Most toxic speeches
Mr. Speaker, last week, we learned that a Canadian-funded Syrian hospital was bombed. Such acts are clearly unacceptable and an assault on the rights of every woman and man in the world.Can the Minister of International Development tell the House what our government has done in response to this despicable act?
Mr. Speaker, at the heart of our public health care system is one simple principle: no one should have to pay out of pocket for health care. Yet, patients all across the country are being charged extra fees for medical services, and the Government of Canada is doing nothing about it. Some Canadians have become so frustrated with Liberal inaction, they filed a lawsuit today against the federal government. Why will the minister not do her job, enforce the Canada Health Act, and act immediately to put a stop to user fees?
Mr. Speaker, the cat is really out of the bag now. It was reported today that talks between the Liberal government and Iran to re-establish diplomatic ties are well under way.Despite the minister's protestations in the House yesterday that Iran will remain listed as a state sponsor of terror, it is clear that the Canadian government is on the fast track to normalize relations with Tehran. The government seems determined to cave in to this odious regime's demands.How can the government negotiate with a state sponsor of terror?
Mr. Speaker, speaking of parliamentary procedure, in committee today, the Liberals had a chance to vote with us to require KPMG to give the names. Do members know what they did? They used parliamentary procedure to avoid that.Let us talk about the Liberals avoiding their responsibility in another key area, which is climate change. They signed Kyoto the last time they were in power and went on to have one of the worst records in the world. This time they went to Paris and said that Canada was back. Unfortunately, Canada was back with the Conservative plan. Why is there no plan to reduce greenhouse gases in Canada? Canadians want to know.
Mr. Speaker, under the former government, Canada was alone in having an empty chair with a lot of countries when it disliked the regimes, which was the wrong approach. All our allies are asking us to stop this wrong approach, and it is what we will do with Iran. In order to see progress on human rights and progress on the protection of Canada's interests and the interests of our allies, including Israel, Canada will engage with Iran with open eyes, step by step.
Mr. Speaker, in February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Trade announced that Canada was positioning for commercial trade in Iran. Yesterday, the minister told us the Liberals have no current plan to delist Iran as a state sponsor of terror. Exactly how does he think he can negotiate these two diametrically opposite courses? Can he tell us when he expects to sit down for a business chat with his terror-sponsoring, human-rights-abusing Iranian counterpart?
Mr. Speaker, the Baha'i faith was founded in Iran, but Baha'is in Iran today face significant persecution, which includes executions and the destruction of holy sites. We are well aware of Iran's belligerence, but the suppression of the Iranian people and efforts to crush the Baha'i community in particular are also part of the record of this vile government, which requires our attention.After killing the Office of Religious Freedom more than a month ago, what is the government going to do for religious and ethnic minorities in Iran?
Mr. Speaker, we have all heard of March madness.Here is what the Liberals did in March, by their own budget numbers. They took the $7.5 billion surplus we left them, spent every dime of it, and then spent another $5 billion on top of that, in one month. It is reckless, it is irresponsible, and every Canadian is going to have to pay it back.Does the Prime Minister understand that it is actually not his money to spend? It belongs to hard-working Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General showed that the government did not implement adequate measures to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.The department is not taking the impact on veterans into account when managing its drug program. For once the Liberals cannot blame the Conservatives, since the Liberal budget did not include a single penny for mental health care services.When will the Liberals support our veterans and invest in their mental health?
Mr. Speaker, the charging of ancillary fees for health care services is a problem that has been going on in Quebec for years, and the government has done nothing to stop it.Now, a huge coalition of groups, including the FADOQ, the Québec Medical Association, and the FIQ, are taking the Government of Canada to court to make it enforce the Canada Health Act.Will the minister do her duty, enforce the law, and put an end to ancillary fees?
Mr. Speaker, the government's approach is irresponsible. It is obvious that the Minister of Finance has completely lost control of public spending. Running up a $30-billion deficit, with more to come, is irresponsible to today's society and especially to our children and grandchildren, who are going to pay for this government's excesses.When will the government finally get in touch with reality and stop putting our grandchildren into debt?
Mr. Speaker, enough jokes about the previous government. Let us talk about this government. The current Liberal government's failure to take action on the diafiltered milk file is really hurting dairy producers across Canada. They can no longer borrow money, and they are losing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Liberals have been sitting on their hands for six months.Will they support the NDP motion and stand up for our family dairy farms?
Mr. Speaker, half of Canada's dairy farms are in Quebec. Imported diafiltered milk is hurting my home province. We are talking about thousands of dollars lost every week. Our regional economies are in jeopardy. In a show of solidarity, the hon. member for ChicoutimiLe Fjord poured a bag of powered milk on his head. Imagine that. However, in the House, there has been no show of support for our farmers, and nothing is being done to resolve their problem. What will it take for government members from Quebec to start representing their constituents, a nod from Toronto?
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada abroad. Since the opposition is so interested in this issue, I will repeat that they should keep in mind that it was their own former leader who spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to pay a consultant to find American interviews.We do not have to pay Republican hacks to organize media appearances
Mr. Speaker, Canadian ranchers produce the safest and best-quality beef in the world. Some people with vested interests have attacked the Canadian industry over the last number of weeks and months, and some restaurants have even stopped serving Canadian beef. This Canadian farm boy is not going to eat at those restaurants anymore. I am wondering if the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food across the way will stand and commit to supporting Canadian agriculture, and do the same.
Mr. Speaker, is it reckless and irresponsible to be lowering taxes for the middle class while raising them on the wealthiest 1%?Is it reckless and irresponsible to be giving a Canada child benefit that is more generous to nine out of 10 Canadian families, by doing more for the families who need it and less for the families who do not?What, frankly, would have been reckless and irresponsible would be for Canadians to decide to keep the Conservatives in government for one more minute after October 19.
Mr. Speaker, while we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, Raif Badawi is still being detained by Saudi authorities for criticizing their regime.One would like to think that our government is doing everything in its power to have him released. In an interview, however, the Prime Minister said that it is important to be discreet and not to push too hard or too fast. He does not want to become personally involved.When it comes to doing business with the Saudis, the Liberals are quick off the mark, but when it comes to ensuring that human rights are respected, there is no hurry.How does the government explain this to Mr. Badawi's wife, who is here in Ottawa today?
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister is sincerely concerned about what he just called potential favouritism at the Canada Revenue Agency, will he agree with the NDP to hold an investigation into the KPMG scandal? Canadians do not accept that there is one law for the rich and well connected and one law for everybody else. Here we have a clear example, just like the Air Canada case: You broke the law. No problem. The Liberals will change it for you retroactively if you're rich and well connected.Canadians want the law to apply to everyone. Are we going to have an investigation into KPMG, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Finance made a statement that was surprising, to say the least. He said, Clearly, the members from the other side [that means us] are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. I can assure this House that, yes, we are and we will always be stuck on having a balanced budget. That is the responsible thing to do. What is also clear is that the minister is stuck on running up deficits one after the other.Will the minister change his ways and finally admit that it is detrimental to Canada's future to have such deficits?
Mr. Speaker, on a single day, three out of four Canadians seeking help from a domestic violence shelter are turned away. Many more women fleeing violence cannot even access a shelter because none exist in their region. The Liberal budget did not have sufficient funding and offered no money for a comprehensive national action plan.We need to address this problem at its root. Will the government adopt a national action plan, with adequate funding, and finally end violence against women?
Mr. Speaker, while the Prime Minister was once again doing push-ups for the cameras yesterday, his Minister of Finance was doing some of his own verbal gymnastics back here.He was trying to explain how a healthy Conservative surplus turned into a Liberal deficit. It turns out that we are just stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. He is right, and we are proud of it.My question to the Prime Minister is simple. Is he actually ever planning to balance the budget?
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we see that the NDP is always eager to play parliamentary procedure games as opposed to actually digging into the real facts of the issue.We are working with the Canada Revenue Agency. We are ensuring that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We know that Canadians expect their government to uphold the rules, and that is exactly what we are going to do.
Mr. Speaker, the long list of Liberal promises now includes transparency, thanks to the Minister of Finance. The PBO delivered a scathing indictment of the government for its lack of budget transparency. The minister refuses to acknowledge that we handed them a surplus. We know the Liberals jammed as much new spending in last year's budget and books as they could. If he truly wants to be transparent, will the minister tell Canadians how much the March madness spending spree has cost?
Mr. Speaker, I share the concern of my colleague about the atrocities he spoke about. However, the question I would ask is this. In which way would it help if Canada is not there? In which way would it help if Canada does not have an embassy?Was it not fortunate, at the end of the 1970s, that we had a Canadian embassy in Tehran when it was time to help the U.S. hostages? Can we learn from our history?
Mr. Speaker, of course we are defending the aerospace industry in Quebec and across Canada. As hon. members know, when the Government of Quebec and the Government of Manitoba decided to drop their lawsuits against Air Canada, this allowed us to modernize the legislation. It is an important step in the right direction. This will prevent future lawsuits. What is more, this will put Air Canada in a position where it can be more competitive with its rivals.I would remind my hon. colleague that in Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario there are still requirements to hire Air Canada employees to perform maintenance.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the minister's staff had to scramble at the last minute to find things to do in California to justify doing a late night show on HBO.When the minister's own staff is informed that she will be in LA just two days prior to her arrival, how are Canadians to believe it was on government business? The Minister of International Trade used taxpayer money to further her personal interests, not the interests of Canadian business. When will the minister pay back the money for this vanity trip?
Mr. Speaker, more talk will do nothing to help family dairy farms. They need action, and that action has to come from the Liberal government. The government has the responsibility and must enforce the rules, period. Why this inaction? It is inexplicable.Let us talk about another area where people only get help if they are well connected. Today, members of a parliamentary committee asked that KPMG, which set up this tax sham, be held accountable.Will the Liberals support our motion to bring KPMG before the parliamentary committee?
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that we support agriculture in this government. All Canadian beef is certified as safe under science research. We have the safest high-quality beef in the world. It is the safest food we can eat, and Canadians are safe and should eat this food.
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada in the United States. In fact, just yesterday, I was pleased to be in Washington for a trilateral trade meeting with my American and Mexican counterparts. It was my sixth visit to the United States in six months. What I am hearing in the U.S. is that after a lost decade, Canada is finally back at the table.I am going to keep going back and doing what the Conservatives failed to do: support trade, jobs, and our middle class.
Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the former prime minister had to deal with the worst economic crisis since World War II. It is a good thing that the current Prime Minister did not have to deal with that crisis. We went through very difficult times and we left the house in order, with a surplus of $7.5 billion at the end of February.Yesterday, in a flight of rhetoric, the Minister of Finance said: Clearly, the members from other side are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Right now, families are filling out their tax forms and must balance their personal finances. Is the Prime Minister able to understand that balancing a budget
Mr. Speaker, once again the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. I have already listed the business meetings I held in California. However, unlike the Conservatives, who do not like the media, we understand it is our job to talk to the media at home and abroad. I want to point out that I appeared in the media in California with some important Canadian partners, Senator Angus King of Maine, and the California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is none. The media appearances were part of the official visit, along with six business round tables. It is my job to promote Canada to the world. However, since the members opposite are so interested in this topic, let me remind them that their own leader, the former prime minister, spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to get himself U.S. media appearances. We do not need to do that; we get invited.
Let us just skip to the push-ups.Mr. Speaker, it is actually the job of the Prime Minister to try, at least try, to keep spending under control. The facts are clear. The parliamentary budget officer and the finance department agree that Conservatives left the government a healthy surplus, and the Liberals have blown it.Does the Prime Minister understand that this billions in spending actually has to be paid back?
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General reported that Canada is treating our army reservists like second-class soldiers. They are underfunded, under-equipped, and undertrained. In fact, our reservists were sent into combat without first receiving the proper international mission training. This is all unacceptable.Will the minister today commit to give reservists the training they need, the support they are entitled to, and the respect they deserve?
Mr. Speaker, I commend the hon. member for his concern. I was actually one of those reservists on those deployments who received the training. I can assure members that we are accepting all the Auditor General's recommendations. I would also like to say that the Canadian Armed Forces has already started working on improving the training aspect for domestic and international operations, including the recruiting and retention for our reserve force to play a critical role in domestic and international operations.
Mr. Speaker, indeed, Canada wants to help with disarmament in all of its facets. This is what I have said to the High Representative. The approach we want to take is to focus on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. This is the best way for Canada to go ahead and make progress with our allies. We will focus on that, and we will count on the contribution of all members in this House on this important challenge that we have to face.
Mr. Speaker, like all Canadians, we are concerned about the allegations of favouritism within the Canada Revenue Agency. That is why we are working closely with the minister and the department in order to ensure that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We will make sure this happens now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food and has to do with the committee's agenda. All members of the House know that the dairy industry is an important economic driver in Canada.Can the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food talk to the House about the committee's agenda, specifically with respect to diafiltered milk?
Mr. Speaker, our work on CETA removes all doubt as to our commitment to free trade.However, we promised to consult Canadians on the TPP. Our government has held over 250 consultations on the TPP. None of the member countries have ratified the TPP yet.We know that the Conservatives do not believe in public debate, but we do.
Mr. Speaker, we accept all the Auditor General's recommendations and are working toward them through the programs that we deliver. My mandate letter says to get working on our suicide prevention, as well as our PTSD and mental health centres. That is exactly what we are going to do. We are going to deliver this care in a forthright and profound manner that makes the lives of veterans and their families better.
Mr. Speaker, they all happened to be sitting on the same panel show, so they do not count as individuals.Either the minister signed important agreements or she did not. If she did, then she should table them right here so we can all have a look at them. We know her own bureaucrats were in the dark, with 500 pages of emails in two days trying to figure out what she was doing there and why it would cost $20,000 to have her there.Is the House leader going to stand and apologize for misleading the House yesterday if there were no signed agreements?
Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Finance, when asked about the surplus noted in the Fiscal Monitor, said he did not want to focus on the issue. Yesterday in the House of Commons during question period, the minister actually laughed off the concept of restraint by lamenting that the Conservatives are stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Recently, the National Post noted that this may be the first surplus that a finance minister does not want to talk about.Therefore, my question for the Minister of Finance is this. What is so scary about being fiscally responsible?
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister also said yesterday that he was convinced that the Liberal Party was doing the right thing because it is making his children and his grandchildren better off. Now, I am happy for them, but I also worry about the other kids in this country as well, who may not be able to afford the high cost of the minister's borrowing. The minister may have just said that he is comfortable with the choices that he is making, but in reality he is going to be spending on the backs of our children.What part of saddling our kids with billions and billions of dollars of debt is making them better off?
Mr. Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague. The attack was utterly unacceptable, as is any such act targeting doctors, humanitarian workers, and the women and children who are there because they need care.Our government strongly condemns such violations of international humanitarian law. That is why, yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I announced that Canada was co-sponsoring the United Nations Security Council resolution on protection of medical personnel and hospitals. The resolution was unanimously approved by the United Nations Security Council this morning.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleague from BromeMissisquoi that I received a notice of motion from the member for Fundy Royal, calling on the committee to adopt a report that recognizes the government's support of the dairy industry, that recognizes the impact of the importation of diafiltered milk, and that calls on the government to meet with dairy industry representatives in the next 30 days in order to find sustainable solutions to modernize the industry.
Mr. Speaker, we know the Liberals love to talk about facts, so let us look at some facts. Their decision to abandon tax cuts for small businesses will cost the industry $2.2 billion over the next four years. I repeat: $2.2 billion. The more we learn about the Liberals' so-called commitment for small businesses, the more we realize that there is no commitment at all. When will the Liberals deliver their promised 9% tax cuts?
Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to uphold, along with our government, the Canada Health Act.This government is taking federal leadership on health care. We uphold the Canada Health Act that underscores a number of principles, including accessibility, which ensures Canadians will always have access to the care they need, based on that need and not based on the ability to pay.I will work with the provinces and territories to ensure that access is always available to Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, every day, every week, we have different business people, governments, that are going to Iran. They are negotiating for their national interests in Iran with open eyes, to make sure that the nuclear program of Iran will not be militarized. I think it is the right approach, our allies were right to do so, and Canada will join them.
Mr. Speaker, the members opposite would like to focus on our low-growth past. We want to focus on what we are actually doing for Canadian children today. We have moved forward with the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children. It will help them a lot, on average $2,300 per year. We are moving forward to help indigenous people. We are moving forward on educational initiatives, with $3.5 billion over five years to improve the situation for indigenous children in our country. We have a progressive government that is going to make a real difference to the children of today so they can be better off tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about children in Canada. Thanks to our measures, their situation will improve now and in the future. We introduced the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children by giving them an additional $2,300 a year. Today's children will have a better future because we are making investments today for them.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Gerard Comeau, with the help of the Canadian Constitution Foundation, won his court case, which would allow Canadians to bring beer across provincial lines into New Brunswick.Many constitutional scholars say this will inevitably end up at the Supreme Court. Authorities say that the liquor laws are still in force despite this ruling. Consumers deserve certainty, and the sooner the better. Does the government intend to refer this case to the Supreme Court?
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that this government supports supply management and we are fully aware of the industry's concerns about the use of diafiltered milk in the making of cheese.We are working to reach a sustainable solution that works for all of the Canadian dairy sector. I am also very pleased that the member for Fundy Royal gave notice of a motion today to the agriculture committee to work toward solutions on this issue.We are working on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the member opposite has now discovered what she apparently thinks the job of the Prime Minister is. The previous Prime Minister added $160 billion to Canada's debt with very little to show for it. Indeed, for 10 years we had lower economic growth than Canadians needed to have. We had under-investment in our infrastructure in our communities and in public transit.That is why this government is committed to making the investments in our communities that Canadians so desperately need, that businesses so desperately need, and putting more money into the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is the job of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Speaker, the story is that the Minister of International Trade needs to be honest with Canadians. She declares proudly that she was in California to promote Canadian business, but her own officials did not even know about the trip until two days before.The minister indicates that she met with the lieutenant governor of California and a U.S. senator, but does not mention that it was on the late show with Bill Maher.When will the minister just be honest and tell Canadians she went to Hollywood on a personal vanity trip, using taxpayer money?
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is entitled to his opinion. I have had the opportunity to criss-cross the country and listen to Canadians' opinions. They appear to understand quite well what we did with our budget, and they are very positive with the initiatives that are helping Canadians today and tomorrow. I also went international. I heard the Financial Times call us a glimmer of hope. I heard The Wall Street Journal say that we are doing the right things on the IMF plan to grow the economy. We are going to make a real difference for Canadians today and tomorrow with the kind of fiscal measures that will grow our economy for the long run.
Mr. Speaker, during question period, the Prime Minister implied that it was Quebec's fault that the federal Liberals did not live up to their Kyoto commitments. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to table a document that shows Quebec decreased GHG emissions every year while I was environment minister and prove that they went up
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question. We know that the small business tax rate is there to help companies grow and create jobs, but we need to make sure that the small business tax system is fair and being used appropriately. The loophole is allowing far too many people to use this rate to get out of paying personal income taxes that the rest of us pay each and every year. This loophole is costing taxpayers over $500 million a year. We need to fix the problem so that those using the small business tax rate are the small business owners who are creating jobs for our communities.
Mr. Speaker, we are supporting Canada's dairy industry.We are in regular contact with industry representatives to understand the issues and ensure that producers are properly compensated in connection with the free trade agreement with the European Union. We are committed to working with them at every stage of the process to ensure that we protect the industry. We pledged to protect supply management, and that is what we will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives threw the budget out the window.The fact is, we have made the necessary investments. For 10 years, there was no investment in public transit, in green infrastructure, or in anything to tackle climate change.Canadians elected a government that is ready to invest in the future, in middle-class Canadians so that they have more money in their pockets, and in families. These kinds of investments will create growth, which was neglected in Canada by the previous government for the past 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, I actually was not a politician when Kyoto was signed, but the member opposite was minister of environment for the Province of Quebec and wears a part of responsibility on what was not done in the past. What is being done right now, however, is that we are working with the provinces. We have demonstrated a commitment, internationally and here at home, to engage on climate change, to ensure that we are actually living up to the responsibilities to future generations. Look at us to look at the challenges, but also the opportunities coming in investing in green technology and the real future of Canadian jobs.
Mr. Speaker, in a one-on-one sit down interview with the LA Times, the minister's California dream trip was characterized as a brief stopover. LA Consul General Villeneuve noted there seems to be a bit of confusion.The Global Affairs director general of communications was also confused, saying in emails, What is she doing in LA? Besides the Bill Maher show?Clearly, this was a personal trip built around her TV appearance.We know the Liberals are entitled to their entitlements, but are taxpayers not entitled to an honest answer about the real purpose for her going to LA?
