Fair Representation Act  Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to have this opportunity to speak about fairness and representation for all Canadians. In the last election and in previous elections, our party committed to Canadians that we would address the growing unfairness in representation. During the last e

Fair Representation Act  Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest to my colleague's speech. The problem is that when the Liberals were governing, they were used to having winners and losers in the provinces. They would pick winners and losers. This is a fair formula that we brought forward for all the provi

Political Loans Accountability Act  moved for leave to introduce Bill C-21, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (accountability with respect to political loans). (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, we have introduced principled legislation that is fair for all provinces. Quebec has 23% of the population and will have 23% of the seats in the House of Commons. The fair representation act would bring every single province closer to representation by population.

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, today I introduced Bill C-20, the fair representation act. The bill would deliver a principled and reasonable update to our seat allocation formula, providing fair representation for Canadians living in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. It delivers on our commit

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, our government made three distinct promises concerning representation in the House of Commons. First, we would increase the number of seats now and in the future to better reflect population growth in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta. Second, we would protect th

Democratic Reform  Mr. Speaker, the Liberals' agenda is clear. They would rather support the status quo in the Senate than reasonable and achievable reforms. Alberta has shown that giving Canadians a say in Senate nominees is not only possible, but it works. We congratulate Premier Alward and his

Political Party Subsidies  Mr. Speaker, in 2006 our government took big business and big labour out of politics with the Federal Accountability Act. We are acting quickly to continue bringing transparency to government by phasing out the direct subsidy of political parties. We think money should come from

Senate Reform Act  Madam Speaker, I e listened to the hon. member's speech with great interest and I picked up on two things from it. First, he agrees with us that there needs to be some type of Senate reform, that we need to make some changes to the Senate. He does not agree with the way it is t

Senate Reform Act  Madam Speaker, it is important to listen to Canadians and to have a sense of what they are saying about the Senate. I had an opportunity this summer to travel from coast to coast to coast and listen to what Canadians are saying about the Senate. We are hearing over and over that

Senate Reform Act  Madam Speaker, it is absolutely important that the Senate continue to have its independence to freely do its studies and not be reliant upon the government for renewal or reappointment at any time. That is why we have proposed a non-renewable nine-year term. Senators would have t

Senate Reform Act  Madam Speaker, I am surprised that the member is not completely jumping for joy regarding Senate reform. He said that he has concerns about the Senate. That is why we are bringing forward these reforms. Senators elected in their provinces by Canadians who are being represented by

Senate Reform Act  Madam Speaker, the member talked about the constitutionality of the Senate selection process. It actually does not change the Senate selection process. We are asking the provinces to provide nominees. The Prime Minister would consider those nominees in making recommendations to t

Senate Reform Act  Madam Speaker, first, it is obvious that the status quo in the Senate is unacceptable. Canadians have said this. Seven out of 10 believe it is unacceptable. It is unfortunate. Although the NDP members talk about the reforms, they have not suggested any reforms that would be reas

Senate Reform Act  moved that Bill C-7, An Act respecting the selection of senators and amending the Constitution Act, 1867 in respect of Senate term limits, be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to begin debate today on the Senate reform act, Bill C-7. The