Tony Clement

[Government Programs, May 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as a result of our changes to the program, 19 new events in other urban centres across the country have had access to the marquee events tourism program. We think that is progress.

We had a cap for the major urban centres, like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton, a cap of a maximum of two events so we could spread the money around and ensure that the diversity of the country was recognized by this program. That is what we have done.

Again, those hon. members are very good at complaining now but they voted against those measures when they came up in the House. That is shameful and disgraceful.

[Government Programs, May 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as I said before, this year, year two of the program, we have made a conscious effort to ensure all centres around the country, including in urban communities outside of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, also have access to the marquee tourism events program, and that has been the case.

In the city of Toronto, two very successful events, Luminato and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, were successful again this year. A number of other events were not successful. If the hon. member had his way, none of them would get any money because of course they voted against the budget.

[Broadband Internet, May 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, on Mothers' Day yesterday, I was pleased to announce the first series of projects under the broadband Canada program. The 52 initial projects in nine provinces and territories will bring broadband Internet access to an estimated 168,000 households. They will soon have access to the economic and social benefits of high speed Internet service for the first time.

Thanks to this government, Canada continues to make great strides in the digital economy. The difference between us and the guys on the other side is that we keep our promises.

[Government Programs, May 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we have announced grants for the Quebec City Winter Carnival, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Festival des traditions du monde de Sherbrooke, the Festival d'été de Québec and the Tremblant Summer Festival. We have helped fund many events for Quebeckers—for Canadians in Quebec. We have supported Quebeckers and Canadians.

[Government Programs, May 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. We have a program. It is important to have events across the country, in other urban centres as well.

Perhaps the hon. member would like to instead cut funding from some of the programs that were funded in order to make up the difference, like the Festival de jazz or Juste pour rire. I am sure the hon. member is not suggesting that.

The fact of the matter is there is a limited amount of funds that is spread out across the country and that is what people expect of the government.

[Government Programs, May 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, what the hon. member fails to talk about is the good news for the dozens of projects across the country that are being funded. These events matter to Canadians in a very diverse way.

In the city of Toronto, of course, there are two events being funded. One is Luminato, which is an excellent new arts and cultural festival that is making a name for itself. We want to ensure it makes an international name for itself.

Similarly, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, after a couple of rough years, is now bouncing back and matters to Canadians from all walks of life. We want it to work as well.

We are proud of our record and this record speaks for itself.

[Government Programs, May 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth in regard to the hon. member's characterization of things.

This is a two-year stimulus program. In year one of this program, almost 75% of the funding went to events in Canada's largest cities. In year two, we wanted to ensure that the money was spread out to some of the smaller cities so they were able to benefit as well. That means that 19 new events are being funded through this program in smaller urban centres. I think that is a win for all of Canada.

[Regional Development, May 5th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I do not know what the hon. member is talking about. He does not know what he is talking about. I know my file, actually.

The hon. member seems to know a lot about rural Ontario. This is the same week that he is increasing the pressure on his members to support the long gun registry and talking about forcing judges to be bilingual.

That hon. member knows nothing about rural Ontario. That hon. member wants to tax rural Ontario and rural Canada into oblivion. We are not going to do that.

[Industry, April 27th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, those kinds of issues are appropriate to the provincial legislature.

The hon. member should stand in his place and defend northern Ontarians, but unfortunately he is a member of the NDP. The NDP wants to raise taxes. It wants to reduce investment. It wants to pursue a protectionist policy. That is not good for northern Ontario and it certainly is not good for Canada.

[Broadband Canada Program, April 27th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we will announce the investments as soon as possible. Obviously, we must consider the possibilities of the broadband Canada program across the country.

I can say to the hon. member that this is part of our commitment to increasing access for rural Canadians, for Canadians in remote circumstances. It is part of our way to make sure that we have a better economy. That is what the economic action plan is all about and that is why we are following through.