Mr. Speaker, our priority is on investing to grow the economy. Six months ago, Canadians chose hope over fear. They chose optimism over pessimism. They chose to make investments to grow the economy instead of balancing the budget on the backs of Canadian families. While the members on the opposite side want to tell Canadians that they made the wrong choice, we are moving forward with the right choices, the choices to invest in our economy that will make the future better for Canadians today and tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's statements need to be corrected. We are the ones who did the work on the projects in Edmonton that he mentioned. In the Montreal region, we always worked while respecting provincial and municipal jurisdictions, including with regard to public transit. We delivered the largest infrastructure plan in Canada's history while still balancing the budget.Why does the Prime Minister need to run deficits to do what we managed to do while balancing the budget?
Mr. Speaker, we all know the Minister of International Trade's sole purpose for being in LA was to be on television.Yesterday, when the government House leader tried to defend the minister's unplanned vanity trip, he said, The minister signed important agreements during her visit to California. If that is the case, will she table these important agreements immediately, keeping in mind that credit card receipts and the waiver for Bill Maher do not count?
Mr. Speaker, our priority is to invest. Six months ago, Canadians chose optimism, not pessimism. Canadians chose to make investments that will grow the economy, not to have a balanced budget at any cost.We will make choices that are good for Canadians and that will grow the Canadian economy, now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadian films have received international acclaim in the past year. One fine example is the Telefilm Canada-funded movie, Room, a Canadian Screen Awards- and Oscar-winning picture. Room is a CanadaIreland audiovisual treaty co-production. It stars Canada's own Jacob Tremblay and is written by the Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue who now lives in London, Ontario, part of which I represent.Can the Minister of Canadian Heritage explain what the Government of Canada is doing to encourage our artistic talent on the international stage?
Mr. Speaker, we fully support the principles of the Canada Health Act, which seeks to ensure that all Canadians have reasonable access to medical and hospital services that are medically necessary based on need, not ability to pay.I am committed to working with our partners to strengthen our universal public health care system while upholding the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Mr. Speaker, the Air Canada Public Participation Act, which the government wants to water down, was a promise made to Quebec in 1989. The legislator's intention was clear: to protect the jobs in Montreal. I know that because I was sitting in the government when that legislation was passed. At the time, it was the Quebec caucus of the government that fought to protect our aerospace industry.When will the 40 Liberal members from Quebec in this government stand up and defend Quebec's aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, unlike the Conservatives, we know it is our government's job to promote Canada to the world. When I travel to promote Canada, I am proud to speak to the international media. Just yesterday, I gave an interview to POLITICO in Washington.As minister, I would like to list some of the other international interviews I have done. I have done an interview with MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the LA Times, and the Financial Times. I have done three BBC interviews. I have spoken to EU Trade Insights. I spoke to La Libre; Deutsche Welle, the German TV; Bloomberg Television; Handelsblatt
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is asking if we are using every means available and doing everything we possibly can to help Mr. Badawi and have him released, since he has done nothing wrong.Yes, that is what we are doing. To increase our chances of success, my colleague will understand if I refrain from commenting any further.
Mr. Speaker, what families all across the country understand is that there is a need for investment in public transit, which had been neglected for 10 years. That is why we announced a $775-million investment in public transit in Montreal. That is why we applaud the potential investment in the new light rail in Montreal that will help people get around, as well as investments in Edmonton, Toronto, and all over the country. The previous government refused to invest in our communities. It was time to put options and growth for Canadians back on the agenda.
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, a mere six years ago, the House unanimously supported an NDP motion calling for Canadian engagement in negotiations for a global convention on nuclear weapons, and to kick-start the Canadian diplomatic initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Prime Minister has publicly promised to re-engage Canada with the United Nations and to seek a seat on the Security Council. What, if any, commitments did Canada make yesterday when he and the Minister of Global Affairs met with the United Nation's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs?
Mr. Speaker, I thank the colleague across the floor for her unwavering efforts to address gender-based violence.As the member well knows, we in fact do have plans for a comprehensive gender-based federal strategy to end violence against women. More than that, we are very proud of our investments in shelters, transitional homes, and affordable housing that will affect women in a tremendous way to move forward in a safe and productive manner and will have effects for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, that was a very positive development that we saw with regard to alcohol and the transferring of alcohol from one jurisdiction to another. That is why I am working very closely with my provincial and territorial counterparts on an agreement on internal trade, a comprehensive agreement that would reduce barriers and eliminate barriers altogether and that would work on issues around regulatory compliance.The idea here is to ensure we grow and create opportunities for businesses and people to succeed in Canada. That is why we are going to continue to pursue an agreement on internal trade that would address that issue.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is not one.I would now like to share with the House some details of the business meetings I had when I was in California. Here are some of the people I met with: James Haney, senior VP and general manager of City National Bank, recently acquired by RBC; Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX; Creative BC, and Trade and Invest BC, were there; John Chiang, the treasurer of the state of California; and Jeff Gorell, deputy mayor.Other meetings I had there included a reception with the Friends of BC, a meeting with Los Angeles economic leaders
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for giving me an opportunity to talk about the Invictus Games and the extraordinary work this government is doing to support veterans and to ensure that there is an opportunity for all Canadians to cheer on the extraordinary valour, courage, and strength of Canadian veterans.Obviously, on the issue of economic growth, we made it very clear during the election campaign that we are going to be investing in communities, we are going to be putting more money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it, because fiscal responsibility and, indeed, balanced budgets are important.
Mr. Speaker, what we are not going to apologize for is having an international trade minister who travels around the world promoting Canadian commercial interests in the United States and in other parts of the world. We are proud of the work she is doing for Canadian jobs and ensuring that Canadian companies are able to compete globally. She will continue to do that.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government concluded the trans-Pacific partnership, and we know that many businesses in the regions of Quebec will benefit from the economic spinoffs of this trade agreement.Can the current government provide some reassurance to the Quebec regions by confirming that it will not tamper with any of the measures that are of significant importance to Quebec?
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of International Trade claims that her vanity trip to California was to promote Canadian business interests. However, emails released through access to information paint a very different picture.Her staff were scrambling to put a program together and were begging LA Times journalists for an interview. Senior foreign policy and diplomacy officer Dan Pasquini stated in an email, this visit has only just fallen in our laps.Why does the minister continue to claim the trip was about Canadian business interests when it was actually all about her?
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his important question.We believe in the importance of showcasing Canadian talent to the world, and that is why we support the film industry. One example of it is our new CanadaIreland co-production treaty, which will help to ensure that similar successes are possible in the future.Our 2016 budget includes historic investments to support culture, which is why we will continue our efforts to promote our culture here and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons told the House that the Minister of International Trade had signed important agreements during her visit to Los Angeles.Would it be possible to see which agreements?
Mr. Speaker, last week, we learned that a Canadian-funded Syrian hospital was bombed. Such acts are clearly unacceptable and an assault on the rights of every woman and man in the world.Can the Minister of International Development tell the House what our government has done in response to this despicable act?
Mr. Speaker, at the heart of our public health care system is one simple principle: no one should have to pay out of pocket for health care. Yet, patients all across the country are being charged extra fees for medical services, and the Government of Canada is doing nothing about it. Some Canadians have become so frustrated with Liberal inaction, they filed a lawsuit today against the federal government. Why will the minister not do her job, enforce the Canada Health Act, and act immediately to put a stop to user fees?
Mr. Speaker, the cat is really out of the bag now. It was reported today that talks between the Liberal government and Iran to re-establish diplomatic ties are well under way.Despite the minister's protestations in the House yesterday that Iran will remain listed as a state sponsor of terror, it is clear that the Canadian government is on the fast track to normalize relations with Tehran. The government seems determined to cave in to this odious regime's demands.How can the government negotiate with a state sponsor of terror?
Mr. Speaker, speaking of parliamentary procedure, in committee today, the Liberals had a chance to vote with us to require KPMG to give the names. Do members know what they did? They used parliamentary procedure to avoid that.Let us talk about the Liberals avoiding their responsibility in another key area, which is climate change. They signed Kyoto the last time they were in power and went on to have one of the worst records in the world. This time they went to Paris and said that Canada was back. Unfortunately, Canada was back with the Conservative plan. Why is there no plan to reduce greenhouse gases in Canada? Canadians want to know.
Mr. Speaker, under the former government, Canada was alone in having an empty chair with a lot of countries when it disliked the regimes, which was the wrong approach. All our allies are asking us to stop this wrong approach, and it is what we will do with Iran. In order to see progress on human rights and progress on the protection of Canada's interests and the interests of our allies, including Israel, Canada will engage with Iran with open eyes, step by step.
Mr. Speaker, in February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Trade announced that Canada was positioning for commercial trade in Iran. Yesterday, the minister told us the Liberals have no current plan to delist Iran as a state sponsor of terror. Exactly how does he think he can negotiate these two diametrically opposite courses? Can he tell us when he expects to sit down for a business chat with his terror-sponsoring, human-rights-abusing Iranian counterpart?
Mr. Speaker, the Baha'i faith was founded in Iran, but Baha'is in Iran today face significant persecution, which includes executions and the destruction of holy sites. We are well aware of Iran's belligerence, but the suppression of the Iranian people and efforts to crush the Baha'i community in particular are also part of the record of this vile government, which requires our attention.After killing the Office of Religious Freedom more than a month ago, what is the government going to do for religious and ethnic minorities in Iran?
Mr. Speaker, we have all heard of March madness.Here is what the Liberals did in March, by their own budget numbers. They took the $7.5 billion surplus we left them, spent every dime of it, and then spent another $5 billion on top of that, in one month. It is reckless, it is irresponsible, and every Canadian is going to have to pay it back.Does the Prime Minister understand that it is actually not his money to spend? It belongs to hard-working Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General showed that the government did not implement adequate measures to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.The department is not taking the impact on veterans into account when managing its drug program. For once the Liberals cannot blame the Conservatives, since the Liberal budget did not include a single penny for mental health care services.When will the Liberals support our veterans and invest in their mental health?
Mr. Speaker, the charging of ancillary fees for health care services is a problem that has been going on in Quebec for years, and the government has done nothing to stop it.Now, a huge coalition of groups, including the FADOQ, the Québec Medical Association, and the FIQ, are taking the Government of Canada to court to make it enforce the Canada Health Act.Will the minister do her duty, enforce the law, and put an end to ancillary fees?
Mr. Speaker, the government's approach is irresponsible. It is obvious that the Minister of Finance has completely lost control of public spending. Running up a $30-billion deficit, with more to come, is irresponsible to today's society and especially to our children and grandchildren, who are going to pay for this government's excesses.When will the government finally get in touch with reality and stop putting our grandchildren into debt?
Mr. Speaker, enough jokes about the previous government. Let us talk about this government. The current Liberal government's failure to take action on the diafiltered milk file is really hurting dairy producers across Canada. They can no longer borrow money, and they are losing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Liberals have been sitting on their hands for six months.Will they support the NDP motion and stand up for our family dairy farms?
Mr. Speaker, half of Canada's dairy farms are in Quebec. Imported diafiltered milk is hurting my home province. We are talking about thousands of dollars lost every week. Our regional economies are in jeopardy. In a show of solidarity, the hon. member for ChicoutimiLe Fjord poured a bag of powered milk on his head. Imagine that. However, in the House, there has been no show of support for our farmers, and nothing is being done to resolve their problem. What will it take for government members from Quebec to start representing their constituents, a nod from Toronto?
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada abroad. Since the opposition is so interested in this issue, I will repeat that they should keep in mind that it was their own former leader who spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to pay a consultant to find American interviews.We do not have to pay Republican hacks to organize media appearances
Mr. Speaker, Canadian ranchers produce the safest and best-quality beef in the world. Some people with vested interests have attacked the Canadian industry over the last number of weeks and months, and some restaurants have even stopped serving Canadian beef. This Canadian farm boy is not going to eat at those restaurants anymore. I am wondering if the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food across the way will stand and commit to supporting Canadian agriculture, and do the same.
Mr. Speaker, is it reckless and irresponsible to be lowering taxes for the middle class while raising them on the wealthiest 1%?Is it reckless and irresponsible to be giving a Canada child benefit that is more generous to nine out of 10 Canadian families, by doing more for the families who need it and less for the families who do not?What, frankly, would have been reckless and irresponsible would be for Canadians to decide to keep the Conservatives in government for one more minute after October 19.
Mr. Speaker, while we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, Raif Badawi is still being detained by Saudi authorities for criticizing their regime.One would like to think that our government is doing everything in its power to have him released. In an interview, however, the Prime Minister said that it is important to be discreet and not to push too hard or too fast. He does not want to become personally involved.When it comes to doing business with the Saudis, the Liberals are quick off the mark, but when it comes to ensuring that human rights are respected, there is no hurry.How does the government explain this to Mr. Badawi's wife, who is here in Ottawa today?
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister is sincerely concerned about what he just called potential favouritism at the Canada Revenue Agency, will he agree with the NDP to hold an investigation into the KPMG scandal? Canadians do not accept that there is one law for the rich and well connected and one law for everybody else. Here we have a clear example, just like the Air Canada case: You broke the law. No problem. The Liberals will change it for you retroactively if you're rich and well connected.Canadians want the law to apply to everyone. Are we going to have an investigation into KPMG, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Finance made a statement that was surprising, to say the least. He said, Clearly, the members from the other side [that means us] are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. I can assure this House that, yes, we are and we will always be stuck on having a balanced budget. That is the responsible thing to do. What is also clear is that the minister is stuck on running up deficits one after the other.Will the minister change his ways and finally admit that it is detrimental to Canada's future to have such deficits?
Mr. Speaker, on a single day, three out of four Canadians seeking help from a domestic violence shelter are turned away. Many more women fleeing violence cannot even access a shelter because none exist in their region. The Liberal budget did not have sufficient funding and offered no money for a comprehensive national action plan.We need to address this problem at its root. Will the government adopt a national action plan, with adequate funding, and finally end violence against women?
Mr. Speaker, while the Prime Minister was once again doing push-ups for the cameras yesterday, his Minister of Finance was doing some of his own verbal gymnastics back here.He was trying to explain how a healthy Conservative surplus turned into a Liberal deficit. It turns out that we are just stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. He is right, and we are proud of it.My question to the Prime Minister is simple. Is he actually ever planning to balance the budget?
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we see that the NDP is always eager to play parliamentary procedure games as opposed to actually digging into the real facts of the issue.We are working with the Canada Revenue Agency. We are ensuring that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We know that Canadians expect their government to uphold the rules, and that is exactly what we are going to do.
Mr. Speaker, the long list of Liberal promises now includes transparency, thanks to the Minister of Finance. The PBO delivered a scathing indictment of the government for its lack of budget transparency. The minister refuses to acknowledge that we handed them a surplus. We know the Liberals jammed as much new spending in last year's budget and books as they could. If he truly wants to be transparent, will the minister tell Canadians how much the March madness spending spree has cost?
Mr. Speaker, I share the concern of my colleague about the atrocities he spoke about. However, the question I would ask is this. In which way would it help if Canada is not there? In which way would it help if Canada does not have an embassy?Was it not fortunate, at the end of the 1970s, that we had a Canadian embassy in Tehran when it was time to help the U.S. hostages? Can we learn from our history?
Mr. Speaker, of course we are defending the aerospace industry in Quebec and across Canada. As hon. members know, when the Government of Quebec and the Government of Manitoba decided to drop their lawsuits against Air Canada, this allowed us to modernize the legislation. It is an important step in the right direction. This will prevent future lawsuits. What is more, this will put Air Canada in a position where it can be more competitive with its rivals.I would remind my hon. colleague that in Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario there are still requirements to hire Air Canada employees to perform maintenance.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the minister's staff had to scramble at the last minute to find things to do in California to justify doing a late night show on HBO.When the minister's own staff is informed that she will be in LA just two days prior to her arrival, how are Canadians to believe it was on government business? The Minister of International Trade used taxpayer money to further her personal interests, not the interests of Canadian business. When will the minister pay back the money for this vanity trip?
Mr. Speaker, more talk will do nothing to help family dairy farms. They need action, and that action has to come from the Liberal government. The government has the responsibility and must enforce the rules, period. Why this inaction? It is inexplicable.Let us talk about another area where people only get help if they are well connected. Today, members of a parliamentary committee asked that KPMG, which set up this tax sham, be held accountable.Will the Liberals support our motion to bring KPMG before the parliamentary committee?
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that we support agriculture in this government. All Canadian beef is certified as safe under science research. We have the safest high-quality beef in the world. It is the safest food we can eat, and Canadians are safe and should eat this food.
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada in the United States. In fact, just yesterday, I was pleased to be in Washington for a trilateral trade meeting with my American and Mexican counterparts. It was my sixth visit to the United States in six months. What I am hearing in the U.S. is that after a lost decade, Canada is finally back at the table.I am going to keep going back and doing what the Conservatives failed to do: support trade, jobs, and our middle class.
Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the former prime minister had to deal with the worst economic crisis since World War II. It is a good thing that the current Prime Minister did not have to deal with that crisis. We went through very difficult times and we left the house in order, with a surplus of $7.5 billion at the end of February.Yesterday, in a flight of rhetoric, the Minister of Finance said: Clearly, the members from other side are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Right now, families are filling out their tax forms and must balance their personal finances. Is the Prime Minister able to understand that balancing a budget
Mr. Speaker, once again the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. I have already listed the business meetings I held in California. However, unlike the Conservatives, who do not like the media, we understand it is our job to talk to the media at home and abroad. I want to point out that I appeared in the media in California with some important Canadian partners, Senator Angus King of Maine, and the California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is none. The media appearances were part of the official visit, along with six business round tables. It is my job to promote Canada to the world. However, since the members opposite are so interested in this topic, let me remind them that their own leader, the former prime minister, spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to get himself U.S. media appearances. We do not need to do that; we get invited.
Let us just skip to the push-ups.Mr. Speaker, it is actually the job of the Prime Minister to try, at least try, to keep spending under control. The facts are clear. The parliamentary budget officer and the finance department agree that Conservatives left the government a healthy surplus, and the Liberals have blown it.Does the Prime Minister understand that this billions in spending actually has to be paid back?
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General reported that Canada is treating our army reservists like second-class soldiers. They are underfunded, under-equipped, and undertrained. In fact, our reservists were sent into combat without first receiving the proper international mission training. This is all unacceptable.Will the minister today commit to give reservists the training they need, the support they are entitled to, and the respect they deserve?
Mr. Speaker, I commend the hon. member for his concern. I was actually one of those reservists on those deployments who received the training. I can assure members that we are accepting all the Auditor General's recommendations. I would also like to say that the Canadian Armed Forces has already started working on improving the training aspect for domestic and international operations, including the recruiting and retention for our reserve force to play a critical role in domestic and international operations.
Mr. Speaker, indeed, Canada wants to help with disarmament in all of its facets. This is what I have said to the High Representative. The approach we want to take is to focus on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. This is the best way for Canada to go ahead and make progress with our allies. We will focus on that, and we will count on the contribution of all members in this House on this important challenge that we have to face.
Mr. Speaker, like all Canadians, we are concerned about the allegations of favouritism within the Canada Revenue Agency. That is why we are working closely with the minister and the department in order to ensure that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We will make sure this happens now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food and has to do with the committee's agenda. All members of the House know that the dairy industry is an important economic driver in Canada.Can the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food talk to the House about the committee's agenda, specifically with respect to diafiltered milk?
Mr. Speaker, our work on CETA removes all doubt as to our commitment to free trade.However, we promised to consult Canadians on the TPP. Our government has held over 250 consultations on the TPP. None of the member countries have ratified the TPP yet.We know that the Conservatives do not believe in public debate, but we do.
Mr. Speaker, we accept all the Auditor General's recommendations and are working toward them through the programs that we deliver. My mandate letter says to get working on our suicide prevention, as well as our PTSD and mental health centres. That is exactly what we are going to do. We are going to deliver this care in a forthright and profound manner that makes the lives of veterans and their families better.
Mr. Speaker, they all happened to be sitting on the same panel show, so they do not count as individuals.Either the minister signed important agreements or she did not. If she did, then she should table them right here so we can all have a look at them. We know her own bureaucrats were in the dark, with 500 pages of emails in two days trying to figure out what she was doing there and why it would cost $20,000 to have her there.Is the House leader going to stand and apologize for misleading the House yesterday if there were no signed agreements?
Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Finance, when asked about the surplus noted in the Fiscal Monitor, said he did not want to focus on the issue. Yesterday in the House of Commons during question period, the minister actually laughed off the concept of restraint by lamenting that the Conservatives are stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Recently, the National Post noted that this may be the first surplus that a finance minister does not want to talk about.Therefore, my question for the Minister of Finance is this. What is so scary about being fiscally responsible?
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister also said yesterday that he was convinced that the Liberal Party was doing the right thing because it is making his children and his grandchildren better off. Now, I am happy for them, but I also worry about the other kids in this country as well, who may not be able to afford the high cost of the minister's borrowing. The minister may have just said that he is comfortable with the choices that he is making, but in reality he is going to be spending on the backs of our children.What part of saddling our kids with billions and billions of dollars of debt is making them better off?
Mr. Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague. The attack was utterly unacceptable, as is any such act targeting doctors, humanitarian workers, and the women and children who are there because they need care.Our government strongly condemns such violations of international humanitarian law. That is why, yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I announced that Canada was co-sponsoring the United Nations Security Council resolution on protection of medical personnel and hospitals. The resolution was unanimously approved by the United Nations Security Council this morning.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleague from BromeMissisquoi that I received a notice of motion from the member for Fundy Royal, calling on the committee to adopt a report that recognizes the government's support of the dairy industry, that recognizes the impact of the importation of diafiltered milk, and that calls on the government to meet with dairy industry representatives in the next 30 days in order to find sustainable solutions to modernize the industry.
Mr. Speaker, we know the Liberals love to talk about facts, so let us look at some facts. Their decision to abandon tax cuts for small businesses will cost the industry $2.2 billion over the next four years. I repeat: $2.2 billion. The more we learn about the Liberals' so-called commitment for small businesses, the more we realize that there is no commitment at all. When will the Liberals deliver their promised 9% tax cuts?
Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to uphold, along with our government, the Canada Health Act.This government is taking federal leadership on health care. We uphold the Canada Health Act that underscores a number of principles, including accessibility, which ensures Canadians will always have access to the care they need, based on that need and not based on the ability to pay.I will work with the provinces and territories to ensure that access is always available to Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, every day, every week, we have different business people, governments, that are going to Iran. They are negotiating for their national interests in Iran with open eyes, to make sure that the nuclear program of Iran will not be militarized. I think it is the right approach, our allies were right to do so, and Canada will join them.
Mr. Speaker, the members opposite would like to focus on our low-growth past. We want to focus on what we are actually doing for Canadian children today. We have moved forward with the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children. It will help them a lot, on average $2,300 per year. We are moving forward to help indigenous people. We are moving forward on educational initiatives, with $3.5 billion over five years to improve the situation for indigenous children in our country. We have a progressive government that is going to make a real difference to the children of today so they can be better off tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about children in Canada. Thanks to our measures, their situation will improve now and in the future. We introduced the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children by giving them an additional $2,300 a year. Today's children will have a better future because we are making investments today for them.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Gerard Comeau, with the help of the Canadian Constitution Foundation, won his court case, which would allow Canadians to bring beer across provincial lines into New Brunswick.Many constitutional scholars say this will inevitably end up at the Supreme Court. Authorities say that the liquor laws are still in force despite this ruling. Consumers deserve certainty, and the sooner the better. Does the government intend to refer this case to the Supreme Court?
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that this government supports supply management and we are fully aware of the industry's concerns about the use of diafiltered milk in the making of cheese.We are working to reach a sustainable solution that works for all of the Canadian dairy sector. I am also very pleased that the member for Fundy Royal gave notice of a motion today to the agriculture committee to work toward solutions on this issue.We are working on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the member opposite has now discovered what she apparently thinks the job of the Prime Minister is. The previous Prime Minister added $160 billion to Canada's debt with very little to show for it. Indeed, for 10 years we had lower economic growth than Canadians needed to have. We had under-investment in our infrastructure in our communities and in public transit.That is why this government is committed to making the investments in our communities that Canadians so desperately need, that businesses so desperately need, and putting more money into the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is the job of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Speaker, the story is that the Minister of International Trade needs to be honest with Canadians. She declares proudly that she was in California to promote Canadian business, but her own officials did not even know about the trip until two days before.The minister indicates that she met with the lieutenant governor of California and a U.S. senator, but does not mention that it was on the late show with Bill Maher.When will the minister just be honest and tell Canadians she went to Hollywood on a personal vanity trip, using taxpayer money?
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is entitled to his opinion. I have had the opportunity to criss-cross the country and listen to Canadians' opinions. They appear to understand quite well what we did with our budget, and they are very positive with the initiatives that are helping Canadians today and tomorrow. I also went international. I heard the Financial Times call us a glimmer of hope. I heard The Wall Street Journal say that we are doing the right things on the IMF plan to grow the economy. We are going to make a real difference for Canadians today and tomorrow with the kind of fiscal measures that will grow our economy for the long run.
Mr. Speaker, during question period, the Prime Minister implied that it was Quebec's fault that the federal Liberals did not live up to their Kyoto commitments. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to table a document that shows Quebec decreased GHG emissions every year while I was environment minister and prove that they went up
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question. We know that the small business tax rate is there to help companies grow and create jobs, but we need to make sure that the small business tax system is fair and being used appropriately. The loophole is allowing far too many people to use this rate to get out of paying personal income taxes that the rest of us pay each and every year. This loophole is costing taxpayers over $500 million a year. We need to fix the problem so that those using the small business tax rate are the small business owners who are creating jobs for our communities.
Mr. Speaker, we are supporting Canada's dairy industry.We are in regular contact with industry representatives to understand the issues and ensure that producers are properly compensated in connection with the free trade agreement with the European Union. We are committed to working with them at every stage of the process to ensure that we protect the industry. We pledged to protect supply management, and that is what we will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives threw the budget out the window.The fact is, we have made the necessary investments. For 10 years, there was no investment in public transit, in green infrastructure, or in anything to tackle climate change.Canadians elected a government that is ready to invest in the future, in middle-class Canadians so that they have more money in their pockets, and in families. These kinds of investments will create growth, which was neglected in Canada by the previous government for the past 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, I actually was not a politician when Kyoto was signed, but the member opposite was minister of environment for the Province of Quebec and wears a part of responsibility on what was not done in the past. What is being done right now, however, is that we are working with the provinces. We have demonstrated a commitment, internationally and here at home, to engage on climate change, to ensure that we are actually living up to the responsibilities to future generations. Look at us to look at the challenges, but also the opportunities coming in investing in green technology and the real future of Canadian jobs.
Mr. Speaker, in a one-on-one sit down interview with the LA Times, the minister's California dream trip was characterized as a brief stopover. LA Consul General Villeneuve noted there seems to be a bit of confusion.The Global Affairs director general of communications was also confused, saying in emails, What is she doing in LA? Besides the Bill Maher show?Clearly, this was a personal trip built around her TV appearance.We know the Liberals are entitled to their entitlements, but are taxpayers not entitled to an honest answer about the real purpose for her going to LA?
Mr. Speaker, our priority is on investing to grow the economy. Six months ago, Canadians chose hope over fear. They chose optimism over pessimism. They chose to make investments to grow the economy instead of balancing the budget on the backs of Canadian families. While the members on the opposite side want to tell Canadians that they made the wrong choice, we are moving forward with the right choices, the choices to invest in our economy that will make the future better for Canadians today and tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's statements need to be corrected. We are the ones who did the work on the projects in Edmonton that he mentioned. In the Montreal region, we always worked while respecting provincial and municipal jurisdictions, including with regard to public transit. We delivered the largest infrastructure plan in Canada's history while still balancing the budget.Why does the Prime Minister need to run deficits to do what we managed to do while balancing the budget?
Mr. Speaker, we all know the Minister of International Trade's sole purpose for being in LA was to be on television.Yesterday, when the government House leader tried to defend the minister's unplanned vanity trip, he said, The minister signed important agreements during her visit to California. If that is the case, will she table these important agreements immediately, keeping in mind that credit card receipts and the waiver for Bill Maher do not count?
Mr. Speaker, our priority is to invest. Six months ago, Canadians chose optimism, not pessimism. Canadians chose to make investments that will grow the economy, not to have a balanced budget at any cost.We will make choices that are good for Canadians and that will grow the Canadian economy, now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadian films have received international acclaim in the past year. One fine example is the Telefilm Canada-funded movie, Room, a Canadian Screen Awards- and Oscar-winning picture. Room is a CanadaIreland audiovisual treaty co-production. It stars Canada's own Jacob Tremblay and is written by the Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue who now lives in London, Ontario, part of which I represent.Can the Minister of Canadian Heritage explain what the Government of Canada is doing to encourage our artistic talent on the international stage?
Mr. Speaker, we fully support the principles of the Canada Health Act, which seeks to ensure that all Canadians have reasonable access to medical and hospital services that are medically necessary based on need, not ability to pay.I am committed to working with our partners to strengthen our universal public health care system while upholding the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Mr. Speaker, the Air Canada Public Participation Act, which the government wants to water down, was a promise made to Quebec in 1989. The legislator's intention was clear: to protect the jobs in Montreal. I know that because I was sitting in the government when that legislation was passed. At the time, it was the Quebec caucus of the government that fought to protect our aerospace industry.When will the 40 Liberal members from Quebec in this government stand up and defend Quebec's aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, unlike the Conservatives, we know it is our government's job to promote Canada to the world. When I travel to promote Canada, I am proud to speak to the international media. Just yesterday, I gave an interview to POLITICO in Washington.As minister, I would like to list some of the other international interviews I have done. I have done an interview with MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the LA Times, and the Financial Times. I have done three BBC interviews. I have spoken to EU Trade Insights. I spoke to La Libre; Deutsche Welle, the German TV; Bloomberg Television; Handelsblatt
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is asking if we are using every means available and doing everything we possibly can to help Mr. Badawi and have him released, since he has done nothing wrong.Yes, that is what we are doing. To increase our chances of success, my colleague will understand if I refrain from commenting any further.
Mr. Speaker, what families all across the country understand is that there is a need for investment in public transit, which had been neglected for 10 years. That is why we announced a $775-million investment in public transit in Montreal. That is why we applaud the potential investment in the new light rail in Montreal that will help people get around, as well as investments in Edmonton, Toronto, and all over the country. The previous government refused to invest in our communities. It was time to put options and growth for Canadians back on the agenda.
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, a mere six years ago, the House unanimously supported an NDP motion calling for Canadian engagement in negotiations for a global convention on nuclear weapons, and to kick-start the Canadian diplomatic initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Prime Minister has publicly promised to re-engage Canada with the United Nations and to seek a seat on the Security Council. What, if any, commitments did Canada make yesterday when he and the Minister of Global Affairs met with the United Nation's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs?
Mr. Speaker, I thank the colleague across the floor for her unwavering efforts to address gender-based violence.As the member well knows, we in fact do have plans for a comprehensive gender-based federal strategy to end violence against women. More than that, we are very proud of our investments in shelters, transitional homes, and affordable housing that will affect women in a tremendous way to move forward in a safe and productive manner and will have effects for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, that was a very positive development that we saw with regard to alcohol and the transferring of alcohol from one jurisdiction to another. That is why I am working very closely with my provincial and territorial counterparts on an agreement on internal trade, a comprehensive agreement that would reduce barriers and eliminate barriers altogether and that would work on issues around regulatory compliance.The idea here is to ensure we grow and create opportunities for businesses and people to succeed in Canada. That is why we are going to continue to pursue an agreement on internal trade that would address that issue.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is not one.I would now like to share with the House some details of the business meetings I had when I was in California. Here are some of the people I met with: James Haney, senior VP and general manager of City National Bank, recently acquired by RBC; Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX; Creative BC, and Trade and Invest BC, were there; John Chiang, the treasurer of the state of California; and Jeff Gorell, deputy mayor.Other meetings I had there included a reception with the Friends of BC, a meeting with Los Angeles economic leaders
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for giving me an opportunity to talk about the Invictus Games and the extraordinary work this government is doing to support veterans and to ensure that there is an opportunity for all Canadians to cheer on the extraordinary valour, courage, and strength of Canadian veterans.Obviously, on the issue of economic growth, we made it very clear during the election campaign that we are going to be investing in communities, we are going to be putting more money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it, because fiscal responsibility and, indeed, balanced budgets are important.
Mr. Speaker, what we are not going to apologize for is having an international trade minister who travels around the world promoting Canadian commercial interests in the United States and in other parts of the world. We are proud of the work she is doing for Canadian jobs and ensuring that Canadian companies are able to compete globally. She will continue to do that.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government concluded the trans-Pacific partnership, and we know that many businesses in the regions of Quebec will benefit from the economic spinoffs of this trade agreement.Can the current government provide some reassurance to the Quebec regions by confirming that it will not tamper with any of the measures that are of significant importance to Quebec?
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of International Trade claims that her vanity trip to California was to promote Canadian business interests. However, emails released through access to information paint a very different picture.Her staff were scrambling to put a program together and were begging LA Times journalists for an interview. Senior foreign policy and diplomacy officer Dan Pasquini stated in an email, this visit has only just fallen in our laps.Why does the minister continue to claim the trip was about Canadian business interests when it was actually all about her?
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his important question.We believe in the importance of showcasing Canadian talent to the world, and that is why we support the film industry. One example of it is our new CanadaIreland co-production treaty, which will help to ensure that similar successes are possible in the future.Our 2016 budget includes historic investments to support culture, which is why we will continue our efforts to promote our culture here and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons told the House that the Minister of International Trade had signed important agreements during her visit to Los Angeles.Would it be possible to see which agreements?
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Mr. Speaker, speaking of parliamentary procedure, in committee today, the Liberals had a chance to vote with us to require KPMG to give the names. Do members know what they did? They used parliamentary procedure to avoid that.Let us talk about the Liberals avoiding their responsibility in another key area, which is climate change. They signed Kyoto the last time they were in power and went on to have one of the worst records in the world. This time they went to Paris and said that Canada was back. Unfortunately, Canada was back with the Conservative plan. Why is there no plan to reduce greenhouse gases in Canada? Canadians want to know.
Mr. Speaker, during question period, the Prime Minister implied that it was Quebec's fault that the federal Liberals did not live up to their Kyoto commitments. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to table a document that shows Quebec decreased GHG emissions every year while I was environment minister and prove that they went up
Mr. Speaker, I share the concern of my colleague about the atrocities he spoke about. However, the question I would ask is this. In which way would it help if Canada is not there? In which way would it help if Canada does not have an embassy?Was it not fortunate, at the end of the 1970s, that we had a Canadian embassy in Tehran when it was time to help the U.S. hostages? Can we learn from our history?
Mr. Speaker, under the former government, Canada was alone in having an empty chair with a lot of countries when it disliked the regimes, which was the wrong approach. All our allies are asking us to stop this wrong approach, and it is what we will do with Iran. In order to see progress on human rights and progress on the protection of Canada's interests and the interests of our allies, including Israel, Canada will engage with Iran with open eyes, step by step.
Mr. Speaker, half of Canada's dairy farms are in Quebec. Imported diafiltered milk is hurting my home province. We are talking about thousands of dollars lost every week. Our regional economies are in jeopardy. In a show of solidarity, the hon. member for ChicoutimiLe Fjord poured a bag of powered milk on his head. Imagine that. However, in the House, there has been no show of support for our farmers, and nothing is being done to resolve their problem. What will it take for government members from Quebec to start representing their constituents, a nod from Toronto?
Mr. Speaker, at the heart of our public health care system is one simple principle: no one should have to pay out of pocket for health care. Yet, patients all across the country are being charged extra fees for medical services, and the Government of Canada is doing nothing about it. Some Canadians have become so frustrated with Liberal inaction, they filed a lawsuit today against the federal government. Why will the minister not do her job, enforce the Canada Health Act, and act immediately to put a stop to user fees?
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, a mere six years ago, the House unanimously supported an NDP motion calling for Canadian engagement in negotiations for a global convention on nuclear weapons, and to kick-start the Canadian diplomatic initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Prime Minister has publicly promised to re-engage Canada with the United Nations and to seek a seat on the Security Council. What, if any, commitments did Canada make yesterday when he and the Minister of Global Affairs met with the United Nation's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs?
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the member opposite has now discovered what she apparently thinks the job of the Prime Minister is. The previous Prime Minister added $160 billion to Canada's debt with very little to show for it. Indeed, for 10 years we had lower economic growth than Canadians needed to have. We had under-investment in our infrastructure in our communities and in public transit.That is why this government is committed to making the investments in our communities that Canadians so desperately need, that businesses so desperately need, and putting more money into the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is the job of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Speaker, enough jokes about the previous government. Let us talk about this government. The current Liberal government's failure to take action on the diafiltered milk file is really hurting dairy producers across Canada. They can no longer borrow money, and they are losing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Liberals have been sitting on their hands for six months.Will they support the NDP motion and stand up for our family dairy farms?
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of International Trade claims that her vanity trip to California was to promote Canadian business interests. However, emails released through access to information paint a very different picture.Her staff were scrambling to put a program together and were begging LA Times journalists for an interview. Senior foreign policy and diplomacy officer Dan Pasquini stated in an email, this visit has only just fallen in our laps.Why does the minister continue to claim the trip was about Canadian business interests when it was actually all about her?
Mr. Speaker, I actually was not a politician when Kyoto was signed, but the member opposite was minister of environment for the Province of Quebec and wears a part of responsibility on what was not done in the past. What is being done right now, however, is that we are working with the provinces. We have demonstrated a commitment, internationally and here at home, to engage on climate change, to ensure that we are actually living up to the responsibilities to future generations. Look at us to look at the challenges, but also the opportunities coming in investing in green technology and the real future of Canadian jobs.
Mr. Speaker, in February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Trade announced that Canada was positioning for commercial trade in Iran. Yesterday, the minister told us the Liberals have no current plan to delist Iran as a state sponsor of terror. Exactly how does he think he can negotiate these two diametrically opposite courses? Can he tell us when he expects to sit down for a business chat with his terror-sponsoring, human-rights-abusing Iranian counterpart?
Mr. Speaker, the long list of Liberal promises now includes transparency, thanks to the Minister of Finance. The PBO delivered a scathing indictment of the government for its lack of budget transparency. The minister refuses to acknowledge that we handed them a surplus. We know the Liberals jammed as much new spending in last year's budget and books as they could. If he truly wants to be transparent, will the minister tell Canadians how much the March madness spending spree has cost?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's statements need to be corrected. We are the ones who did the work on the projects in Edmonton that he mentioned. In the Montreal region, we always worked while respecting provincial and municipal jurisdictions, including with regard to public transit. We delivered the largest infrastructure plan in Canada's history while still balancing the budget.Why does the Prime Minister need to run deficits to do what we managed to do while balancing the budget?
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada in the United States. In fact, just yesterday, I was pleased to be in Washington for a trilateral trade meeting with my American and Mexican counterparts. It was my sixth visit to the United States in six months. What I am hearing in the U.S. is that after a lost decade, Canada is finally back at the table.I am going to keep going back and doing what the Conservatives failed to do: support trade, jobs, and our middle class.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the hon. member for his concern. I was actually one of those reservists on those deployments who received the training. I can assure members that we are accepting all the Auditor General's recommendations. I would also like to say that the Canadian Armed Forces has already started working on improving the training aspect for domestic and international operations, including the recruiting and retention for our reserve force to play a critical role in domestic and international operations.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives threw the budget out the window.The fact is, we have made the necessary investments. For 10 years, there was no investment in public transit, in green infrastructure, or in anything to tackle climate change.Canadians elected a government that is ready to invest in the future, in middle-class Canadians so that they have more money in their pockets, and in families. These kinds of investments will create growth, which was neglected in Canada by the previous government for the past 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the former prime minister had to deal with the worst economic crisis since World War II. It is a good thing that the current Prime Minister did not have to deal with that crisis. We went through very difficult times and we left the house in order, with a surplus of $7.5 billion at the end of February.Yesterday, in a flight of rhetoric, the Minister of Finance said: Clearly, the members from other side are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Right now, families are filling out their tax forms and must balance their personal finances. Is the Prime Minister able to understand that balancing a budget
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General showed that the government did not implement adequate measures to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.The department is not taking the impact on veterans into account when managing its drug program. For once the Liberals cannot blame the Conservatives, since the Liberal budget did not include a single penny for mental health care services.When will the Liberals support our veterans and invest in their mental health?
