The Budget  Mr. Speaker, how does the Bloc explain its opposition to a budget that is focused on jobs and economic growth, and that is paving the way to a balanced budget? The Bloc falsely claims that this budget contains nothing good for Quebec. Our government presented a budget with a number of measures that can benefit Quebeckers.

Elimination of Tariffs  Mr. Speaker, today, our government announced that it would be taking action to eliminate all remaining tariffs on manufacturing inputs and machinery and equipment. This will keep us ahead of the pack and show the rest of the world that we are open for business. These measures will help keep and create good manufacturing jobs here in Canada, and lead to the creation of 12,000 jobs in the years to come.

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games  Mr. Speaker, personally and on behalf of the government I would like to congratulate all Canadian athletes on their performances at the Vancouver Olympic Games. Our athletes captivated thousands of Canadians and Quebeckers throughout the games, as we shared in their highs and their lows.

Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, as far as I know, the members of the Bloc voted against the Government of Canada's action plan.

Address in Reply  I do not know how they can tell us today that we are not working extra hard to lead Canada out of the recession. There is no doubt that we are doing the work.

Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, it is written in black and white in the throne speech that we will further strengthen Canada’s retirement income system. I do not know why the NDP member asked that question. We are doing the work. I sincerely believe that our government's work is achieving the desired results and that Canadians have no reason to doubt that we will achieve our goals.

Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, the hon. member feels we have produced next to nothing. I, on the other hand, believe we have accomplished a great deal. Really, we just delivered an excellent Speech from the Throne, and everything she just pointed out is what we are going to be doing. So there is no problem.

Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to speak today in reply to the Speech from the Throne delivered by the Governor General. I want to thank the Prime Minister for giving me this opportunity. Before talking about my constituency and the actions of my government, I would be remiss if I did not say a word about the truly exceptional performance of our athletes at the Olympic Games in Vancouver and Whistler that ended on Sunday.

Economic Action Plan  Mr. Speaker, our economy relies on the success of our businesses. Canada's economic action plan helps these businesses by providing the necessary tools to consolidate, innovate and increase their prosperity. That is why our government has invested in the Tandem Expansion Fund.

Economic Action Plan  Mr. Speaker, today the Minister of Finance presented our government's fourth report on the implementation of Canada's economic action plan. Faced with this unprecedented crisis, Quebeckers and Canadians wanted a government that takes action. That is what we have done. We have helped boost the economy, create jobs and protect Quebeckers and Canadians affected by the crisis.

Employment Insurance  Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government has improved the employment insurance system for all workers and their families. We introduced Bill C-56, which would offer compassionate care and sickness benefits to self-employed workers in Quebec at an affordable and reasonable rate. That is a first.

Official Languages  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the people of the riding of Montmagny—L'Islet—Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup, one of the most francophone ridings in Canada. As elsewhere in Quebec, my fellow citizens expect their member of Parliament to defend and protect our French language.