House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
Equalization Payments February 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the government is unilaterally and without any consultation amending the equalization formula. The changes mean far fewer dollars will be flowing to provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador. This is no way to run a federation.
Could the Prime Minister tell the House why the government is managing the federation in a manner which is driving federal-provincial relations into the ground?
Forestry Industry November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that she read that deal, and I will say why.
The Conservative minister has absolutely missed the point. Let me be absolutely clear. Today's report reveals that this flawed deal works against the Canadian workers, the very people it was supposed to be helping.
The workers, as I said, are crying out for help. Instead of defending the flawed Conservative deal, why is she not getting up and defending the Canadian workers and their jobs?
Forestry Industry November 27th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, on the day when we may learn that Canada is being plunged back into deficit, it is being reported that the Conservatives' extremely flawed softwood lumber deal has actually created more jobs in the United States of America than in Canada. This is yet another example of the poor management by the Conservative government.
Forestry workers in British Columbia are crying out for help. Where is the government's plan for this ailing sector and its workers?
Afghanistan November 25th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know specifically which country is adding 1,000 more troops.
The Manley report and the resulting resolution asked the government to be more transparent and accountable to all Canadians on the Afghanistan issue. We now know there have been serious concerns and allegations with respect to detainee transfers which may have resulted in abuse and torture.
Why is the government now moving before the courts to actually bar the Military Police Complaints Commission from conducting hearings into these matters?
Afghanistan November 25th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, the extension of our mission in Afghanistan was approved by the House expressly on the condition that NATO secure a battle group of approximately 1,000 troops to rotate into Kandahar which would be operational no later than February 2009.
I have two questions. First, has NATO secured additional 1,000 troops under NATO command to rotate into Kandahar? Two, our role by February 2009 by implication was supposed to have changed significantly. Is there any anticipated change and, if so, what?
National Security June 19th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Couillard certainly had relationships with organized crime.
Experts have testified before the public safety committee that a foreign affairs review is absolutely inadequate and that it simply will not do the job.
The major players in this matter, the Prime Minister's office, the PCO, the RCMP, CSIS and the national security advisor have been incompetent, muzzled or both.
It is time to end the cover-up. It is time for a public inquiry. Will the government finally act and do it today?
National Security June 19th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, there are at least four federal departments implicated in the scandal surrounding the ex-foreign affairs minister and Ms. Couillard. There are secret documents, multi-million dollars contracts, patronage appointments and the infiltration of government by organized crime.
Therefore, it is easy to see why an internal review by foreign affairs is just a diversion and a whitewash.
Will the government stop this cover-up and call a public inquiry today?
National Security June 18th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, that is an alarming answer. It is actually alarming that the government continues to ignore questions about national security. It is equally alarming that it did not even occur to the PCO, which takes its orders from the Prime Minister, that it should examine the possibility of organized crime infiltrating the government.
Will the government stop the cover-up, call a public inquiry to get to the bottom of these national security concerns and do so now?
National Security June 18th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP could not say whether it had alerted the PCO about security concerns because it could jeopardize current, past or future investigations. However, the PCO went right ahead and issued a press release stating that the RCMP had not raised any concerns. It said that it did this to clear up media speculation.
Does clearing up media speculation matter more to the government than actually looking after the national security of this country?
National Security June 18th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP testified that Julie Couillard was known to it and that it would alert the PCO if a minister was involved with someone with ties to organized crime.
The PCO testified that a background review was done for the member just this past April. The PCO also testified that the RCMP did not raise red flags about the ex-minister and Ms. Couillard. This just does not add up.
Is the government at all concerned about our national security or is it just happy to cover up the facts?