Mr. Speaker, last week, we learned that a Canadian-funded Syrian hospital was bombed. Such acts are clearly unacceptable and an assault on the rights of every woman and man in the world.Can the Minister of International Development tell the House what our government has done in response to this despicable act?
Mr. Speaker, the Air Canada Public Participation Act, which the government wants to water down, was a promise made to Quebec in 1989. The legislator's intention was clear: to protect the jobs in Montreal. I know that because I was sitting in the government when that legislation was passed. At the time, it was the Quebec caucus of the government that fought to protect our aerospace industry.When will the 40 Liberal members from Quebec in this government stand up and defend Quebec's aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, we fully support the principles of the Canada Health Act, which seeks to ensure that all Canadians have reasonable access to medical and hospital services that are medically necessary based on need, not ability to pay.I am committed to working with our partners to strengthen our universal public health care system while upholding the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Let us just skip to the push-ups.Mr. Speaker, it is actually the job of the Prime Minister to try, at least try, to keep spending under control. The facts are clear. The parliamentary budget officer and the finance department agree that Conservatives left the government a healthy surplus, and the Liberals have blown it.Does the Prime Minister understand that this billions in spending actually has to be paid back?
Mr. Speaker, in a one-on-one sit down interview with the LA Times, the minister's California dream trip was characterized as a brief stopover. LA Consul General Villeneuve noted there seems to be a bit of confusion.The Global Affairs director general of communications was also confused, saying in emails, What is she doing in LA? Besides the Bill Maher show?Clearly, this was a personal trip built around her TV appearance.We know the Liberals are entitled to their entitlements, but are taxpayers not entitled to an honest answer about the real purpose for her going to LA?
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the minister's staff had to scramble at the last minute to find things to do in California to justify doing a late night show on HBO.When the minister's own staff is informed that she will be in LA just two days prior to her arrival, how are Canadians to believe it was on government business? The Minister of International Trade used taxpayer money to further her personal interests, not the interests of Canadian business. When will the minister pay back the money for this vanity trip?
Mr. Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague. The attack was utterly unacceptable, as is any such act targeting doctors, humanitarian workers, and the women and children who are there because they need care.Our government strongly condemns such violations of international humanitarian law. That is why, yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I announced that Canada was co-sponsoring the United Nations Security Council resolution on protection of medical personnel and hospitals. The resolution was unanimously approved by the United Nations Security Council this morning.
Mr. Speaker, what families all across the country understand is that there is a need for investment in public transit, which had been neglected for 10 years. That is why we announced a $775-million investment in public transit in Montreal. That is why we applaud the potential investment in the new light rail in Montreal that will help people get around, as well as investments in Edmonton, Toronto, and all over the country. The previous government refused to invest in our communities. It was time to put options and growth for Canadians back on the agenda.
Mr. Speaker, our priority is on investing to grow the economy. Six months ago, Canadians chose hope over fear. They chose optimism over pessimism. They chose to make investments to grow the economy instead of balancing the budget on the backs of Canadian families. While the members on the opposite side want to tell Canadians that they made the wrong choice, we are moving forward with the right choices, the choices to invest in our economy that will make the future better for Canadians today and tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General reported that Canada is treating our army reservists like second-class soldiers. They are underfunded, under-equipped, and undertrained. In fact, our reservists were sent into combat without first receiving the proper international mission training. This is all unacceptable.Will the minister today commit to give reservists the training they need, the support they are entitled to, and the respect they deserve?
Mr. Speaker, the members opposite would like to focus on our low-growth past. We want to focus on what we are actually doing for Canadian children today. We have moved forward with the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children. It will help them a lot, on average $2,300 per year. We are moving forward to help indigenous people. We are moving forward on educational initiatives, with $3.5 billion over five years to improve the situation for indigenous children in our country. We have a progressive government that is going to make a real difference to the children of today so they can be better off tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, Canadian ranchers produce the safest and best-quality beef in the world. Some people with vested interests have attacked the Canadian industry over the last number of weeks and months, and some restaurants have even stopped serving Canadian beef. This Canadian farm boy is not going to eat at those restaurants anymore. I am wondering if the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food across the way will stand and commit to supporting Canadian agriculture, and do the same.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Finance made a statement that was surprising, to say the least. He said, Clearly, the members from the other side [that means us] are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. I can assure this House that, yes, we are and we will always be stuck on having a balanced budget. That is the responsible thing to do. What is also clear is that the minister is stuck on running up deficits one after the other.Will the minister change his ways and finally admit that it is detrimental to Canada's future to have such deficits?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is none. The media appearances were part of the official visit, along with six business round tables. It is my job to promote Canada to the world. However, since the members opposite are so interested in this topic, let me remind them that their own leader, the former prime minister, spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to get himself U.S. media appearances. We do not need to do that; we get invited.
Mr. Speaker, more talk will do nothing to help family dairy farms. They need action, and that action has to come from the Liberal government. The government has the responsibility and must enforce the rules, period. Why this inaction? It is inexplicable.Let us talk about another area where people only get help if they are well connected. Today, members of a parliamentary committee asked that KPMG, which set up this tax sham, be held accountable.Will the Liberals support our motion to bring KPMG before the parliamentary committee?
Mr. Speaker, the government's approach is irresponsible. It is obvious that the Minister of Finance has completely lost control of public spending. Running up a $30-billion deficit, with more to come, is irresponsible to today's society and especially to our children and grandchildren, who are going to pay for this government's excesses.When will the government finally get in touch with reality and stop putting our grandchildren into debt?
Mr. Speaker, while we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, Raif Badawi is still being detained by Saudi authorities for criticizing their regime.One would like to think that our government is doing everything in its power to have him released. In an interview, however, the Prime Minister said that it is important to be discreet and not to push too hard or too fast. He does not want to become personally involved.When it comes to doing business with the Saudis, the Liberals are quick off the mark, but when it comes to ensuring that human rights are respected, there is no hurry.How does the government explain this to Mr. Badawi's wife, who is here in Ottawa today?
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his important question.We believe in the importance of showcasing Canadian talent to the world, and that is why we support the film industry. One example of it is our new CanadaIreland co-production treaty, which will help to ensure that similar successes are possible in the future.Our 2016 budget includes historic investments to support culture, which is why we will continue our efforts to promote our culture here and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, unlike the Conservatives, we know it is our government's job to promote Canada to the world. When I travel to promote Canada, I am proud to speak to the international media. Just yesterday, I gave an interview to POLITICO in Washington.As minister, I would like to list some of the other international interviews I have done. I have done an interview with MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the LA Times, and the Financial Times. I have done three BBC interviews. I have spoken to EU Trade Insights. I spoke to La Libre; Deutsche Welle, the German TV; Bloomberg Television; Handelsblatt
Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Finance, when asked about the surplus noted in the Fiscal Monitor, said he did not want to focus on the issue. Yesterday in the House of Commons during question period, the minister actually laughed off the concept of restraint by lamenting that the Conservatives are stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Recently, the National Post noted that this may be the first surplus that a finance minister does not want to talk about.Therefore, my question for the Minister of Finance is this. What is so scary about being fiscally responsible?
Mr. Speaker, that was a very positive development that we saw with regard to alcohol and the transferring of alcohol from one jurisdiction to another. That is why I am working very closely with my provincial and territorial counterparts on an agreement on internal trade, a comprehensive agreement that would reduce barriers and eliminate barriers altogether and that would work on issues around regulatory compliance.The idea here is to ensure we grow and create opportunities for businesses and people to succeed in Canada. That is why we are going to continue to pursue an agreement on internal trade that would address that issue.
Mr. Speaker, we are supporting Canada's dairy industry.We are in regular contact with industry representatives to understand the issues and ensure that producers are properly compensated in connection with the free trade agreement with the European Union. We are committed to working with them at every stage of the process to ensure that we protect the industry. We pledged to protect supply management, and that is what we will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question. We know that the small business tax rate is there to help companies grow and create jobs, but we need to make sure that the small business tax system is fair and being used appropriately. The loophole is allowing far too many people to use this rate to get out of paying personal income taxes that the rest of us pay each and every year. This loophole is costing taxpayers over $500 million a year. We need to fix the problem so that those using the small business tax rate are the small business owners who are creating jobs for our communities.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons told the House that the Minister of International Trade had signed important agreements during her visit to Los Angeles.Would it be possible to see which agreements?
Mr. Speaker, we have all heard of March madness.Here is what the Liberals did in March, by their own budget numbers. They took the $7.5 billion surplus we left them, spent every dime of it, and then spent another $5 billion on top of that, in one month. It is reckless, it is irresponsible, and every Canadian is going to have to pay it back.Does the Prime Minister understand that it is actually not his money to spend? It belongs to hard-working Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada abroad. Since the opposition is so interested in this issue, I will repeat that they should keep in mind that it was their own former leader who spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to pay a consultant to find American interviews.We do not have to pay Republican hacks to organize media appearances
Mr. Speaker, we accept all the Auditor General's recommendations and are working toward them through the programs that we deliver. My mandate letter says to get working on our suicide prevention, as well as our PTSD and mental health centres. That is exactly what we are going to do. We are going to deliver this care in a forthright and profound manner that makes the lives of veterans and their families better.
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is entitled to his opinion. I have had the opportunity to criss-cross the country and listen to Canadians' opinions. They appear to understand quite well what we did with our budget, and they are very positive with the initiatives that are helping Canadians today and tomorrow. I also went international. I heard the Financial Times call us a glimmer of hope. I heard The Wall Street Journal say that we are doing the right things on the IMF plan to grow the economy. We are going to make a real difference for Canadians today and tomorrow with the kind of fiscal measures that will grow our economy for the long run.
Mr. Speaker, we know the Liberals love to talk about facts, so let us look at some facts. Their decision to abandon tax cuts for small businesses will cost the industry $2.2 billion over the next four years. I repeat: $2.2 billion. The more we learn about the Liberals' so-called commitment for small businesses, the more we realize that there is no commitment at all. When will the Liberals deliver their promised 9% tax cuts?
Mr. Speaker, the cat is really out of the bag now. It was reported today that talks between the Liberal government and Iran to re-establish diplomatic ties are well under way.Despite the minister's protestations in the House yesterday that Iran will remain listed as a state sponsor of terror, it is clear that the Canadian government is on the fast track to normalize relations with Tehran. The government seems determined to cave in to this odious regime's demands.How can the government negotiate with a state sponsor of terror?
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about children in Canada. Thanks to our measures, their situation will improve now and in the future. We introduced the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children by giving them an additional $2,300 a year. Today's children will have a better future because we are making investments today for them.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is asking if we are using every means available and doing everything we possibly can to help Mr. Badawi and have him released, since he has done nothing wrong.Yes, that is what we are doing. To increase our chances of success, my colleague will understand if I refrain from commenting any further.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for giving me an opportunity to talk about the Invictus Games and the extraordinary work this government is doing to support veterans and to ensure that there is an opportunity for all Canadians to cheer on the extraordinary valour, courage, and strength of Canadian veterans.Obviously, on the issue of economic growth, we made it very clear during the election campaign that we are going to be investing in communities, we are going to be putting more money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it, because fiscal responsibility and, indeed, balanced budgets are important.
Mr. Speaker, on a single day, three out of four Canadians seeking help from a domestic violence shelter are turned away. Many more women fleeing violence cannot even access a shelter because none exist in their region. The Liberal budget did not have sufficient funding and offered no money for a comprehensive national action plan.We need to address this problem at its root. Will the government adopt a national action plan, with adequate funding, and finally end violence against women?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is not one.I would now like to share with the House some details of the business meetings I had when I was in California. Here are some of the people I met with: James Haney, senior VP and general manager of City National Bank, recently acquired by RBC; Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX; Creative BC, and Trade and Invest BC, were there; John Chiang, the treasurer of the state of California; and Jeff Gorell, deputy mayor.Other meetings I had there included a reception with the Friends of BC, a meeting with Los Angeles economic leaders
Mr. Speaker, what we are not going to apologize for is having an international trade minister who travels around the world promoting Canadian commercial interests in the United States and in other parts of the world. We are proud of the work she is doing for Canadian jobs and ensuring that Canadian companies are able to compete globally. She will continue to do that.
Mr. Speaker, the charging of ancillary fees for health care services is a problem that has been going on in Quebec for years, and the government has done nothing to stop it.Now, a huge coalition of groups, including the FADOQ, the Québec Medical Association, and the FIQ, are taking the Government of Canada to court to make it enforce the Canada Health Act.Will the minister do her duty, enforce the law, and put an end to ancillary fees?
Mr. Speaker, we all know the Minister of International Trade's sole purpose for being in LA was to be on television.Yesterday, when the government House leader tried to defend the minister's unplanned vanity trip, he said, The minister signed important agreements during her visit to California. If that is the case, will she table these important agreements immediately, keeping in mind that credit card receipts and the waiver for Bill Maher do not count?
Mr. Speaker, our work on CETA removes all doubt as to our commitment to free trade.However, we promised to consult Canadians on the TPP. Our government has held over 250 consultations on the TPP. None of the member countries have ratified the TPP yet.We know that the Conservatives do not believe in public debate, but we do.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadian films have received international acclaim in the past year. One fine example is the Telefilm Canada-funded movie, Room, a Canadian Screen Awards- and Oscar-winning picture. Room is a CanadaIreland audiovisual treaty co-production. It stars Canada's own Jacob Tremblay and is written by the Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue who now lives in London, Ontario, part of which I represent.Can the Minister of Canadian Heritage explain what the Government of Canada is doing to encourage our artistic talent on the international stage?
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Gerard Comeau, with the help of the Canadian Constitution Foundation, won his court case, which would allow Canadians to bring beer across provincial lines into New Brunswick.Many constitutional scholars say this will inevitably end up at the Supreme Court. Authorities say that the liquor laws are still in force despite this ruling. Consumers deserve certainty, and the sooner the better. Does the government intend to refer this case to the Supreme Court?
Mr. Speaker, every day, every week, we have different business people, governments, that are going to Iran. They are negotiating for their national interests in Iran with open eyes, to make sure that the nuclear program of Iran will not be militarized. I think it is the right approach, our allies were right to do so, and Canada will join them.
Mr. Speaker, the Baha'i faith was founded in Iran, but Baha'is in Iran today face significant persecution, which includes executions and the destruction of holy sites. We are well aware of Iran's belligerence, but the suppression of the Iranian people and efforts to crush the Baha'i community in particular are also part of the record of this vile government, which requires our attention.After killing the Office of Religious Freedom more than a month ago, what is the government going to do for religious and ethnic minorities in Iran?
Mr. Speaker, they all happened to be sitting on the same panel show, so they do not count as individuals.Either the minister signed important agreements or she did not. If she did, then she should table them right here so we can all have a look at them. We know her own bureaucrats were in the dark, with 500 pages of emails in two days trying to figure out what she was doing there and why it would cost $20,000 to have her there.Is the House leader going to stand and apologize for misleading the House yesterday if there were no signed agreements?
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleague from BromeMissisquoi that I received a notice of motion from the member for Fundy Royal, calling on the committee to adopt a report that recognizes the government's support of the dairy industry, that recognizes the impact of the importation of diafiltered milk, and that calls on the government to meet with dairy industry representatives in the next 30 days in order to find sustainable solutions to modernize the industry.
Mr. Speaker, is it reckless and irresponsible to be lowering taxes for the middle class while raising them on the wealthiest 1%?Is it reckless and irresponsible to be giving a Canada child benefit that is more generous to nine out of 10 Canadian families, by doing more for the families who need it and less for the families who do not?What, frankly, would have been reckless and irresponsible would be for Canadians to decide to keep the Conservatives in government for one more minute after October 19.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government concluded the trans-Pacific partnership, and we know that many businesses in the regions of Quebec will benefit from the economic spinoffs of this trade agreement.Can the current government provide some reassurance to the Quebec regions by confirming that it will not tamper with any of the measures that are of significant importance to Quebec?
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister is sincerely concerned about what he just called potential favouritism at the Canada Revenue Agency, will he agree with the NDP to hold an investigation into the KPMG scandal? Canadians do not accept that there is one law for the rich and well connected and one law for everybody else. Here we have a clear example, just like the Air Canada case: You broke the law. No problem. The Liberals will change it for you retroactively if you're rich and well connected.Canadians want the law to apply to everyone. Are we going to have an investigation into KPMG, yes or no?
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we see that the NDP is always eager to play parliamentary procedure games as opposed to actually digging into the real facts of the issue.We are working with the Canada Revenue Agency. We are ensuring that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We know that Canadians expect their government to uphold the rules, and that is exactly what we are going to do.
Mr. Speaker, while the Prime Minister was once again doing push-ups for the cameras yesterday, his Minister of Finance was doing some of his own verbal gymnastics back here.He was trying to explain how a healthy Conservative surplus turned into a Liberal deficit. It turns out that we are just stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. He is right, and we are proud of it.My question to the Prime Minister is simple. Is he actually ever planning to balance the budget?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food and has to do with the committee's agenda. All members of the House know that the dairy industry is an important economic driver in Canada.Can the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food talk to the House about the committee's agenda, specifically with respect to diafiltered milk?
Mr. Speaker, the story is that the Minister of International Trade needs to be honest with Canadians. She declares proudly that she was in California to promote Canadian business, but her own officials did not even know about the trip until two days before.The minister indicates that she met with the lieutenant governor of California and a U.S. senator, but does not mention that it was on the late show with Bill Maher.When will the minister just be honest and tell Canadians she went to Hollywood on a personal vanity trip, using taxpayer money?
Mr. Speaker, of course we are defending the aerospace industry in Quebec and across Canada. As hon. members know, when the Government of Quebec and the Government of Manitoba decided to drop their lawsuits against Air Canada, this allowed us to modernize the legislation. It is an important step in the right direction. This will prevent future lawsuits. What is more, this will put Air Canada in a position where it can be more competitive with its rivals.I would remind my hon. colleague that in Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario there are still requirements to hire Air Canada employees to perform maintenance.
Mr. Speaker, our priority is to invest. Six months ago, Canadians chose optimism, not pessimism. Canadians chose to make investments that will grow the economy, not to have a balanced budget at any cost.We will make choices that are good for Canadians and that will grow the Canadian economy, now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister also said yesterday that he was convinced that the Liberal Party was doing the right thing because it is making his children and his grandchildren better off. Now, I am happy for them, but I also worry about the other kids in this country as well, who may not be able to afford the high cost of the minister's borrowing. The minister may have just said that he is comfortable with the choices that he is making, but in reality he is going to be spending on the backs of our children.What part of saddling our kids with billions and billions of dollars of debt is making them better off?
Mr. Speaker, like all Canadians, we are concerned about the allegations of favouritism within the Canada Revenue Agency. That is why we are working closely with the minister and the department in order to ensure that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We will make sure this happens now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, once again the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. I have already listed the business meetings I held in California. However, unlike the Conservatives, who do not like the media, we understand it is our job to talk to the media at home and abroad. I want to point out that I appeared in the media in California with some important Canadian partners, Senator Angus King of Maine, and the California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
Mr. Speaker, indeed, Canada wants to help with disarmament in all of its facets. This is what I have said to the High Representative. The approach we want to take is to focus on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. This is the best way for Canada to go ahead and make progress with our allies. We will focus on that, and we will count on the contribution of all members in this House on this important challenge that we have to face.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that this government supports supply management and we are fully aware of the industry's concerns about the use of diafiltered milk in the making of cheese.We are working to reach a sustainable solution that works for all of the Canadian dairy sector. I am also very pleased that the member for Fundy Royal gave notice of a motion today to the agriculture committee to work toward solutions on this issue.We are working on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that we support agriculture in this government. All Canadian beef is certified as safe under science research. We have the safest high-quality beef in the world. It is the safest food we can eat, and Canadians are safe and should eat this food.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the colleague across the floor for her unwavering efforts to address gender-based violence.As the member well knows, we in fact do have plans for a comprehensive gender-based federal strategy to end violence against women. More than that, we are very proud of our investments in shelters, transitional homes, and affordable housing that will affect women in a tremendous way to move forward in a safe and productive manner and will have effects for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to uphold, along with our government, the Canada Health Act.This government is taking federal leadership on health care. We uphold the Canada Health Act that underscores a number of principles, including accessibility, which ensures Canadians will always have access to the care they need, based on that need and not based on the ability to pay.I will work with the provinces and territories to ensure that access is always available to Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, speaking of parliamentary procedure, in committee today, the Liberals had a chance to vote with us to require KPMG to give the names. Do members know what they did? They used parliamentary procedure to avoid that.Let us talk about the Liberals avoiding their responsibility in another key area, which is climate change. They signed Kyoto the last time they were in power and went on to have one of the worst records in the world. This time they went to Paris and said that Canada was back. Unfortunately, Canada was back with the Conservative plan. Why is there no plan to reduce greenhouse gases in Canada? Canadians want to know.
