House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 71% of the vote.
Government Appointments May 28th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the authorities for a successful arrest. While I cannot comment on a specific case, I can say that anyone involved in corruption must face the full force of the law. Arthur Porter resigned nearly two years ago. These allegations have no connection to his role with the federal government.
National Defence May 28th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I do not comment on matters of national security when it involves operational matters. However, I can say that the conclusions in the media report are inaccurate.
National Defence May 28th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I do not comment on operational matters relating to national security. However, I can say that the conclusions drawn in the media report are inaccurate, and the comments of that individual are inaccurate as well.
Public Safety May 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, all I can say is that the various conclusions drawn in the stories are totally incorrect.
Information is shared between law enforcement agencies in accordance with Canadian law. I do not involve myself in operational matters of national security.
Public Safety May 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I cannot comment on operational matters of national security. However, what I can say is not only are the conclusions drawn in the newspaper article profoundly incorrect, the additional allegations made by the member just now are incorrect as well.
National Defence May 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, this is the same individual who indicates that politicians should not get involved in investigative matters. My office does not get involved in investigative matters, but the conclusions that were drawn in that story are totally incorrect.
National Defence May 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, we cannot comment on operational matters of national security. However, what I can say is that the conclusions drawn in that story are totally incorrect. Information is shared between law enforcement agencies in accordance with Canadian law.
Speaking of Canadian law, I am wondering how many NDP MPs have not paid their taxes.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police May 22nd, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome the member back to the House and congratulate her on the birth of her child.
In respect of the issue, I understand that the RCMP did not advise the officer that he could not attend the committee meeting. However, issues with respect to human resources and the management of the RCMP are the responsibility of the commissioner. I do not involve myself in the day-to-day operations of the RCMP.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police May 22nd, 2013
Mr. Speaker, over the past few months Canadians have heard extremely disturbing reports about the conduct of some RCMP officers over the past number of decades. That is why our government made it clear that we would work closely with the commissioner of the RCMP to take action and restore pride in Canada's national police force. That is why I introduced the enhancing RCMP accountability act that would strengthen the RCMP's ability to deal with these matters. Unfortunately, the NDP voted against it and put nothing in its place.
Questions on the Order Paper May 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, Public Safety Canada did not incur any costs related to the National Geographic television program “Border Security: Canada’s Front Line”.
With regard to (a), the production takes place at no extra cost to the CBSA’s front-line operations. For season one of the production, the CBSA incurred an internal cost of less than $60,000, primarily for salary dollars for the required administrative support, including on-site oversight within one region. Season two will be twice the number of episodes and involve more than one region. As such, the CBSA has estimated internal costs to be approximately $160,000 for the required administrative oversight.
There is no exchange of monies between the production company and the CBSA. ¸
With regard to (b), the costs noted in part (a) relate to the CBSA providing administrative support such as regional on-site filming oversight to ensure privacy and operational security during production.
With regard to (c), there are three multimedia agreements between the CBSA and Force Four Productions related to the documentary series, one to govern the production of the demonstration reel and a separate one for each of the first and second seasons in which the CBSA has participated. The multimedia agreements detail the working relationship, responsibilities and requirements of each party and outline the precautions necessary to safeguard Canadian laws as well as CBSA employees, facilities, operations and procedures.
Further, the agreement stipulates that while editorial control rests with the production company, the CBSA will review the content of each episode before airing to verify that operational, legal and privacy considerations are met.
With regard to (d)(ii), no incremental costs were incurred by the CBSA for negotiating, researching or communicating the government’s participation in the documentary series.