House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
Aerospace Industry February 3rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, our government certainly does support that sector. The aerospace industry is doing well in Quebec. Lockheed Martin announced over $660 million in spending in the province. In early January, I announced a $52.3 million investment in CMC.
There is a lot of investment going on in this sector by our government and by the private sector. We continue to support this sector.
Trade February 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, our government acknowledges the importance of the aerospace industry to the economy. It is obviously a very important part of the Quebec economy as well as of the entire country's economy.
We have supported this industry in our 2008 and 2009 budgets. This industry represents part of our economic plan for Canada and Quebec also. Naturally we support an action plan for Canada that will invest in industries of the future, as is the case with the aerospace industry.
Infrastructure January 28th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for the question and congratulate him on his boundless advocacy and his great work on this particular file. He really has been an excellent MP in working for his constituents.
As a representative of a large rural riding myself, I can tell the House that I know the necessity of expanding broadband access for jobs, hope and opportunity in the future. Budget 2009 is meeting that call. It is providing $225 million over three years to extend broadband coverage to all unserved areas. This expansion is important for rural and remote communities, but most important, it is nation building. It is important for the future of Canada.
Industry January 27th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the facts are clear. We invested in the aerospace sector in the 2007 and 2008 budgets, and we will increase our investments in the current budget, I hope. I think the Minister of Finance recognizes this problem as a challenge to be addressed. If we work together, we can increase assistance to the aerospace sector and to other industries.
Automotive Industry December 1st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, in fact we have been dealing with the auto sector. The previous budget, budget 2008, was the start of our plans.
The fact of the matter is that we have done more in the Government of Canada for automakers than south of the border. That has been recognized. We have been there for the auto sector, but we will not give money for nothing. That is not part of our agenda. That is not part of being responsible to the people of Canada. We want to see a plan. That is why we are proud to be Conservatives.
Automotive Industry December 1st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, indeed we have been working on the auto file with our colleagues in the Liberal Ontario government to work out a plan of action. That is why I, along with my colleague, Mike Bryant, minister of economic development in Ontario, sent a letter to the automakers, so that we can get a plan on the table.
Maybe members on the other side like giving away money without any plans, but on this side of the House we believe in a plan, we believe in the taxpayers and we believe in the people of Canada.
Automotive Industry November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, we have already announced a number of action plans for the automotive industry and more than $250 million to support innovation in this industry. In the throne speech, we announced more money for this industry. For over two years we have been taking action for the good of the industry, as we have been for all of Canada's industries.
Automotive Industry November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, as I said, at this time we are gathering the information we need to make the right decision. It is important to contact our partners, including the Government of Ontario, of course, to get all the information we need to make the right decision for Canadian taxpayers and for the sector itself.
Automotive Industry November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, right now we are gathering the facts that will allow us to make the right decision.
We believe in doing the right thing for the taxpayers. That means making sure that whatever decision we make on any issue affecting economic policy, we have all of the facts on the table. I know that is alien to the shoot, fire, aim gang over there, but on this side of the House, we care about the decisions we make. We want to make sure they are the right decisions for the people of Canada and that they are the right decisions, incidentally, for the auto sector as well.
Automotive Industry November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. One of my first actions as industry minister was to meet with the Canadian CEOs to get their picture on the situation. I then went to meet the American senior executives and senior policy-makers in Washington. I did so not only alone, on behalf of the Government of Canada, but I had with me the Government of Ontario. We are working in partnership.
Members may know the Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty. He said that we need to be really thoughtful and make sure we get this right, we are talking about what could be a very expensive support package, and if we are going to do this, taxpayers in particular want us to do it right. We are with Dalton.