Mr. Speaker, during question period, the Prime Minister implied that it was Quebec's fault that the federal Liberals did not live up to their Kyoto commitments. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to table a document that shows Quebec decreased GHG emissions every year while I was environment minister and prove that they went up
Mr. Speaker, I share the concern of my colleague about the atrocities he spoke about. However, the question I would ask is this. In which way would it help if Canada is not there? In which way would it help if Canada does not have an embassy?Was it not fortunate, at the end of the 1970s, that we had a Canadian embassy in Tehran when it was time to help the U.S. hostages? Can we learn from our history?
Mr. Speaker, under the former government, Canada was alone in having an empty chair with a lot of countries when it disliked the regimes, which was the wrong approach. All our allies are asking us to stop this wrong approach, and it is what we will do with Iran. In order to see progress on human rights and progress on the protection of Canada's interests and the interests of our allies, including Israel, Canada will engage with Iran with open eyes, step by step.
Mr. Speaker, half of Canada's dairy farms are in Quebec. Imported diafiltered milk is hurting my home province. We are talking about thousands of dollars lost every week. Our regional economies are in jeopardy. In a show of solidarity, the hon. member for ChicoutimiLe Fjord poured a bag of powered milk on his head. Imagine that. However, in the House, there has been no show of support for our farmers, and nothing is being done to resolve their problem. What will it take for government members from Quebec to start representing their constituents, a nod from Toronto?
Mr. Speaker, at the heart of our public health care system is one simple principle: no one should have to pay out of pocket for health care. Yet, patients all across the country are being charged extra fees for medical services, and the Government of Canada is doing nothing about it. Some Canadians have become so frustrated with Liberal inaction, they filed a lawsuit today against the federal government. Why will the minister not do her job, enforce the Canada Health Act, and act immediately to put a stop to user fees?
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, a mere six years ago, the House unanimously supported an NDP motion calling for Canadian engagement in negotiations for a global convention on nuclear weapons, and to kick-start the Canadian diplomatic initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Prime Minister has publicly promised to re-engage Canada with the United Nations and to seek a seat on the Security Council. What, if any, commitments did Canada make yesterday when he and the Minister of Global Affairs met with the United Nation's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs?
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the member opposite has now discovered what she apparently thinks the job of the Prime Minister is. The previous Prime Minister added $160 billion to Canada's debt with very little to show for it. Indeed, for 10 years we had lower economic growth than Canadians needed to have. We had under-investment in our infrastructure in our communities and in public transit.That is why this government is committed to making the investments in our communities that Canadians so desperately need, that businesses so desperately need, and putting more money into the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is the job of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Speaker, enough jokes about the previous government. Let us talk about this government. The current Liberal government's failure to take action on the diafiltered milk file is really hurting dairy producers across Canada. They can no longer borrow money, and they are losing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Liberals have been sitting on their hands for six months.Will they support the NDP motion and stand up for our family dairy farms?
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of International Trade claims that her vanity trip to California was to promote Canadian business interests. However, emails released through access to information paint a very different picture.Her staff were scrambling to put a program together and were begging LA Times journalists for an interview. Senior foreign policy and diplomacy officer Dan Pasquini stated in an email, this visit has only just fallen in our laps.Why does the minister continue to claim the trip was about Canadian business interests when it was actually all about her?
Mr. Speaker, I actually was not a politician when Kyoto was signed, but the member opposite was minister of environment for the Province of Quebec and wears a part of responsibility on what was not done in the past. What is being done right now, however, is that we are working with the provinces. We have demonstrated a commitment, internationally and here at home, to engage on climate change, to ensure that we are actually living up to the responsibilities to future generations. Look at us to look at the challenges, but also the opportunities coming in investing in green technology and the real future of Canadian jobs.
Mr. Speaker, in February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Trade announced that Canada was positioning for commercial trade in Iran. Yesterday, the minister told us the Liberals have no current plan to delist Iran as a state sponsor of terror. Exactly how does he think he can negotiate these two diametrically opposite courses? Can he tell us when he expects to sit down for a business chat with his terror-sponsoring, human-rights-abusing Iranian counterpart?
Mr. Speaker, the long list of Liberal promises now includes transparency, thanks to the Minister of Finance. The PBO delivered a scathing indictment of the government for its lack of budget transparency. The minister refuses to acknowledge that we handed them a surplus. We know the Liberals jammed as much new spending in last year's budget and books as they could. If he truly wants to be transparent, will the minister tell Canadians how much the March madness spending spree has cost?
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's statements need to be corrected. We are the ones who did the work on the projects in Edmonton that he mentioned. In the Montreal region, we always worked while respecting provincial and municipal jurisdictions, including with regard to public transit. We delivered the largest infrastructure plan in Canada's history while still balancing the budget.Why does the Prime Minister need to run deficits to do what we managed to do while balancing the budget?
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada in the United States. In fact, just yesterday, I was pleased to be in Washington for a trilateral trade meeting with my American and Mexican counterparts. It was my sixth visit to the United States in six months. What I am hearing in the U.S. is that after a lost decade, Canada is finally back at the table.I am going to keep going back and doing what the Conservatives failed to do: support trade, jobs, and our middle class.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the hon. member for his concern. I was actually one of those reservists on those deployments who received the training. I can assure members that we are accepting all the Auditor General's recommendations. I would also like to say that the Canadian Armed Forces has already started working on improving the training aspect for domestic and international operations, including the recruiting and retention for our reserve force to play a critical role in domestic and international operations.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives threw the budget out the window.The fact is, we have made the necessary investments. For 10 years, there was no investment in public transit, in green infrastructure, or in anything to tackle climate change.Canadians elected a government that is ready to invest in the future, in middle-class Canadians so that they have more money in their pockets, and in families. These kinds of investments will create growth, which was neglected in Canada by the previous government for the past 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the former prime minister had to deal with the worst economic crisis since World War II. It is a good thing that the current Prime Minister did not have to deal with that crisis. We went through very difficult times and we left the house in order, with a surplus of $7.5 billion at the end of February.Yesterday, in a flight of rhetoric, the Minister of Finance said: Clearly, the members from other side are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Right now, families are filling out their tax forms and must balance their personal finances. Is the Prime Minister able to understand that balancing a budget
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General showed that the government did not implement adequate measures to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.The department is not taking the impact on veterans into account when managing its drug program. For once the Liberals cannot blame the Conservatives, since the Liberal budget did not include a single penny for mental health care services.When will the Liberals support our veterans and invest in their mental health?
Mr. Speaker, last week, we learned that a Canadian-funded Syrian hospital was bombed. Such acts are clearly unacceptable and an assault on the rights of every woman and man in the world.Can the Minister of International Development tell the House what our government has done in response to this despicable act?
Mr. Speaker, the Air Canada Public Participation Act, which the government wants to water down, was a promise made to Quebec in 1989. The legislator's intention was clear: to protect the jobs in Montreal. I know that because I was sitting in the government when that legislation was passed. At the time, it was the Quebec caucus of the government that fought to protect our aerospace industry.When will the 40 Liberal members from Quebec in this government stand up and defend Quebec's aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, we fully support the principles of the Canada Health Act, which seeks to ensure that all Canadians have reasonable access to medical and hospital services that are medically necessary based on need, not ability to pay.I am committed to working with our partners to strengthen our universal public health care system while upholding the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Let us just skip to the push-ups.Mr. Speaker, it is actually the job of the Prime Minister to try, at least try, to keep spending under control. The facts are clear. The parliamentary budget officer and the finance department agree that Conservatives left the government a healthy surplus, and the Liberals have blown it.Does the Prime Minister understand that this billions in spending actually has to be paid back?
Mr. Speaker, in a one-on-one sit down interview with the LA Times, the minister's California dream trip was characterized as a brief stopover. LA Consul General Villeneuve noted there seems to be a bit of confusion.The Global Affairs director general of communications was also confused, saying in emails, What is she doing in LA? Besides the Bill Maher show?Clearly, this was a personal trip built around her TV appearance.We know the Liberals are entitled to their entitlements, but are taxpayers not entitled to an honest answer about the real purpose for her going to LA?
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the minister's staff had to scramble at the last minute to find things to do in California to justify doing a late night show on HBO.When the minister's own staff is informed that she will be in LA just two days prior to her arrival, how are Canadians to believe it was on government business? The Minister of International Trade used taxpayer money to further her personal interests, not the interests of Canadian business. When will the minister pay back the money for this vanity trip?
Mr. Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague. The attack was utterly unacceptable, as is any such act targeting doctors, humanitarian workers, and the women and children who are there because they need care.Our government strongly condemns such violations of international humanitarian law. That is why, yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I announced that Canada was co-sponsoring the United Nations Security Council resolution on protection of medical personnel and hospitals. The resolution was unanimously approved by the United Nations Security Council this morning.
Mr. Speaker, what families all across the country understand is that there is a need for investment in public transit, which had been neglected for 10 years. That is why we announced a $775-million investment in public transit in Montreal. That is why we applaud the potential investment in the new light rail in Montreal that will help people get around, as well as investments in Edmonton, Toronto, and all over the country. The previous government refused to invest in our communities. It was time to put options and growth for Canadians back on the agenda.
Mr. Speaker, our priority is on investing to grow the economy. Six months ago, Canadians chose hope over fear. They chose optimism over pessimism. They chose to make investments to grow the economy instead of balancing the budget on the backs of Canadian families. While the members on the opposite side want to tell Canadians that they made the wrong choice, we are moving forward with the right choices, the choices to invest in our economy that will make the future better for Canadians today and tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General reported that Canada is treating our army reservists like second-class soldiers. They are underfunded, under-equipped, and undertrained. In fact, our reservists were sent into combat without first receiving the proper international mission training. This is all unacceptable.Will the minister today commit to give reservists the training they need, the support they are entitled to, and the respect they deserve?
Mr. Speaker, the members opposite would like to focus on our low-growth past. We want to focus on what we are actually doing for Canadian children today. We have moved forward with the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children. It will help them a lot, on average $2,300 per year. We are moving forward to help indigenous people. We are moving forward on educational initiatives, with $3.5 billion over five years to improve the situation for indigenous children in our country. We have a progressive government that is going to make a real difference to the children of today so they can be better off tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, Canadian ranchers produce the safest and best-quality beef in the world. Some people with vested interests have attacked the Canadian industry over the last number of weeks and months, and some restaurants have even stopped serving Canadian beef. This Canadian farm boy is not going to eat at those restaurants anymore. I am wondering if the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food across the way will stand and commit to supporting Canadian agriculture, and do the same.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Finance made a statement that was surprising, to say the least. He said, Clearly, the members from the other side [that means us] are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. I can assure this House that, yes, we are and we will always be stuck on having a balanced budget. That is the responsible thing to do. What is also clear is that the minister is stuck on running up deficits one after the other.Will the minister change his ways and finally admit that it is detrimental to Canada's future to have such deficits?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is none. The media appearances were part of the official visit, along with six business round tables. It is my job to promote Canada to the world. However, since the members opposite are so interested in this topic, let me remind them that their own leader, the former prime minister, spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to get himself U.S. media appearances. We do not need to do that; we get invited.
Mr. Speaker, more talk will do nothing to help family dairy farms. They need action, and that action has to come from the Liberal government. The government has the responsibility and must enforce the rules, period. Why this inaction? It is inexplicable.Let us talk about another area where people only get help if they are well connected. Today, members of a parliamentary committee asked that KPMG, which set up this tax sham, be held accountable.Will the Liberals support our motion to bring KPMG before the parliamentary committee?
Mr. Speaker, the government's approach is irresponsible. It is obvious that the Minister of Finance has completely lost control of public spending. Running up a $30-billion deficit, with more to come, is irresponsible to today's society and especially to our children and grandchildren, who are going to pay for this government's excesses.When will the government finally get in touch with reality and stop putting our grandchildren into debt?
Mr. Speaker, while we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, Raif Badawi is still being detained by Saudi authorities for criticizing their regime.One would like to think that our government is doing everything in its power to have him released. In an interview, however, the Prime Minister said that it is important to be discreet and not to push too hard or too fast. He does not want to become personally involved.When it comes to doing business with the Saudis, the Liberals are quick off the mark, but when it comes to ensuring that human rights are respected, there is no hurry.How does the government explain this to Mr. Badawi's wife, who is here in Ottawa today?
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his important question.We believe in the importance of showcasing Canadian talent to the world, and that is why we support the film industry. One example of it is our new CanadaIreland co-production treaty, which will help to ensure that similar successes are possible in the future.Our 2016 budget includes historic investments to support culture, which is why we will continue our efforts to promote our culture here and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, unlike the Conservatives, we know it is our government's job to promote Canada to the world. When I travel to promote Canada, I am proud to speak to the international media. Just yesterday, I gave an interview to POLITICO in Washington.As minister, I would like to list some of the other international interviews I have done. I have done an interview with MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the LA Times, and the Financial Times. I have done three BBC interviews. I have spoken to EU Trade Insights. I spoke to La Libre; Deutsche Welle, the German TV; Bloomberg Television; Handelsblatt
Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Finance, when asked about the surplus noted in the Fiscal Monitor, said he did not want to focus on the issue. Yesterday in the House of Commons during question period, the minister actually laughed off the concept of restraint by lamenting that the Conservatives are stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Recently, the National Post noted that this may be the first surplus that a finance minister does not want to talk about.Therefore, my question for the Minister of Finance is this. What is so scary about being fiscally responsible?
Mr. Speaker, that was a very positive development that we saw with regard to alcohol and the transferring of alcohol from one jurisdiction to another. That is why I am working very closely with my provincial and territorial counterparts on an agreement on internal trade, a comprehensive agreement that would reduce barriers and eliminate barriers altogether and that would work on issues around regulatory compliance.The idea here is to ensure we grow and create opportunities for businesses and people to succeed in Canada. That is why we are going to continue to pursue an agreement on internal trade that would address that issue.
Mr. Speaker, we are supporting Canada's dairy industry.We are in regular contact with industry representatives to understand the issues and ensure that producers are properly compensated in connection with the free trade agreement with the European Union. We are committed to working with them at every stage of the process to ensure that we protect the industry. We pledged to protect supply management, and that is what we will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question. We know that the small business tax rate is there to help companies grow and create jobs, but we need to make sure that the small business tax system is fair and being used appropriately. The loophole is allowing far too many people to use this rate to get out of paying personal income taxes that the rest of us pay each and every year. This loophole is costing taxpayers over $500 million a year. We need to fix the problem so that those using the small business tax rate are the small business owners who are creating jobs for our communities.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons told the House that the Minister of International Trade had signed important agreements during her visit to Los Angeles.Would it be possible to see which agreements?
Mr. Speaker, we have all heard of March madness.Here is what the Liberals did in March, by their own budget numbers. They took the $7.5 billion surplus we left them, spent every dime of it, and then spent another $5 billion on top of that, in one month. It is reckless, it is irresponsible, and every Canadian is going to have to pay it back.Does the Prime Minister understand that it is actually not his money to spend? It belongs to hard-working Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada abroad. Since the opposition is so interested in this issue, I will repeat that they should keep in mind that it was their own former leader who spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to pay a consultant to find American interviews.We do not have to pay Republican hacks to organize media appearances
Mr. Speaker, we accept all the Auditor General's recommendations and are working toward them through the programs that we deliver. My mandate letter says to get working on our suicide prevention, as well as our PTSD and mental health centres. That is exactly what we are going to do. We are going to deliver this care in a forthright and profound manner that makes the lives of veterans and their families better.
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is entitled to his opinion. I have had the opportunity to criss-cross the country and listen to Canadians' opinions. They appear to understand quite well what we did with our budget, and they are very positive with the initiatives that are helping Canadians today and tomorrow. I also went international. I heard the Financial Times call us a glimmer of hope. I heard The Wall Street Journal say that we are doing the right things on the IMF plan to grow the economy. We are going to make a real difference for Canadians today and tomorrow with the kind of fiscal measures that will grow our economy for the long run.
Mr. Speaker, we know the Liberals love to talk about facts, so let us look at some facts. Their decision to abandon tax cuts for small businesses will cost the industry $2.2 billion over the next four years. I repeat: $2.2 billion. The more we learn about the Liberals' so-called commitment for small businesses, the more we realize that there is no commitment at all. When will the Liberals deliver their promised 9% tax cuts?
Mr. Speaker, the cat is really out of the bag now. It was reported today that talks between the Liberal government and Iran to re-establish diplomatic ties are well under way.Despite the minister's protestations in the House yesterday that Iran will remain listed as a state sponsor of terror, it is clear that the Canadian government is on the fast track to normalize relations with Tehran. The government seems determined to cave in to this odious regime's demands.How can the government negotiate with a state sponsor of terror?
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about children in Canada. Thanks to our measures, their situation will improve now and in the future. We introduced the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children by giving them an additional $2,300 a year. Today's children will have a better future because we are making investments today for them.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is asking if we are using every means available and doing everything we possibly can to help Mr. Badawi and have him released, since he has done nothing wrong.Yes, that is what we are doing. To increase our chances of success, my colleague will understand if I refrain from commenting any further.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for giving me an opportunity to talk about the Invictus Games and the extraordinary work this government is doing to support veterans and to ensure that there is an opportunity for all Canadians to cheer on the extraordinary valour, courage, and strength of Canadian veterans.Obviously, on the issue of economic growth, we made it very clear during the election campaign that we are going to be investing in communities, we are going to be putting more money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it, because fiscal responsibility and, indeed, balanced budgets are important.
Mr. Speaker, on a single day, three out of four Canadians seeking help from a domestic violence shelter are turned away. Many more women fleeing violence cannot even access a shelter because none exist in their region. The Liberal budget did not have sufficient funding and offered no money for a comprehensive national action plan.We need to address this problem at its root. Will the government adopt a national action plan, with adequate funding, and finally end violence against women?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is not one.I would now like to share with the House some details of the business meetings I had when I was in California. Here are some of the people I met with: James Haney, senior VP and general manager of City National Bank, recently acquired by RBC; Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX; Creative BC, and Trade and Invest BC, were there; John Chiang, the treasurer of the state of California; and Jeff Gorell, deputy mayor.Other meetings I had there included a reception with the Friends of BC, a meeting with Los Angeles economic leaders
Mr. Speaker, what we are not going to apologize for is having an international trade minister who travels around the world promoting Canadian commercial interests in the United States and in other parts of the world. We are proud of the work she is doing for Canadian jobs and ensuring that Canadian companies are able to compete globally. She will continue to do that.
Mr. Speaker, the charging of ancillary fees for health care services is a problem that has been going on in Quebec for years, and the government has done nothing to stop it.Now, a huge coalition of groups, including the FADOQ, the Québec Medical Association, and the FIQ, are taking the Government of Canada to court to make it enforce the Canada Health Act.Will the minister do her duty, enforce the law, and put an end to ancillary fees?
Mr. Speaker, we all know the Minister of International Trade's sole purpose for being in LA was to be on television.Yesterday, when the government House leader tried to defend the minister's unplanned vanity trip, he said, The minister signed important agreements during her visit to California. If that is the case, will she table these important agreements immediately, keeping in mind that credit card receipts and the waiver for Bill Maher do not count?
Mr. Speaker, our work on CETA removes all doubt as to our commitment to free trade.However, we promised to consult Canadians on the TPP. Our government has held over 250 consultations on the TPP. None of the member countries have ratified the TPP yet.We know that the Conservatives do not believe in public debate, but we do.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadian films have received international acclaim in the past year. One fine example is the Telefilm Canada-funded movie, Room, a Canadian Screen Awards- and Oscar-winning picture. Room is a CanadaIreland audiovisual treaty co-production. It stars Canada's own Jacob Tremblay and is written by the Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue who now lives in London, Ontario, part of which I represent.Can the Minister of Canadian Heritage explain what the Government of Canada is doing to encourage our artistic talent on the international stage?
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Gerard Comeau, with the help of the Canadian Constitution Foundation, won his court case, which would allow Canadians to bring beer across provincial lines into New Brunswick.Many constitutional scholars say this will inevitably end up at the Supreme Court. Authorities say that the liquor laws are still in force despite this ruling. Consumers deserve certainty, and the sooner the better. Does the government intend to refer this case to the Supreme Court?
