House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
National Defence February 17th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have broken several election promises, including the promise to limit the deficit to $10 billion.
However, they cite the promise to withdraw our CF-18s. The majority of Canadians oppose the Prime Minister's decision.
Why are the Liberals going against the wishes of Canadians and why are they leaving it to our allies to do the heavy lifting in the fight against the Islamic State?
Foreign Affairs February 17th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency was established in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees.
However, Hamas, listed as a terrorist organization in many countries, including Canada, has used UNRWA resources to attack Israel, notably the storage of weapons and incitement to violence against Israel in schools operated by UNRWA.
Human rights organizations have cited the redirection of funds and materials by Hamas for its own purposes and UN Watch has even accused UNRWA staffers of using their positions to incite attacks against our friend and ally, Israel. This is in direct contradiction of the UN's goal of neutrality.
Canadian aid for Palestinians must go directly to specific humanitarian programs and peaceful infrastructure projects.
We call on the Liberals to find more appropriate ways to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. We call on them to join B'nai Brith and Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center in opposing new funding for the flawed UNRWA.
Foreign Affairs January 27th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, while the government is snuggling up to Iran, our allies are going in a very different direction. Reports are that France has asked the European Union to consider new sanctions against Iran over the recent ballistic missile tests.
How can the government reduce sanctions at the exact time that our allies are apparently reconsidering and increasing those very sanctions?
Foreign Affairs January 27th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the Liberal plan to abandon sanctions against Iran overturns a principled stand.
Iran is committing horrible human rights violations against its own people, particularly women and religious minorities. What is more, it supports terrorism and regularly talks about the destruction of Israel.
Why is the government giving Iran a free pass and compromising Canadian values?
Parry Sound—Muskoka January 27th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, in my first member's statement, I am saluting my tremendous riding of Parry Sound—Muskoka, and in particular, all of its volunteers and supporters of charity.
My community is a generous one, and I want to highlight some outstanding examples, starting with the pride of Parry Sound, Bobbie Orr, who has announced that in May, he will be hosting an evening recognizing young community leaders and the contributions of youth sport.
In Huntsville, Chris and George Gilley have donated $250,000 to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, earmarked for the chemotherapy clinic.
Brock and Willa Napier, from Minett, have donated $500,000 to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. The Napiers have also donated $750,000 toward a wellness centre in Port Carling.
Burk's Falls Winterfest was held this month and celebrated village mascot Pete the Bear, played lovingly by Ken McIntyre for the 20th consecutive winter.
In December, the Muskoka Parry Sound Hockey League raised close to $2,000 toward a bursary fund.
These are but a few examples of the generous nature of the people of Parry Sound—Muskoka. I am so proud to be their member of Parliament.
Foreign Affairs January 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, it has been reported that Bombardier was trying to do business in Iran despite the fact that Canada has strict sanctions in place.
There are legitimate reasons for these sanctions, such as threats to Israel's existence and Iran's support of terrorism.
Does Bombardier know something that the rest of Canada does not? Has the government already lifted sanctions against Iran?
Foreign Affairs January 26th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, there is a report today that indicates that when the Prime Minister met with Vladimir Putin in Turkey they both expressed a desire to normalize relations, but that is not what we heard from the Prime Minister when he reported to Canadians in the aftermath of that meeting. Now we hear Russia's foreign minister wants Canada to ease up on its unwavering support for the people of Ukraine.
Why is the Government of Canada turning its back on the people of Ukraine? Why is the Prime Minister playing footsie with Putin?
National Defence December 10th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, the Liberals still have not told us what they plan to do about our mission against ISIS.
Canadians support that fight. They deserve to know why we are turning our back on it. Our allies deserve a real partner, not someone who just stands on the sidelines. That has never been the Canadian way of doing things.
What is the plan?
National Defence December 10th, 2015
Mr. Speaker, it is clear in the House today that the Prime Minister is really excited about quaffing champagne and nibbling on canapés in the White House.
However, here is what he has to say about terrorism. He has an aversion to talking about terrorism, talking to Canadians about the reality of terrorism. He said in this very House, “what we will not do is continue trying to talk about it and give ISIS any free publicity”. Meanwhile, our American allies, our French allies, our British allies have no problem calling out ISIS.
Why are the Liberals' sitting quietly by while our allies take on the burden alone?
Business of Supply December 10th, 2015
Madam Speaker, the hon. member has made some very important points about the importance of the continuity of the mission. I would only further add my own comment on the words of the Minister of National Defence, which is that it is a bit curious for the hon. minister to criticize our position, which is to stand by our allies, by saying we should have stood earlier, when his government is not standing by our allies. There is a logical inconsistency there, which I hope the hon. minister can remedy at the earliest occasion.