House of Commons photo

Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was respect.

Last in Parliament July 2013, as Conservative MP for Provencher (Manitoba)

Won his last election, in 2011, with 71% of the vote.

Statements in the House

RCMP June 11th, 2012

Mr. Speaker, we have been very proud of the work that we have done with the RCMP. For example, we invested over $150 million in the Depot Division in Regina to ensure that what happened under the Liberal Party does not happen again where it shut down training at Depot.

That is the party that turned its back on the RCMP. We will continue to work with the RCMP and ensure that Canadians are safe.

Public Safety June 7th, 2012

Mr. Speaker, the prisoner influx predicted by the NDP and the Liberals simply has not materialized. We have always said that we are not creating new prisoners, merely stopping the revolving door of justice. The numbers show that we are right. Over the last year the prison population has only increased by 85. We are closing prisons that are costly and ineffective in order to protect taxpayer dollars.

Corrections union Ontario vice-president Jason Godan said today, “Is Kingston Penitentiary conducive to modern-day rehabilitation? Maybe not”. That is a big admission for a big union boss.

Public Safety June 6th, 2012

Mr. Speaker, everyone on this side of the House as well as that side condemns the horrible mutilation of a human being. We are very concerned that this type of material would be broadcast. Since this is a police investigation, I am going to let the police continue their investigation. There are laws on the books that can deal with this. We have to leave this in the hands of the police to do the right thing.

That is a member who does not support giving police powers, but the police are doing a good job with the powers that they have.

Justice June 6th, 2012

Mr. Speaker, together with the Minister for Status of Women, I was pleased to announce today the national action plan to combat human trafficking.

We are focusing on four pillars of this strategy: prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. These measures will strengthen the coordination between our front-line police officers to put a stop to human trafficking.

Our government is committed to ensuring we stamp out this despicable crime once and for all.

RCMP June 4th, 2012

Mr. Speaker, I have been discussing this issue with the commissioner from the time that he was appointed. I am very pleased with the very proactive and public way in which the commissioner has voiced his concerns about reform inside the RCMP.

We are going to be bringing in new legislation. I hope, for once, that that member and her party will support legislation that will enhance the reputation of the RCMP and gain credibility among the people of Canada.

Public Safety May 31st, 2012

Mr. Speaker, last year our government announced the Kanishka project, which will invest in research on the issue surrounding terrorism. The Kanishka project is named after the Air India flight 182 plane that was bombed on June 23, 1985. Our government has committed a total of $10 million over five years to the project as a way to honour the memory of the victims.

Yesterday I was proud to announce the first round of projects funded under the program. I look forward to seeing Canada become a world leader on research on the issue surrounding terrorism.

I want to thank the member for his involvement in this project.

Public Safety May 30th, 2012

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the 2011 annual report on the RCMP's use of the law enforcement justification provisions, as per sections 25.1 to 25.4 of the Criminal Code.

Border Crossing May 30th, 2012

Mr. Speaker, we are always looking at ways to improve service for Canadians. That is what our beyond the borders initiative is doing.

The Prime Minister signed the agreement with the president in order to find ways to keep more smaller airports and border crossings open.

I hope that the NDP join us in that initiative so that we can work to protect smaller areas, to provide the services that local constituents require.

Disaster Assistance May 29th, 2012

Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to those affected by the flooding. Management of these situations rests primarily with the Province of Ontario, but there is room for federal involvement through the provisions of the disaster financial assistance agreement.

I have also discussed this matter with the member for Kenora to ensure that the voices of northern Ontarians are being heard along with that member. The Government of Canada stands ready to assist should we be requested to do so.

Public Safety May 29th, 2012

Notwithstanding the comments by the member for Wascana, Mr. Speaker, we will work with the RCMP. We will not shut it down. We will ensure that the Canadian people are protected.