Mr. Speaker, every day, every week, we have different business people, governments, that are going to Iran. They are negotiating for their national interests in Iran with open eyes, to make sure that the nuclear program of Iran will not be militarized. I think it is the right approach, our allies were right to do so, and Canada will join them.
Mr. Speaker, the Baha'i faith was founded in Iran, but Baha'is in Iran today face significant persecution, which includes executions and the destruction of holy sites. We are well aware of Iran's belligerence, but the suppression of the Iranian people and efforts to crush the Baha'i community in particular are also part of the record of this vile government, which requires our attention.After killing the Office of Religious Freedom more than a month ago, what is the government going to do for religious and ethnic minorities in Iran?
Mr. Speaker, they all happened to be sitting on the same panel show, so they do not count as individuals.Either the minister signed important agreements or she did not. If she did, then she should table them right here so we can all have a look at them. We know her own bureaucrats were in the dark, with 500 pages of emails in two days trying to figure out what she was doing there and why it would cost $20,000 to have her there.Is the House leader going to stand and apologize for misleading the House yesterday if there were no signed agreements?
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleague from BromeMissisquoi that I received a notice of motion from the member for Fundy Royal, calling on the committee to adopt a report that recognizes the government's support of the dairy industry, that recognizes the impact of the importation of diafiltered milk, and that calls on the government to meet with dairy industry representatives in the next 30 days in order to find sustainable solutions to modernize the industry.
Mr. Speaker, is it reckless and irresponsible to be lowering taxes for the middle class while raising them on the wealthiest 1%?Is it reckless and irresponsible to be giving a Canada child benefit that is more generous to nine out of 10 Canadian families, by doing more for the families who need it and less for the families who do not?What, frankly, would have been reckless and irresponsible would be for Canadians to decide to keep the Conservatives in government for one more minute after October 19.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government concluded the trans-Pacific partnership, and we know that many businesses in the regions of Quebec will benefit from the economic spinoffs of this trade agreement.Can the current government provide some reassurance to the Quebec regions by confirming that it will not tamper with any of the measures that are of significant importance to Quebec?
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister is sincerely concerned about what he just called potential favouritism at the Canada Revenue Agency, will he agree with the NDP to hold an investigation into the KPMG scandal? Canadians do not accept that there is one law for the rich and well connected and one law for everybody else. Here we have a clear example, just like the Air Canada case: You broke the law. No problem. The Liberals will change it for you retroactively if you're rich and well connected.Canadians want the law to apply to everyone. Are we going to have an investigation into KPMG, yes or no?
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we see that the NDP is always eager to play parliamentary procedure games as opposed to actually digging into the real facts of the issue.We are working with the Canada Revenue Agency. We are ensuring that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We know that Canadians expect their government to uphold the rules, and that is exactly what we are going to do.
Mr. Speaker, while the Prime Minister was once again doing push-ups for the cameras yesterday, his Minister of Finance was doing some of his own verbal gymnastics back here.He was trying to explain how a healthy Conservative surplus turned into a Liberal deficit. It turns out that we are just stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. He is right, and we are proud of it.My question to the Prime Minister is simple. Is he actually ever planning to balance the budget?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food and has to do with the committee's agenda. All members of the House know that the dairy industry is an important economic driver in Canada.Can the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food talk to the House about the committee's agenda, specifically with respect to diafiltered milk?
Mr. Speaker, the story is that the Minister of International Trade needs to be honest with Canadians. She declares proudly that she was in California to promote Canadian business, but her own officials did not even know about the trip until two days before.The minister indicates that she met with the lieutenant governor of California and a U.S. senator, but does not mention that it was on the late show with Bill Maher.When will the minister just be honest and tell Canadians she went to Hollywood on a personal vanity trip, using taxpayer money?
Mr. Speaker, of course we are defending the aerospace industry in Quebec and across Canada. As hon. members know, when the Government of Quebec and the Government of Manitoba decided to drop their lawsuits against Air Canada, this allowed us to modernize the legislation. It is an important step in the right direction. This will prevent future lawsuits. What is more, this will put Air Canada in a position where it can be more competitive with its rivals.I would remind my hon. colleague that in Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario there are still requirements to hire Air Canada employees to perform maintenance.
Mr. Speaker, our priority is to invest. Six months ago, Canadians chose optimism, not pessimism. Canadians chose to make investments that will grow the economy, not to have a balanced budget at any cost.We will make choices that are good for Canadians and that will grow the Canadian economy, now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister also said yesterday that he was convinced that the Liberal Party was doing the right thing because it is making his children and his grandchildren better off. Now, I am happy for them, but I also worry about the other kids in this country as well, who may not be able to afford the high cost of the minister's borrowing. The minister may have just said that he is comfortable with the choices that he is making, but in reality he is going to be spending on the backs of our children.What part of saddling our kids with billions and billions of dollars of debt is making them better off?
Mr. Speaker, like all Canadians, we are concerned about the allegations of favouritism within the Canada Revenue Agency. That is why we are working closely with the minister and the department in order to ensure that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We will make sure this happens now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, once again the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. I have already listed the business meetings I held in California. However, unlike the Conservatives, who do not like the media, we understand it is our job to talk to the media at home and abroad. I want to point out that I appeared in the media in California with some important Canadian partners, Senator Angus King of Maine, and the California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
Mr. Speaker, indeed, Canada wants to help with disarmament in all of its facets. This is what I have said to the High Representative. The approach we want to take is to focus on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. This is the best way for Canada to go ahead and make progress with our allies. We will focus on that, and we will count on the contribution of all members in this House on this important challenge that we have to face.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that this government supports supply management and we are fully aware of the industry's concerns about the use of diafiltered milk in the making of cheese.We are working to reach a sustainable solution that works for all of the Canadian dairy sector. I am also very pleased that the member for Fundy Royal gave notice of a motion today to the agriculture committee to work toward solutions on this issue.We are working on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that we support agriculture in this government. All Canadian beef is certified as safe under science research. We have the safest high-quality beef in the world. It is the safest food we can eat, and Canadians are safe and should eat this food.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the colleague across the floor for her unwavering efforts to address gender-based violence.As the member well knows, we in fact do have plans for a comprehensive gender-based federal strategy to end violence against women. More than that, we are very proud of our investments in shelters, transitional homes, and affordable housing that will affect women in a tremendous way to move forward in a safe and productive manner and will have effects for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to uphold, along with our government, the Canada Health Act.This government is taking federal leadership on health care. We uphold the Canada Health Act that underscores a number of principles, including accessibility, which ensures Canadians will always have access to the care they need, based on that need and not based on the ability to pay.I will work with the provinces and territories to ensure that access is always available to Canadians.
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Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to uphold, along with our government, the Canada Health Act.This government is taking federal leadership on health care. We uphold the Canada Health Act that underscores a number of principles, including accessibility, which ensures Canadians will always have access to the care they need, based on that need and not based on the ability to pay.I will work with the provinces and territories to ensure that access is always available to Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the colleague across the floor for her unwavering efforts to address gender-based violence.As the member well knows, we in fact do have plans for a comprehensive gender-based federal strategy to end violence against women. More than that, we are very proud of our investments in shelters, transitional homes, and affordable housing that will affect women in a tremendous way to move forward in a safe and productive manner and will have effects for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that we support agriculture in this government. All Canadian beef is certified as safe under science research. We have the safest high-quality beef in the world. It is the safest food we can eat, and Canadians are safe and should eat this food.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that this government supports supply management and we are fully aware of the industry's concerns about the use of diafiltered milk in the making of cheese.We are working to reach a sustainable solution that works for all of the Canadian dairy sector. I am also very pleased that the member for Fundy Royal gave notice of a motion today to the agriculture committee to work toward solutions on this issue.We are working on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, indeed, Canada wants to help with disarmament in all of its facets. This is what I have said to the High Representative. The approach we want to take is to focus on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. This is the best way for Canada to go ahead and make progress with our allies. We will focus on that, and we will count on the contribution of all members in this House on this important challenge that we have to face.
Mr. Speaker, like all Canadians, we are concerned about the allegations of favouritism within the Canada Revenue Agency. That is why we are working closely with the minister and the department in order to ensure that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We will make sure this happens now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, once again the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. I have already listed the business meetings I held in California. However, unlike the Conservatives, who do not like the media, we understand it is our job to talk to the media at home and abroad. I want to point out that I appeared in the media in California with some important Canadian partners, Senator Angus King of Maine, and the California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister also said yesterday that he was convinced that the Liberal Party was doing the right thing because it is making his children and his grandchildren better off. Now, I am happy for them, but I also worry about the other kids in this country as well, who may not be able to afford the high cost of the minister's borrowing. The minister may have just said that he is comfortable with the choices that he is making, but in reality he is going to be spending on the backs of our children.What part of saddling our kids with billions and billions of dollars of debt is making them better off?
Mr. Speaker, our priority is to invest. Six months ago, Canadians chose optimism, not pessimism. Canadians chose to make investments that will grow the economy, not to have a balanced budget at any cost.We will make choices that are good for Canadians and that will grow the Canadian economy, now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, of course we are defending the aerospace industry in Quebec and across Canada. As hon. members know, when the Government of Quebec and the Government of Manitoba decided to drop their lawsuits against Air Canada, this allowed us to modernize the legislation. It is an important step in the right direction. This will prevent future lawsuits. What is more, this will put Air Canada in a position where it can be more competitive with its rivals.I would remind my hon. colleague that in Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario there are still requirements to hire Air Canada employees to perform maintenance.
Mr. Speaker, the story is that the Minister of International Trade needs to be honest with Canadians. She declares proudly that she was in California to promote Canadian business, but her own officials did not even know about the trip until two days before.The minister indicates that she met with the lieutenant governor of California and a U.S. senator, but does not mention that it was on the late show with Bill Maher.When will the minister just be honest and tell Canadians she went to Hollywood on a personal vanity trip, using taxpayer money?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food and has to do with the committee's agenda. All members of the House know that the dairy industry is an important economic driver in Canada.Can the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food talk to the House about the committee's agenda, specifically with respect to diafiltered milk?
Mr. Speaker, while the Prime Minister was once again doing push-ups for the cameras yesterday, his Minister of Finance was doing some of his own verbal gymnastics back here.He was trying to explain how a healthy Conservative surplus turned into a Liberal deficit. It turns out that we are just stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. He is right, and we are proud of it.My question to the Prime Minister is simple. Is he actually ever planning to balance the budget?
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we see that the NDP is always eager to play parliamentary procedure games as opposed to actually digging into the real facts of the issue.We are working with the Canada Revenue Agency. We are ensuring that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We know that Canadians expect their government to uphold the rules, and that is exactly what we are going to do.
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister is sincerely concerned about what he just called potential favouritism at the Canada Revenue Agency, will he agree with the NDP to hold an investigation into the KPMG scandal? Canadians do not accept that there is one law for the rich and well connected and one law for everybody else. Here we have a clear example, just like the Air Canada case: You broke the law. No problem. The Liberals will change it for you retroactively if you're rich and well connected.Canadians want the law to apply to everyone. Are we going to have an investigation into KPMG, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government concluded the trans-Pacific partnership, and we know that many businesses in the regions of Quebec will benefit from the economic spinoffs of this trade agreement.Can the current government provide some reassurance to the Quebec regions by confirming that it will not tamper with any of the measures that are of significant importance to Quebec?
Mr. Speaker, is it reckless and irresponsible to be lowering taxes for the middle class while raising them on the wealthiest 1%?Is it reckless and irresponsible to be giving a Canada child benefit that is more generous to nine out of 10 Canadian families, by doing more for the families who need it and less for the families who do not?What, frankly, would have been reckless and irresponsible would be for Canadians to decide to keep the Conservatives in government for one more minute after October 19.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleague from BromeMissisquoi that I received a notice of motion from the member for Fundy Royal, calling on the committee to adopt a report that recognizes the government's support of the dairy industry, that recognizes the impact of the importation of diafiltered milk, and that calls on the government to meet with dairy industry representatives in the next 30 days in order to find sustainable solutions to modernize the industry.
Mr. Speaker, they all happened to be sitting on the same panel show, so they do not count as individuals.Either the minister signed important agreements or she did not. If she did, then she should table them right here so we can all have a look at them. We know her own bureaucrats were in the dark, with 500 pages of emails in two days trying to figure out what she was doing there and why it would cost $20,000 to have her there.Is the House leader going to stand and apologize for misleading the House yesterday if there were no signed agreements?
Mr. Speaker, the Baha'i faith was founded in Iran, but Baha'is in Iran today face significant persecution, which includes executions and the destruction of holy sites. We are well aware of Iran's belligerence, but the suppression of the Iranian people and efforts to crush the Baha'i community in particular are also part of the record of this vile government, which requires our attention.After killing the Office of Religious Freedom more than a month ago, what is the government going to do for religious and ethnic minorities in Iran?
Mr. Speaker, every day, every week, we have different business people, governments, that are going to Iran. They are negotiating for their national interests in Iran with open eyes, to make sure that the nuclear program of Iran will not be militarized. I think it is the right approach, our allies were right to do so, and Canada will join them.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Gerard Comeau, with the help of the Canadian Constitution Foundation, won his court case, which would allow Canadians to bring beer across provincial lines into New Brunswick.Many constitutional scholars say this will inevitably end up at the Supreme Court. Authorities say that the liquor laws are still in force despite this ruling. Consumers deserve certainty, and the sooner the better. Does the government intend to refer this case to the Supreme Court?
Mr. Speaker, the charging of ancillary fees for health care services is a problem that has been going on in Quebec for years, and the government has done nothing to stop it.Now, a huge coalition of groups, including the FADOQ, the Québec Medical Association, and the FIQ, are taking the Government of Canada to court to make it enforce the Canada Health Act.Will the minister do her duty, enforce the law, and put an end to ancillary fees?
Mr. Speaker, we all know the Minister of International Trade's sole purpose for being in LA was to be on television.Yesterday, when the government House leader tried to defend the minister's unplanned vanity trip, he said, The minister signed important agreements during her visit to California. If that is the case, will she table these important agreements immediately, keeping in mind that credit card receipts and the waiver for Bill Maher do not count?
Mr. Speaker, our work on CETA removes all doubt as to our commitment to free trade.However, we promised to consult Canadians on the TPP. Our government has held over 250 consultations on the TPP. None of the member countries have ratified the TPP yet.We know that the Conservatives do not believe in public debate, but we do.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadian films have received international acclaim in the past year. One fine example is the Telefilm Canada-funded movie, Room, a Canadian Screen Awards- and Oscar-winning picture. Room is a CanadaIreland audiovisual treaty co-production. It stars Canada's own Jacob Tremblay and is written by the Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue who now lives in London, Ontario, part of which I represent.Can the Minister of Canadian Heritage explain what the Government of Canada is doing to encourage our artistic talent on the international stage?
Mr. Speaker, what we are not going to apologize for is having an international trade minister who travels around the world promoting Canadian commercial interests in the United States and in other parts of the world. We are proud of the work she is doing for Canadian jobs and ensuring that Canadian companies are able to compete globally. She will continue to do that.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is not one.I would now like to share with the House some details of the business meetings I had when I was in California. Here are some of the people I met with: James Haney, senior VP and general manager of City National Bank, recently acquired by RBC; Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX; Creative BC, and Trade and Invest BC, were there; John Chiang, the treasurer of the state of California; and Jeff Gorell, deputy mayor.Other meetings I had there included a reception with the Friends of BC, a meeting with Los Angeles economic leaders
Mr. Speaker, on a single day, three out of four Canadians seeking help from a domestic violence shelter are turned away. Many more women fleeing violence cannot even access a shelter because none exist in their region. The Liberal budget did not have sufficient funding and offered no money for a comprehensive national action plan.We need to address this problem at its root. Will the government adopt a national action plan, with adequate funding, and finally end violence against women?
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for giving me an opportunity to talk about the Invictus Games and the extraordinary work this government is doing to support veterans and to ensure that there is an opportunity for all Canadians to cheer on the extraordinary valour, courage, and strength of Canadian veterans.Obviously, on the issue of economic growth, we made it very clear during the election campaign that we are going to be investing in communities, we are going to be putting more money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it, because fiscal responsibility and, indeed, balanced budgets are important.
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about children in Canada. Thanks to our measures, their situation will improve now and in the future. We introduced the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children by giving them an additional $2,300 a year. Today's children will have a better future because we are making investments today for them.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is asking if we are using every means available and doing everything we possibly can to help Mr. Badawi and have him released, since he has done nothing wrong.Yes, that is what we are doing. To increase our chances of success, my colleague will understand if I refrain from commenting any further.
Mr. Speaker, we know the Liberals love to talk about facts, so let us look at some facts. Their decision to abandon tax cuts for small businesses will cost the industry $2.2 billion over the next four years. I repeat: $2.2 billion. The more we learn about the Liberals' so-called commitment for small businesses, the more we realize that there is no commitment at all. When will the Liberals deliver their promised 9% tax cuts?
Mr. Speaker, the cat is really out of the bag now. It was reported today that talks between the Liberal government and Iran to re-establish diplomatic ties are well under way.Despite the minister's protestations in the House yesterday that Iran will remain listed as a state sponsor of terror, it is clear that the Canadian government is on the fast track to normalize relations with Tehran. The government seems determined to cave in to this odious regime's demands.How can the government negotiate with a state sponsor of terror?
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is entitled to his opinion. I have had the opportunity to criss-cross the country and listen to Canadians' opinions. They appear to understand quite well what we did with our budget, and they are very positive with the initiatives that are helping Canadians today and tomorrow. I also went international. I heard the Financial Times call us a glimmer of hope. I heard The Wall Street Journal say that we are doing the right things on the IMF plan to grow the economy. We are going to make a real difference for Canadians today and tomorrow with the kind of fiscal measures that will grow our economy for the long run.
Mr. Speaker, we accept all the Auditor General's recommendations and are working toward them through the programs that we deliver. My mandate letter says to get working on our suicide prevention, as well as our PTSD and mental health centres. That is exactly what we are going to do. We are going to deliver this care in a forthright and profound manner that makes the lives of veterans and their families better.
Mr. Speaker, we have all heard of March madness.Here is what the Liberals did in March, by their own budget numbers. They took the $7.5 billion surplus we left them, spent every dime of it, and then spent another $5 billion on top of that, in one month. It is reckless, it is irresponsible, and every Canadian is going to have to pay it back.Does the Prime Minister understand that it is actually not his money to spend? It belongs to hard-working Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada abroad. Since the opposition is so interested in this issue, I will repeat that they should keep in mind that it was their own former leader who spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to pay a consultant to find American interviews.We do not have to pay Republican hacks to organize media appearances
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons told the House that the Minister of International Trade had signed important agreements during her visit to Los Angeles.Would it be possible to see which agreements?
Mr. Speaker, we are supporting Canada's dairy industry.We are in regular contact with industry representatives to understand the issues and ensure that producers are properly compensated in connection with the free trade agreement with the European Union. We are committed to working with them at every stage of the process to ensure that we protect the industry. We pledged to protect supply management, and that is what we will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question. We know that the small business tax rate is there to help companies grow and create jobs, but we need to make sure that the small business tax system is fair and being used appropriately. The loophole is allowing far too many people to use this rate to get out of paying personal income taxes that the rest of us pay each and every year. This loophole is costing taxpayers over $500 million a year. We need to fix the problem so that those using the small business tax rate are the small business owners who are creating jobs for our communities.
Mr. Speaker, that was a very positive development that we saw with regard to alcohol and the transferring of alcohol from one jurisdiction to another. That is why I am working very closely with my provincial and territorial counterparts on an agreement on internal trade, a comprehensive agreement that would reduce barriers and eliminate barriers altogether and that would work on issues around regulatory compliance.The idea here is to ensure we grow and create opportunities for businesses and people to succeed in Canada. That is why we are going to continue to pursue an agreement on internal trade that would address that issue.
Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Finance, when asked about the surplus noted in the Fiscal Monitor, said he did not want to focus on the issue. Yesterday in the House of Commons during question period, the minister actually laughed off the concept of restraint by lamenting that the Conservatives are stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Recently, the National Post noted that this may be the first surplus that a finance minister does not want to talk about.Therefore, my question for the Minister of Finance is this. What is so scary about being fiscally responsible?
