr. Speaker, we already know what the task of Justice Iacobucci will be. He is undertaking an independent, comprehensive and proper review of the documents related to Taliban prisoners.
He is a respected jurist, as I mentioned before, and he will ensure that the proposed redactions genuinely relate to the information that would be injurious to national security, national defence or international interests, and he will be reporting to all of us.
Afghanistan March 12th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to answer the question from the hon. member, who is in fact acting for the leader of the official opposition. I suppose we are two peas in a pod.
Of course, some of the questions the hon. member is asking will be reviewed by Mr. Justice Iacobucci, who will be doing an independent, comprehensive and proper review of the redaction of the documents. He is a respected jurist, known by Canadians to be in the highest regard. I anticipate, or at least hope, that the hon. member--
Afghanistan March 12th, 2010
Speaking on behalf of the government, Mr. Speaker, I am sure the hon. member is aware that these kinds of allegations are allegations that have cropped up over a number of years. They have been covered at length in terms of the debate in this place as well as investigations. That is one of the reasons why three years ago the government created a new and more robust transfer arrangement that replaced the arrangement put in place by the previous Liberal government before we came to power.
When our military and our officials have been presented with a credible--
Industry March 9th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I find it difficult to comment without commenting on the fact that one of his colleagues, just last Friday in Sudbury, tried to scare public servants out of their jobs. He tried to suggest that I was in Sudbury to close down the FedNor office, scaring public servants who are working hard at their jobs.
That is the disgusting pitiable policies and tactics of the NDP, and it is beneath contempt.
Industry March 9th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, my predecessors at Industry Canada judged every file based on a net benefit to Canada. I can assure the hon. member that continues to be the test.
The facts on the ground, not just from this government's point of view but from the point of view of independent experts, is that foreign direct investment creates jobs, it creates opportunity, it creates innovation, it creates competition and it creates lower prices for consumers. That is the case.
We still need Canadian success, but we also need the success of foreigners who are willing to invest in this country.
Pensions March 9th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member may be aware, we have already amended the BIA, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, with the changes for super priority for unpaid wages.
As she may know, my colleague and his department are also conducting their cross country consultations and discussions with the provinces.
As the hon. member may be aware, 90% of all pensions are under the jurisdiction and competency of provincial governments but we intend to work with the provinces and territories on this very important issue on behalf of Canadians.
Foreign Investment March 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, over the course of this Parliament and the previous Parliament, we have seen that party's record when it comes to protecting workers and Canadians. Those members vote for higher taxes. They vote against the economic measures that are increasing growth and opportunity for Canadians. They vote against those things because they have their own ideology and nothing to say to the workers and Canadians across this country.
Foreign Investment March 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, absolutely nothing. Indeed, the fact of the matter is that Canadians can compete anywhere in the world against any competition and win that battle.
That is what Canadian companies can do and they are doing it right now. They are competing in open markets and we must open our markets as well. If we want more jobs, more innovation, more competitiveness, better prices and more choice for consumers, that requires Canadians and foreign direct investment in measures.
That is what this government is for. We are for the consumer. We are for more jobs, not only for today but also for tomorrow.
Industry December 8th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, indeed today I was pleased to announce a $75 million investment by the Government of Canada for a new venture capital fund. The fund will be a total of $300 million.
This will help Canadian companies grow, expand and create new jobs for Canadians. They will be able to promote their economic activity for new markets, expand production capacity and provide additional working capital. This is another fine example of the economic action plan growing jobs for Canadians.