Tony Clement

[Industry, February 10th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, Rio Tinto's proposal to acquire Alcan was approved based on its plans and commitments, which demonstrated that Canada was likely to benefit. My representatives have been in contact with the company to oversee the application of those plans and commitments, and they will continue to do so. I believe Rio Tinto will honour its commitments.

[Aerospace Industry, February 10th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows only too well that these kinds of relationships mean that there will be announcements by the contractor as it goes forward. That is certainly the case here. I am sure the hon. member will be the first hon. member to stand up in the House and applaud when those new jobs are announced.

[Aerospace Industry, February 10th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian aerospace industry will be affected by the world economic crisis, as will all other sectors, of course.

We have, however, already announced $900 million for the aerospace industry, through the strategic aerospace and defence initiative, or SADI, and the Canada First defence strategy.

Contracts are going to Canadian and Quebec businesses and the economic action plan is also strengthening our support to industry.

[Mining Industry, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I am standing with the people of Sudbury, which is why, over the whole weekend, we were engaged in this course of negotiations.

It would probably be no surprise to the hon. member to know that Xstrata did not share our view on the legalities of the situation. We got its new undertakings and we were able to secure at least 300 jobs through that one undertaking alone.

Another undertaking to pursue research and development could lead to more jobs. Given the terrible state of mining in the world, it is responsible for us to have that discussion with Xstrata and to come to these conclusions.

[Mining Industry, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, obviously, when I heard about these layoffs, I was disappointed. I have been on the phone with the mayor of Sudbury already today. These are challenging times for mining companies around the world.

I can tell the hon. member and the House that at my direction over the weekend, we had extensive discussions with Xstrata which resulted in further commitments to Sudbury made by Xstrata, including an investment of between $290 million and $390 million in the Sudbury area over the next two years. That is now on the books, and I am very proud to say that. But we are sorry that--

[Research and Development, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the member for Kitchener—Waterloo for his question. I know he is working hard for his constituents in this House and in Ottawa.

This morning I had the privilege of visiting the Canadian Space Agency in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, and was honoured to reaffirm our government's support for the CSA. Through our economic action plan, we are investing $110 million for the development of prototypes for space robotics, vehicles and other valuable technologies.

Overall, our economic plan is investing $5.1 billion in science and technology initiatives, demonstrating our commitment to building our competitive advantage. That is what our economic plan is about. That is why this government is on the right track.

[The Economy, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, that is not the case. We announced over $900 million for the aerospace industry. Our budget—our economic plan—includes many announcements for small and medium-sized businesses and better access to credit. This is a budget—an economic plan—for our times, for our country, for workers and for jobs.

[The Economy, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, no, there are many opportunities in the investment process. Part of this bill allows the opportunity to review this situation. I can also say that it is important to have investments from within Canada as well as from abroad. In this global economic crisis, it is very important to have investments.

Now more than ever we need these investments in this country. That is what the bill is designed to do.

[The Economy, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian trade must remain competitive in today's global economy. That is a fact. The changes proposed in this bill will encourage new investments from abroad and will ensure that those investments do not pose a threat to national security. It is a good bill and I encourage all members to support it.

[The Economy, February 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we are obviously very disappointed by Bombardier's latest announcement. Every sector of the Canadian aerospace industry will be hit by the economic crisis.

However, last week, Bombardier told us that 730 new, permanent jobs will be created in Montreal. That was part of the announcement.

Let us be balanced in our understanding. That would behoove every member of the House.