Mr. Speaker, unlike the Conservatives, we know it is our government's job to promote Canada to the world. When I travel to promote Canada, I am proud to speak to the international media. Just yesterday, I gave an interview to POLITICO in Washington.As minister, I would like to list some of the other international interviews I have done. I have done an interview with MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the LA Times, and the Financial Times. I have done three BBC interviews. I have spoken to EU Trade Insights. I spoke to La Libre; Deutsche Welle, the German TV; Bloomberg Television; Handelsblatt
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his important question.We believe in the importance of showcasing Canadian talent to the world, and that is why we support the film industry. One example of it is our new CanadaIreland co-production treaty, which will help to ensure that similar successes are possible in the future.Our 2016 budget includes historic investments to support culture, which is why we will continue our efforts to promote our culture here and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, while we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, Raif Badawi is still being detained by Saudi authorities for criticizing their regime.One would like to think that our government is doing everything in its power to have him released. In an interview, however, the Prime Minister said that it is important to be discreet and not to push too hard or too fast. He does not want to become personally involved.When it comes to doing business with the Saudis, the Liberals are quick off the mark, but when it comes to ensuring that human rights are respected, there is no hurry.How does the government explain this to Mr. Badawi's wife, who is here in Ottawa today?
Mr. Speaker, more talk will do nothing to help family dairy farms. They need action, and that action has to come from the Liberal government. The government has the responsibility and must enforce the rules, period. Why this inaction? It is inexplicable.Let us talk about another area where people only get help if they are well connected. Today, members of a parliamentary committee asked that KPMG, which set up this tax sham, be held accountable.Will the Liberals support our motion to bring KPMG before the parliamentary committee?
Mr. Speaker, the government's approach is irresponsible. It is obvious that the Minister of Finance has completely lost control of public spending. Running up a $30-billion deficit, with more to come, is irresponsible to today's society and especially to our children and grandchildren, who are going to pay for this government's excesses.When will the government finally get in touch with reality and stop putting our grandchildren into debt?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is none. The media appearances were part of the official visit, along with six business round tables. It is my job to promote Canada to the world. However, since the members opposite are so interested in this topic, let me remind them that their own leader, the former prime minister, spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to get himself U.S. media appearances. We do not need to do that; we get invited.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Finance made a statement that was surprising, to say the least. He said, Clearly, the members from the other side [that means us] are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. I can assure this House that, yes, we are and we will always be stuck on having a balanced budget. That is the responsible thing to do. What is also clear is that the minister is stuck on running up deficits one after the other.Will the minister change his ways and finally admit that it is detrimental to Canada's future to have such deficits?
Mr. Speaker, Canadian ranchers produce the safest and best-quality beef in the world. Some people with vested interests have attacked the Canadian industry over the last number of weeks and months, and some restaurants have even stopped serving Canadian beef. This Canadian farm boy is not going to eat at those restaurants anymore. I am wondering if the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food across the way will stand and commit to supporting Canadian agriculture, and do the same.
Mr. Speaker, the members opposite would like to focus on our low-growth past. We want to focus on what we are actually doing for Canadian children today. We have moved forward with the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children. It will help them a lot, on average $2,300 per year. We are moving forward to help indigenous people. We are moving forward on educational initiatives, with $3.5 billion over five years to improve the situation for indigenous children in our country. We have a progressive government that is going to make a real difference to the children of today so they can be better off tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General reported that Canada is treating our army reservists like second-class soldiers. They are underfunded, under-equipped, and undertrained. In fact, our reservists were sent into combat without first receiving the proper international mission training. This is all unacceptable.Will the minister today commit to give reservists the training they need, the support they are entitled to, and the respect they deserve?
Mr. Speaker, our priority is on investing to grow the economy. Six months ago, Canadians chose hope over fear. They chose optimism over pessimism. They chose to make investments to grow the economy instead of balancing the budget on the backs of Canadian families. While the members on the opposite side want to tell Canadians that they made the wrong choice, we are moving forward with the right choices, the choices to invest in our economy that will make the future better for Canadians today and tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, what families all across the country understand is that there is a need for investment in public transit, which had been neglected for 10 years. That is why we announced a $775-million investment in public transit in Montreal. That is why we applaud the potential investment in the new light rail in Montreal that will help people get around, as well as investments in Edmonton, Toronto, and all over the country. The previous government refused to invest in our communities. It was time to put options and growth for Canadians back on the agenda.
Mr. Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague. The attack was utterly unacceptable, as is any such act targeting doctors, humanitarian workers, and the women and children who are there because they need care.Our government strongly condemns such violations of international humanitarian law. That is why, yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I announced that Canada was co-sponsoring the United Nations Security Council resolution on protection of medical personnel and hospitals. The resolution was unanimously approved by the United Nations Security Council this morning.
Mr. Speaker, in a one-on-one sit down interview with the LA Times, the minister's California dream trip was characterized as a brief stopover. LA Consul General Villeneuve noted there seems to be a bit of confusion.The Global Affairs director general of communications was also confused, saying in emails, What is she doing in LA? Besides the Bill Maher show?Clearly, this was a personal trip built around her TV appearance.We know the Liberals are entitled to their entitlements, but are taxpayers not entitled to an honest answer about the real purpose for her going to LA?
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the minister's staff had to scramble at the last minute to find things to do in California to justify doing a late night show on HBO.When the minister's own staff is informed that she will be in LA just two days prior to her arrival, how are Canadians to believe it was on government business? The Minister of International Trade used taxpayer money to further her personal interests, not the interests of Canadian business. When will the minister pay back the money for this vanity trip?
Let us just skip to the push-ups.Mr. Speaker, it is actually the job of the Prime Minister to try, at least try, to keep spending under control. The facts are clear. The parliamentary budget officer and the finance department agree that Conservatives left the government a healthy surplus, and the Liberals have blown it.Does the Prime Minister understand that this billions in spending actually has to be paid back?
Mr. Speaker, we fully support the principles of the Canada Health Act, which seeks to ensure that all Canadians have reasonable access to medical and hospital services that are medically necessary based on need, not ability to pay.I am committed to working with our partners to strengthen our universal public health care system while upholding the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Mr. Speaker, the Air Canada Public Participation Act, which the government wants to water down, was a promise made to Quebec in 1989. The legislator's intention was clear: to protect the jobs in Montreal. I know that because I was sitting in the government when that legislation was passed. At the time, it was the Quebec caucus of the government that fought to protect our aerospace industry.When will the 40 Liberal members from Quebec in this government stand up and defend Quebec's aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, last week, we learned that a Canadian-funded Syrian hospital was bombed. Such acts are clearly unacceptable and an assault on the rights of every woman and man in the world.Can the Minister of International Development tell the House what our government has done in response to this despicable act?
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General showed that the government did not implement adequate measures to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.The department is not taking the impact on veterans into account when managing its drug program. For once the Liberals cannot blame the Conservatives, since the Liberal budget did not include a single penny for mental health care services.When will the Liberals support our veterans and invest in their mental health?
Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the former prime minister had to deal with the worst economic crisis since World War II. It is a good thing that the current Prime Minister did not have to deal with that crisis. We went through very difficult times and we left the house in order, with a surplus of $7.5 billion at the end of February.Yesterday, in a flight of rhetoric, the Minister of Finance said: Clearly, the members from other side are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Right now, families are filling out their tax forms and must balance their personal finances. Is the Prime Minister able to understand that balancing a budget
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives threw the budget out the window.The fact is, we have made the necessary investments. For 10 years, there was no investment in public transit, in green infrastructure, or in anything to tackle climate change.Canadians elected a government that is ready to invest in the future, in middle-class Canadians so that they have more money in their pockets, and in families. These kinds of investments will create growth, which was neglected in Canada by the previous government for the past 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the hon. member for his concern. I was actually one of those reservists on those deployments who received the training. I can assure members that we are accepting all the Auditor General's recommendations. I would also like to say that the Canadian Armed Forces has already started working on improving the training aspect for domestic and international operations, including the recruiting and retention for our reserve force to play a critical role in domestic and international operations.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's statements need to be corrected. We are the ones who did the work on the projects in Edmonton that he mentioned. In the Montreal region, we always worked while respecting provincial and municipal jurisdictions, including with regard to public transit. We delivered the largest infrastructure plan in Canada's history while still balancing the budget.Why does the Prime Minister need to run deficits to do what we managed to do while balancing the budget?
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada in the United States. In fact, just yesterday, I was pleased to be in Washington for a trilateral trade meeting with my American and Mexican counterparts. It was my sixth visit to the United States in six months. What I am hearing in the U.S. is that after a lost decade, Canada is finally back at the table.I am going to keep going back and doing what the Conservatives failed to do: support trade, jobs, and our middle class.
Mr. Speaker, the long list of Liberal promises now includes transparency, thanks to the Minister of Finance. The PBO delivered a scathing indictment of the government for its lack of budget transparency. The minister refuses to acknowledge that we handed them a surplus. We know the Liberals jammed as much new spending in last year's budget and books as they could. If he truly wants to be transparent, will the minister tell Canadians how much the March madness spending spree has cost?
Mr. Speaker, in February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Trade announced that Canada was positioning for commercial trade in Iran. Yesterday, the minister told us the Liberals have no current plan to delist Iran as a state sponsor of terror. Exactly how does he think he can negotiate these two diametrically opposite courses? Can he tell us when he expects to sit down for a business chat with his terror-sponsoring, human-rights-abusing Iranian counterpart?
Mr. Speaker, I actually was not a politician when Kyoto was signed, but the member opposite was minister of environment for the Province of Quebec and wears a part of responsibility on what was not done in the past. What is being done right now, however, is that we are working with the provinces. We have demonstrated a commitment, internationally and here at home, to engage on climate change, to ensure that we are actually living up to the responsibilities to future generations. Look at us to look at the challenges, but also the opportunities coming in investing in green technology and the real future of Canadian jobs.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of International Trade claims that her vanity trip to California was to promote Canadian business interests. However, emails released through access to information paint a very different picture.Her staff were scrambling to put a program together and were begging LA Times journalists for an interview. Senior foreign policy and diplomacy officer Dan Pasquini stated in an email, this visit has only just fallen in our laps.Why does the minister continue to claim the trip was about Canadian business interests when it was actually all about her?
Mr. Speaker, enough jokes about the previous government. Let us talk about this government. The current Liberal government's failure to take action on the diafiltered milk file is really hurting dairy producers across Canada. They can no longer borrow money, and they are losing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Liberals have been sitting on their hands for six months.Will they support the NDP motion and stand up for our family dairy farms?
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the member opposite has now discovered what she apparently thinks the job of the Prime Minister is. The previous Prime Minister added $160 billion to Canada's debt with very little to show for it. Indeed, for 10 years we had lower economic growth than Canadians needed to have. We had under-investment in our infrastructure in our communities and in public transit.That is why this government is committed to making the investments in our communities that Canadians so desperately need, that businesses so desperately need, and putting more money into the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is the job of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, a mere six years ago, the House unanimously supported an NDP motion calling for Canadian engagement in negotiations for a global convention on nuclear weapons, and to kick-start the Canadian diplomatic initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Prime Minister has publicly promised to re-engage Canada with the United Nations and to seek a seat on the Security Council. What, if any, commitments did Canada make yesterday when he and the Minister of Global Affairs met with the United Nation's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs?
Mr. Speaker, at the heart of our public health care system is one simple principle: no one should have to pay out of pocket for health care. Yet, patients all across the country are being charged extra fees for medical services, and the Government of Canada is doing nothing about it. Some Canadians have become so frustrated with Liberal inaction, they filed a lawsuit today against the federal government. Why will the minister not do her job, enforce the Canada Health Act, and act immediately to put a stop to user fees?
Mr. Speaker, half of Canada's dairy farms are in Quebec. Imported diafiltered milk is hurting my home province. We are talking about thousands of dollars lost every week. Our regional economies are in jeopardy. In a show of solidarity, the hon. member for ChicoutimiLe Fjord poured a bag of powered milk on his head. Imagine that. However, in the House, there has been no show of support for our farmers, and nothing is being done to resolve their problem. What will it take for government members from Quebec to start representing their constituents, a nod from Toronto?
Mr. Speaker, under the former government, Canada was alone in having an empty chair with a lot of countries when it disliked the regimes, which was the wrong approach. All our allies are asking us to stop this wrong approach, and it is what we will do with Iran. In order to see progress on human rights and progress on the protection of Canada's interests and the interests of our allies, including Israel, Canada will engage with Iran with open eyes, step by step.
Mr. Speaker, I share the concern of my colleague about the atrocities he spoke about. However, the question I would ask is this. In which way would it help if Canada is not there? In which way would it help if Canada does not have an embassy?Was it not fortunate, at the end of the 1970s, that we had a Canadian embassy in Tehran when it was time to help the U.S. hostages? Can we learn from our history?
Mr. Speaker, during question period, the Prime Minister implied that it was Quebec's fault that the federal Liberals did not live up to their Kyoto commitments. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to table a document that shows Quebec decreased GHG emissions every year while I was environment minister and prove that they went up
Mr. Speaker, speaking of parliamentary procedure, in committee today, the Liberals had a chance to vote with us to require KPMG to give the names. Do members know what they did? They used parliamentary procedure to avoid that.Let us talk about the Liberals avoiding their responsibility in another key area, which is climate change. They signed Kyoto the last time they were in power and went on to have one of the worst records in the world. This time they went to Paris and said that Canada was back. Unfortunately, Canada was back with the Conservative plan. Why is there no plan to reduce greenhouse gases in Canada? Canadians want to know.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to uphold, along with our government, the Canada Health Act.This government is taking federal leadership on health care. We uphold the Canada Health Act that underscores a number of principles, including accessibility, which ensures Canadians will always have access to the care they need, based on that need and not based on the ability to pay.I will work with the provinces and territories to ensure that access is always available to Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the colleague across the floor for her unwavering efforts to address gender-based violence.As the member well knows, we in fact do have plans for a comprehensive gender-based federal strategy to end violence against women. More than that, we are very proud of our investments in shelters, transitional homes, and affordable housing that will affect women in a tremendous way to move forward in a safe and productive manner and will have effects for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that we support agriculture in this government. All Canadian beef is certified as safe under science research. We have the safest high-quality beef in the world. It is the safest food we can eat, and Canadians are safe and should eat this food.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure my hon. colleague that this government supports supply management and we are fully aware of the industry's concerns about the use of diafiltered milk in the making of cheese.We are working to reach a sustainable solution that works for all of the Canadian dairy sector. I am also very pleased that the member for Fundy Royal gave notice of a motion today to the agriculture committee to work toward solutions on this issue.We are working on this issue.
Mr. Speaker, indeed, Canada wants to help with disarmament in all of its facets. This is what I have said to the High Representative. The approach we want to take is to focus on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. This is the best way for Canada to go ahead and make progress with our allies. We will focus on that, and we will count on the contribution of all members in this House on this important challenge that we have to face.
Mr. Speaker, like all Canadians, we are concerned about the allegations of favouritism within the Canada Revenue Agency. That is why we are working closely with the minister and the department in order to ensure that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We will make sure this happens now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, once again the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. I have already listed the business meetings I held in California. However, unlike the Conservatives, who do not like the media, we understand it is our job to talk to the media at home and abroad. I want to point out that I appeared in the media in California with some important Canadian partners, Senator Angus King of Maine, and the California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
Mr. Speaker, the finance minister also said yesterday that he was convinced that the Liberal Party was doing the right thing because it is making his children and his grandchildren better off. Now, I am happy for them, but I also worry about the other kids in this country as well, who may not be able to afford the high cost of the minister's borrowing. The minister may have just said that he is comfortable with the choices that he is making, but in reality he is going to be spending on the backs of our children.What part of saddling our kids with billions and billions of dollars of debt is making them better off?
Mr. Speaker, our priority is to invest. Six months ago, Canadians chose optimism, not pessimism. Canadians chose to make investments that will grow the economy, not to have a balanced budget at any cost.We will make choices that are good for Canadians and that will grow the Canadian economy, now and in the future.
Mr. Speaker, of course we are defending the aerospace industry in Quebec and across Canada. As hon. members know, when the Government of Quebec and the Government of Manitoba decided to drop their lawsuits against Air Canada, this allowed us to modernize the legislation. It is an important step in the right direction. This will prevent future lawsuits. What is more, this will put Air Canada in a position where it can be more competitive with its rivals.I would remind my hon. colleague that in Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario there are still requirements to hire Air Canada employees to perform maintenance.
Mr. Speaker, the story is that the Minister of International Trade needs to be honest with Canadians. She declares proudly that she was in California to promote Canadian business, but her own officials did not even know about the trip until two days before.The minister indicates that she met with the lieutenant governor of California and a U.S. senator, but does not mention that it was on the late show with Bill Maher.When will the minister just be honest and tell Canadians she went to Hollywood on a personal vanity trip, using taxpayer money?
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food and has to do with the committee's agenda. All members of the House know that the dairy industry is an important economic driver in Canada.Can the chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food talk to the House about the committee's agenda, specifically with respect to diafiltered milk?
Mr. Speaker, while the Prime Minister was once again doing push-ups for the cameras yesterday, his Minister of Finance was doing some of his own verbal gymnastics back here.He was trying to explain how a healthy Conservative surplus turned into a Liberal deficit. It turns out that we are just stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. He is right, and we are proud of it.My question to the Prime Minister is simple. Is he actually ever planning to balance the budget?
Once again, Mr. Speaker, we see that the NDP is always eager to play parliamentary procedure games as opposed to actually digging into the real facts of the issue.We are working with the Canada Revenue Agency. We are ensuring that all Canadians and all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We know that Canadians expect their government to uphold the rules, and that is exactly what we are going to do.
Mr. Speaker, if the Prime Minister is sincerely concerned about what he just called potential favouritism at the Canada Revenue Agency, will he agree with the NDP to hold an investigation into the KPMG scandal? Canadians do not accept that there is one law for the rich and well connected and one law for everybody else. Here we have a clear example, just like the Air Canada case: You broke the law. No problem. The Liberals will change it for you retroactively if you're rich and well connected.Canadians want the law to apply to everyone. Are we going to have an investigation into KPMG, yes or no?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government concluded the trans-Pacific partnership, and we know that many businesses in the regions of Quebec will benefit from the economic spinoffs of this trade agreement.Can the current government provide some reassurance to the Quebec regions by confirming that it will not tamper with any of the measures that are of significant importance to Quebec?
Mr. Speaker, is it reckless and irresponsible to be lowering taxes for the middle class while raising them on the wealthiest 1%?Is it reckless and irresponsible to be giving a Canada child benefit that is more generous to nine out of 10 Canadian families, by doing more for the families who need it and less for the families who do not?What, frankly, would have been reckless and irresponsible would be for Canadians to decide to keep the Conservatives in government for one more minute after October 19.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform my colleague from BromeMissisquoi that I received a notice of motion from the member for Fundy Royal, calling on the committee to adopt a report that recognizes the government's support of the dairy industry, that recognizes the impact of the importation of diafiltered milk, and that calls on the government to meet with dairy industry representatives in the next 30 days in order to find sustainable solutions to modernize the industry.
Mr. Speaker, they all happened to be sitting on the same panel show, so they do not count as individuals.Either the minister signed important agreements or she did not. If she did, then she should table them right here so we can all have a look at them. We know her own bureaucrats were in the dark, with 500 pages of emails in two days trying to figure out what she was doing there and why it would cost $20,000 to have her there.Is the House leader going to stand and apologize for misleading the House yesterday if there were no signed agreements?
Mr. Speaker, the Baha'i faith was founded in Iran, but Baha'is in Iran today face significant persecution, which includes executions and the destruction of holy sites. We are well aware of Iran's belligerence, but the suppression of the Iranian people and efforts to crush the Baha'i community in particular are also part of the record of this vile government, which requires our attention.After killing the Office of Religious Freedom more than a month ago, what is the government going to do for religious and ethnic minorities in Iran?
Mr. Speaker, every day, every week, we have different business people, governments, that are going to Iran. They are negotiating for their national interests in Iran with open eyes, to make sure that the nuclear program of Iran will not be militarized. I think it is the right approach, our allies were right to do so, and Canada will join them.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Gerard Comeau, with the help of the Canadian Constitution Foundation, won his court case, which would allow Canadians to bring beer across provincial lines into New Brunswick.Many constitutional scholars say this will inevitably end up at the Supreme Court. Authorities say that the liquor laws are still in force despite this ruling. Consumers deserve certainty, and the sooner the better. Does the government intend to refer this case to the Supreme Court?
Mr. Speaker, the charging of ancillary fees for health care services is a problem that has been going on in Quebec for years, and the government has done nothing to stop it.Now, a huge coalition of groups, including the FADOQ, the Québec Medical Association, and the FIQ, are taking the Government of Canada to court to make it enforce the Canada Health Act.Will the minister do her duty, enforce the law, and put an end to ancillary fees?
Mr. Speaker, we all know the Minister of International Trade's sole purpose for being in LA was to be on television.Yesterday, when the government House leader tried to defend the minister's unplanned vanity trip, he said, The minister signed important agreements during her visit to California. If that is the case, will she table these important agreements immediately, keeping in mind that credit card receipts and the waiver for Bill Maher do not count?
Mr. Speaker, our work on CETA removes all doubt as to our commitment to free trade.However, we promised to consult Canadians on the TPP. Our government has held over 250 consultations on the TPP. None of the member countries have ratified the TPP yet.We know that the Conservatives do not believe in public debate, but we do.
Mr. Speaker, many Canadian films have received international acclaim in the past year. One fine example is the Telefilm Canada-funded movie, Room, a Canadian Screen Awards- and Oscar-winning picture. Room is a CanadaIreland audiovisual treaty co-production. It stars Canada's own Jacob Tremblay and is written by the Irish Canadian author Emma Donoghue who now lives in London, Ontario, part of which I represent.Can the Minister of Canadian Heritage explain what the Government of Canada is doing to encourage our artistic talent on the international stage?
Mr. Speaker, what we are not going to apologize for is having an international trade minister who travels around the world promoting Canadian commercial interests in the United States and in other parts of the world. We are proud of the work she is doing for Canadian jobs and ensuring that Canadian companies are able to compete globally. She will continue to do that.
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is not one.I would now like to share with the House some details of the business meetings I had when I was in California. Here are some of the people I met with: James Haney, senior VP and general manager of City National Bank, recently acquired by RBC; Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX; Creative BC, and Trade and Invest BC, were there; John Chiang, the treasurer of the state of California; and Jeff Gorell, deputy mayor.Other meetings I had there included a reception with the Friends of BC, a meeting with Los Angeles economic leaders
Mr. Speaker, on a single day, three out of four Canadians seeking help from a domestic violence shelter are turned away. Many more women fleeing violence cannot even access a shelter because none exist in their region. The Liberal budget did not have sufficient funding and offered no money for a comprehensive national action plan.We need to address this problem at its root. Will the government adopt a national action plan, with adequate funding, and finally end violence against women?
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for giving me an opportunity to talk about the Invictus Games and the extraordinary work this government is doing to support veterans and to ensure that there is an opportunity for all Canadians to cheer on the extraordinary valour, courage, and strength of Canadian veterans.Obviously, on the issue of economic growth, we made it very clear during the election campaign that we are going to be investing in communities, we are going to be putting more money in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it, because fiscal responsibility and, indeed, balanced budgets are important.
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about children in Canada. Thanks to our measures, their situation will improve now and in the future. We introduced the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children by giving them an additional $2,300 a year. Today's children will have a better future because we are making investments today for them.
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is asking if we are using every means available and doing everything we possibly can to help Mr. Badawi and have him released, since he has done nothing wrong.Yes, that is what we are doing. To increase our chances of success, my colleague will understand if I refrain from commenting any further.
Mr. Speaker, we know the Liberals love to talk about facts, so let us look at some facts. Their decision to abandon tax cuts for small businesses will cost the industry $2.2 billion over the next four years. I repeat: $2.2 billion. The more we learn about the Liberals' so-called commitment for small businesses, the more we realize that there is no commitment at all. When will the Liberals deliver their promised 9% tax cuts?
Mr. Speaker, the cat is really out of the bag now. It was reported today that talks between the Liberal government and Iran to re-establish diplomatic ties are well under way.Despite the minister's protestations in the House yesterday that Iran will remain listed as a state sponsor of terror, it is clear that the Canadian government is on the fast track to normalize relations with Tehran. The government seems determined to cave in to this odious regime's demands.How can the government negotiate with a state sponsor of terror?
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is entitled to his opinion. I have had the opportunity to criss-cross the country and listen to Canadians' opinions. They appear to understand quite well what we did with our budget, and they are very positive with the initiatives that are helping Canadians today and tomorrow. I also went international. I heard the Financial Times call us a glimmer of hope. I heard The Wall Street Journal say that we are doing the right things on the IMF plan to grow the economy. We are going to make a real difference for Canadians today and tomorrow with the kind of fiscal measures that will grow our economy for the long run.
Mr. Speaker, we accept all the Auditor General's recommendations and are working toward them through the programs that we deliver. My mandate letter says to get working on our suicide prevention, as well as our PTSD and mental health centres. That is exactly what we are going to do. We are going to deliver this care in a forthright and profound manner that makes the lives of veterans and their families better.
Mr. Speaker, we have all heard of March madness.Here is what the Liberals did in March, by their own budget numbers. They took the $7.5 billion surplus we left them, spent every dime of it, and then spent another $5 billion on top of that, in one month. It is reckless, it is irresponsible, and every Canadian is going to have to pay it back.Does the Prime Minister understand that it is actually not his money to spend? It belongs to hard-working Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada abroad. Since the opposition is so interested in this issue, I will repeat that they should keep in mind that it was their own former leader who spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to pay a consultant to find American interviews.We do not have to pay Republican hacks to organize media appearances
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons told the House that the Minister of International Trade had signed important agreements during her visit to Los Angeles.Would it be possible to see which agreements?
Mr. Speaker, we are supporting Canada's dairy industry.We are in regular contact with industry representatives to understand the issues and ensure that producers are properly compensated in connection with the free trade agreement with the European Union. We are committed to working with them at every stage of the process to ensure that we protect the industry. We pledged to protect supply management, and that is what we will continue to do.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for the question. We know that the small business tax rate is there to help companies grow and create jobs, but we need to make sure that the small business tax system is fair and being used appropriately. The loophole is allowing far too many people to use this rate to get out of paying personal income taxes that the rest of us pay each and every year. This loophole is costing taxpayers over $500 million a year. We need to fix the problem so that those using the small business tax rate are the small business owners who are creating jobs for our communities.
Mr. Speaker, that was a very positive development that we saw with regard to alcohol and the transferring of alcohol from one jurisdiction to another. That is why I am working very closely with my provincial and territorial counterparts on an agreement on internal trade, a comprehensive agreement that would reduce barriers and eliminate barriers altogether and that would work on issues around regulatory compliance.The idea here is to ensure we grow and create opportunities for businesses and people to succeed in Canada. That is why we are going to continue to pursue an agreement on internal trade that would address that issue.
Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Finance, when asked about the surplus noted in the Fiscal Monitor, said he did not want to focus on the issue. Yesterday in the House of Commons during question period, the minister actually laughed off the concept of restraint by lamenting that the Conservatives are stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Recently, the National Post noted that this may be the first surplus that a finance minister does not want to talk about.Therefore, my question for the Minister of Finance is this. What is so scary about being fiscally responsible?
Mr. Speaker, unlike the Conservatives, we know it is our government's job to promote Canada to the world. When I travel to promote Canada, I am proud to speak to the international media. Just yesterday, I gave an interview to POLITICO in Washington.As minister, I would like to list some of the other international interviews I have done. I have done an interview with MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the LA Times, and the Financial Times. I have done three BBC interviews. I have spoken to EU Trade Insights. I spoke to La Libre; Deutsche Welle, the German TV; Bloomberg Television; Handelsblatt
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his important question.We believe in the importance of showcasing Canadian talent to the world, and that is why we support the film industry. One example of it is our new CanadaIreland co-production treaty, which will help to ensure that similar successes are possible in the future.Our 2016 budget includes historic investments to support culture, which is why we will continue our efforts to promote our culture here and abroad.
Mr. Speaker, while we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, Raif Badawi is still being detained by Saudi authorities for criticizing their regime.One would like to think that our government is doing everything in its power to have him released. In an interview, however, the Prime Minister said that it is important to be discreet and not to push too hard or too fast. He does not want to become personally involved.When it comes to doing business with the Saudis, the Liberals are quick off the mark, but when it comes to ensuring that human rights are respected, there is no hurry.How does the government explain this to Mr. Badawi's wife, who is here in Ottawa today?
Mr. Speaker, more talk will do nothing to help family dairy farms. They need action, and that action has to come from the Liberal government. The government has the responsibility and must enforce the rules, period. Why this inaction? It is inexplicable.Let us talk about another area where people only get help if they are well connected. Today, members of a parliamentary committee asked that KPMG, which set up this tax sham, be held accountable.Will the Liberals support our motion to bring KPMG before the parliamentary committee?
Mr. Speaker, the government's approach is irresponsible. It is obvious that the Minister of Finance has completely lost control of public spending. Running up a $30-billion deficit, with more to come, is irresponsible to today's society and especially to our children and grandchildren, who are going to pay for this government's excesses.When will the government finally get in touch with reality and stop putting our grandchildren into debt?
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives continue to try to create a story where there is none. The media appearances were part of the official visit, along with six business round tables. It is my job to promote Canada to the world. However, since the members opposite are so interested in this topic, let me remind them that their own leader, the former prime minister, spent $50,000 of taxpayer money to get himself U.S. media appearances. We do not need to do that; we get invited.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Finance made a statement that was surprising, to say the least. He said, Clearly, the members from the other side [that means us] are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. I can assure this House that, yes, we are and we will always be stuck on having a balanced budget. That is the responsible thing to do. What is also clear is that the minister is stuck on running up deficits one after the other.Will the minister change his ways and finally admit that it is detrimental to Canada's future to have such deficits?
Mr. Speaker, Canadian ranchers produce the safest and best-quality beef in the world. Some people with vested interests have attacked the Canadian industry over the last number of weeks and months, and some restaurants have even stopped serving Canadian beef. This Canadian farm boy is not going to eat at those restaurants anymore. I am wondering if the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food across the way will stand and commit to supporting Canadian agriculture, and do the same.
Mr. Speaker, the members opposite would like to focus on our low-growth past. We want to focus on what we are actually doing for Canadian children today. We have moved forward with the Canada child benefit, which will help nine out of 10 families with children. It will help them a lot, on average $2,300 per year. We are moving forward to help indigenous people. We are moving forward on educational initiatives, with $3.5 billion over five years to improve the situation for indigenous children in our country. We have a progressive government that is going to make a real difference to the children of today so they can be better off tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General reported that Canada is treating our army reservists like second-class soldiers. They are underfunded, under-equipped, and undertrained. In fact, our reservists were sent into combat without first receiving the proper international mission training. This is all unacceptable.Will the minister today commit to give reservists the training they need, the support they are entitled to, and the respect they deserve?
Mr. Speaker, our priority is on investing to grow the economy. Six months ago, Canadians chose hope over fear. They chose optimism over pessimism. They chose to make investments to grow the economy instead of balancing the budget on the backs of Canadian families. While the members on the opposite side want to tell Canadians that they made the wrong choice, we are moving forward with the right choices, the choices to invest in our economy that will make the future better for Canadians today and tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, what families all across the country understand is that there is a need for investment in public transit, which had been neglected for 10 years. That is why we announced a $775-million investment in public transit in Montreal. That is why we applaud the potential investment in the new light rail in Montreal that will help people get around, as well as investments in Edmonton, Toronto, and all over the country. The previous government refused to invest in our communities. It was time to put options and growth for Canadians back on the agenda.
Mr. Speaker, I completely agree with my colleague. The attack was utterly unacceptable, as is any such act targeting doctors, humanitarian workers, and the women and children who are there because they need care.Our government strongly condemns such violations of international humanitarian law. That is why, yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I announced that Canada was co-sponsoring the United Nations Security Council resolution on protection of medical personnel and hospitals. The resolution was unanimously approved by the United Nations Security Council this morning.
Mr. Speaker, in a one-on-one sit down interview with the LA Times, the minister's California dream trip was characterized as a brief stopover. LA Consul General Villeneuve noted there seems to be a bit of confusion.The Global Affairs director general of communications was also confused, saying in emails, What is she doing in LA? Besides the Bill Maher show?Clearly, this was a personal trip built around her TV appearance.We know the Liberals are entitled to their entitlements, but are taxpayers not entitled to an honest answer about the real purpose for her going to LA?
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the minister's staff had to scramble at the last minute to find things to do in California to justify doing a late night show on HBO.When the minister's own staff is informed that she will be in LA just two days prior to her arrival, how are Canadians to believe it was on government business? The Minister of International Trade used taxpayer money to further her personal interests, not the interests of Canadian business. When will the minister pay back the money for this vanity trip?
Let us just skip to the push-ups.Mr. Speaker, it is actually the job of the Prime Minister to try, at least try, to keep spending under control. The facts are clear. The parliamentary budget officer and the finance department agree that Conservatives left the government a healthy surplus, and the Liberals have blown it.Does the Prime Minister understand that this billions in spending actually has to be paid back?
Mr. Speaker, we fully support the principles of the Canada Health Act, which seeks to ensure that all Canadians have reasonable access to medical and hospital services that are medically necessary based on need, not ability to pay.I am committed to working with our partners to strengthen our universal public health care system while upholding the principles of the Canada Health Act.
Mr. Speaker, the Air Canada Public Participation Act, which the government wants to water down, was a promise made to Quebec in 1989. The legislator's intention was clear: to protect the jobs in Montreal. I know that because I was sitting in the government when that legislation was passed. At the time, it was the Quebec caucus of the government that fought to protect our aerospace industry.When will the 40 Liberal members from Quebec in this government stand up and defend Quebec's aerospace industry?
Mr. Speaker, last week, we learned that a Canadian-funded Syrian hospital was bombed. Such acts are clearly unacceptable and an assault on the rights of every woman and man in the world.Can the Minister of International Development tell the House what our government has done in response to this despicable act?
Mr. Speaker, today, the Auditor General showed that the government did not implement adequate measures to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.The department is not taking the impact on veterans into account when managing its drug program. For once the Liberals cannot blame the Conservatives, since the Liberal budget did not include a single penny for mental health care services.When will the Liberals support our veterans and invest in their mental health?
Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the former prime minister had to deal with the worst economic crisis since World War II. It is a good thing that the current Prime Minister did not have to deal with that crisis. We went through very difficult times and we left the house in order, with a surplus of $7.5 billion at the end of February.Yesterday, in a flight of rhetoric, the Minister of Finance said: Clearly, the members from other side are still stuck in this whole balanced budget thing. Right now, families are filling out their tax forms and must balance their personal finances. Is the Prime Minister able to understand that balancing a budget
Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives threw the budget out the window.The fact is, we have made the necessary investments. For 10 years, there was no investment in public transit, in green infrastructure, or in anything to tackle climate change.Canadians elected a government that is ready to invest in the future, in middle-class Canadians so that they have more money in their pockets, and in families. These kinds of investments will create growth, which was neglected in Canada by the previous government for the past 10 years.
Mr. Speaker, I commend the hon. member for his concern. I was actually one of those reservists on those deployments who received the training. I can assure members that we are accepting all the Auditor General's recommendations. I would also like to say that the Canadian Armed Forces has already started working on improving the training aspect for domestic and international operations, including the recruiting and retention for our reserve force to play a critical role in domestic and international operations.
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's statements need to be corrected. We are the ones who did the work on the projects in Edmonton that he mentioned. In the Montreal region, we always worked while respecting provincial and municipal jurisdictions, including with regard to public transit. We delivered the largest infrastructure plan in Canada's history while still balancing the budget.Why does the Prime Minister need to run deficits to do what we managed to do while balancing the budget?
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Conservatives are trying to create a story where there is none. It is my job to promote Canada in the United States. In fact, just yesterday, I was pleased to be in Washington for a trilateral trade meeting with my American and Mexican counterparts. It was my sixth visit to the United States in six months. What I am hearing in the U.S. is that after a lost decade, Canada is finally back at the table.I am going to keep going back and doing what the Conservatives failed to do: support trade, jobs, and our middle class.
Mr. Speaker, the long list of Liberal promises now includes transparency, thanks to the Minister of Finance. The PBO delivered a scathing indictment of the government for its lack of budget transparency. The minister refuses to acknowledge that we handed them a surplus. We know the Liberals jammed as much new spending in last year's budget and books as they could. If he truly wants to be transparent, will the minister tell Canadians how much the March madness spending spree has cost?
Mr. Speaker, in February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Trade announced that Canada was positioning for commercial trade in Iran. Yesterday, the minister told us the Liberals have no current plan to delist Iran as a state sponsor of terror. Exactly how does he think he can negotiate these two diametrically opposite courses? Can he tell us when he expects to sit down for a business chat with his terror-sponsoring, human-rights-abusing Iranian counterpart?
Mr. Speaker, I actually was not a politician when Kyoto was signed, but the member opposite was minister of environment for the Province of Quebec and wears a part of responsibility on what was not done in the past. What is being done right now, however, is that we are working with the provinces. We have demonstrated a commitment, internationally and here at home, to engage on climate change, to ensure that we are actually living up to the responsibilities to future generations. Look at us to look at the challenges, but also the opportunities coming in investing in green technology and the real future of Canadian jobs.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of International Trade claims that her vanity trip to California was to promote Canadian business interests. However, emails released through access to information paint a very different picture.Her staff were scrambling to put a program together and were begging LA Times journalists for an interview. Senior foreign policy and diplomacy officer Dan Pasquini stated in an email, this visit has only just fallen in our laps.Why does the minister continue to claim the trip was about Canadian business interests when it was actually all about her?
Mr. Speaker, enough jokes about the previous government. Let us talk about this government. The current Liberal government's failure to take action on the diafiltered milk file is really hurting dairy producers across Canada. They can no longer borrow money, and they are losing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Liberals have been sitting on their hands for six months.Will they support the NDP motion and stand up for our family dairy farms?
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the member opposite has now discovered what she apparently thinks the job of the Prime Minister is. The previous Prime Minister added $160 billion to Canada's debt with very little to show for it. Indeed, for 10 years we had lower economic growth than Canadians needed to have. We had under-investment in our infrastructure in our communities and in public transit.That is why this government is committed to making the investments in our communities that Canadians so desperately need, that businesses so desperately need, and putting more money into the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it.That is the job of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Speaker, in 2010, a mere six years ago, the House unanimously supported an NDP motion calling for Canadian engagement in negotiations for a global convention on nuclear weapons, and to kick-start the Canadian diplomatic initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Prime Minister has publicly promised to re-engage Canada with the United Nations and to seek a seat on the Security Council. What, if any, commitments did Canada make yesterday when he and the Minister of Global Affairs met with the United Nation's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs?
Mr. Speaker, at the heart of our public health care system is one simple principle: no one should have to pay out of pocket for health care. Yet, patients all across the country are being charged extra fees for medical services, and the Government of Canada is doing nothing about it. Some Canadians have become so frustrated with Liberal inaction, they filed a lawsuit today against the federal government. Why will the minister not do her job, enforce the Canada Health Act, and act immediately to put a stop to user fees?
Mr. Speaker, half of Canada's dairy farms are in Quebec. Imported diafiltered milk is hurting my home province. We are talking about thousands of dollars lost every week. Our regional economies are in jeopardy. In a show of solidarity, the hon. member for ChicoutimiLe Fjord poured a bag of powered milk on his head. Imagine that. However, in the House, there has been no show of support for our farmers, and nothing is being done to resolve their problem. What will it take for government members from Quebec to start representing their constituents, a nod from Toronto?
Mr. Speaker, under the former government, Canada was alone in having an empty chair with a lot of countries when it disliked the regimes, which was the wrong approach. All our allies are asking us to stop this wrong approach, and it is what we will do with Iran. In order to see progress on human rights and progress on the protection of Canada's interests and the interests of our allies, including Israel, Canada will engage with Iran with open eyes, step by step.
Mr. Speaker, I share the concern of my colleague about the atrocities he spoke about. However, the question I would ask is this. In which way would it help if Canada is not there? In which way would it help if Canada does not have an embassy?Was it not fortunate, at the end of the 1970s, that we had a Canadian embassy in Tehran when it was time to help the U.S. hostages? Can we learn from our history?
Mr. Speaker, during question period, the Prime Minister implied that it was Quebec's fault that the federal Liberals did not live up to their Kyoto commitments. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to table a document that shows Quebec decreased GHG emissions every year while I was environment minister and prove that they went up
Mr. Speaker, speaking of parliamentary procedure, in committee today, the Liberals had a chance to vote with us to require KPMG to give the names. Do members know what they did? They used parliamentary procedure to avoid that.Let us talk about the Liberals avoiding their responsibility in another key area, which is climate change. They signed Kyoto the last time they were in power and went on to have one of the worst records in the world. This time they went to Paris and said that Canada was back. Unfortunately, Canada was back with the Conservative plan. Why is there no plan to reduce greenhouse gases in Canada? Canadians want to know.