May 11th
- MP
conMay 11, 2012 9:00 am | Saskatchewan, Cypress Hills—GrasslandsMr. Speaker, we all know that the member opposite and her party would love to stop resource development in this country. The reality is that we now have the largest two-month job growth in decades. She should be standing up and congratulating us on that.
While the NDP member was attacking western Canadians, it turns out Canadians actually were not listening. Instead, they were going back to work.
There were 58,000 new jobs last month, 24,000 of them in the manufacturing sector that the member talks about. The problem on the other side is not Dutch disease, it is foot-in-the-mouth disease.
May 2nd
- MP
conMay 02, 2012 11:50 am | Ontario, Whitby—OshawaMr. Speaker, on the first anniversary of this Conservative majority government, Canada has the best fiscal position in the G7, the lowest overall tax rate on new business investment in the G7, the strongest job creation record in the G7, the best financial system in the world. It is the best place for business to invest, grow and create jobs, and has the highest credit rating in the world.
We will remain focused on jobs, the economy and long-term prosperity for all Canadians.
Apr 26th
- MP
conApr 26, 2012 12:05 pm | Saskatchewan, Regina—Qu'AppelleOrder. The hon. member for Chambly—Borduas.
- MPconApr 26, 2012 12:00 pm | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question.
He is asking, of course, about the number one priority for Canadians, which is creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. It is the first question this week on that subject. I have been so lonely over here. We have to get the opposition asking questions about what really matters to Canadians.
Today we introduced the first budget bill, the jobs, growth and long-term prosperity act, to implement key measures from economic action plan 2012. This includes responsible resource development, helping build a fast and flexible economic immigration system, promoting the stability of the financial system and the housing market, and so much more.
- MP
conApr 26, 2012 12:00 pm | Saskatchewan, Prince AlbertMr. Speaker, on March 29, 2012, our government introduced plans for jobs and growth, economic action plan 2012.
The plan is forward-looking in addressing long-term challenges and opportunities for Canadians. It is a plan that Canada's leading economists have applauded. Now our Conservative government is squarely focused on implementing it and its pro-job, pro-economic growth measures.
Can the Minister of Finance please explain how we are moving forward with economic action plan 2012?
Apr 2nd
- MP
conApr 02, 2012 12:00 pm | British Columbia, Kelowna—Lake CountryMr. Speaker, last week, the Minister of Finance tabled Canada's economic action plan 2012, a plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. With Canada's economic plan 2012, we are working to secure Canada's economic successes now and for future generations.
Could the hard-working Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification please update the House on how our government's plan will help grow western Canada's economy?
- MP
conApr 02, 2012 12:00 pm | Saskatchewan, BlackstrapMr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for Kelowna—Lake Country for giving me the opportunity to highlight one of the many great items in our economic action plan for 2012.
My department, WD, will soon be unveiling the details on the western innovation program. It will be known as WINN. WINN will provide financial support to small and medium enterprises in western Canada and it will assist them in bringing their innovative ideas to market.
Our government is focused and we are focused on what matters to Canadians. Our economic action plan 2012 will continue to get the job done in building a stronger west.
Mar 9th
- MP
conMar 09, 2012 8:30 am | Alberta, MacleodMr. Speaker, the fact is that since the end of the recession in July 2009, there are over 610,000 more Canadians working than there were before. We are always making sure that the policies we put in place will help create more jobs. If we listen to what the opposition brings forward, that would mean higher taxes. Those higher taxes would kill jobs.
Mar 2nd
- MP
conMar 02, 2012 8:50 am | Manitoba, Saint BonifaceMr. Speaker, as everyone knows, we are focused on what matters to Canadian families, and that is creating a healthy economy and helping to create jobs on which families really depend.
We have taken the right and prudent steps to do that and we are getting results. Statistics Canada has announced that our economy grew 1.8% in the fourth quarter, among the strongest in the G7, and we are proud of that.
The economic action plan 2012 will keep on supporting jobs and growth and fight the NDP's job-killing agenda.
Mar 1st
- MP
Mar 01, 2012 11:50 am | Ontario, Beaches—East YorkMr. Speaker, since 2006, our government has brought forward six straight budgets to promote jobs and economic growth in Canada, including cutting taxes 120 times. Since 2006, over one million new net jobs have been created, but the global economy remains fragile. That is why we are moving forward with our long-term plan for jobs and economic growth, not the NDP plan for higher taxes and massive deficit spending.
As we approach economic action plan 2012, would the Minister of Finance inform the House when he will present budget 2012?
- MPconMar 01, 2012 11:50 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, our Conservative government is focused on what matters to Canadians, and that is jobs and economic growth.
The economic action plan 2012 will focus on making Canada's economy stronger for today and tomorrow with prudent, pro-economic growth initiatives, keeping taxes low and responsible spending of taxpayer dollars.
I would be pleased to request the designation of an order of the day to present budget 2012 on Thursday, March 29 at 4 p.m.
Feb 13th
- MP
conFeb 13, 2012 11:25 am | British Columbia, Port Moody—Westwood—Port CoquitlamMr. Speaker, his question started off so strong and then it zigged when I hoped it would zag, but there we are.
Since the end of the Christmas recess, our government has spent the month of January and this part of February consulting Canadians about what their priorities are for the coming budget.
Indeed, the concerns that the leader of the third party has raised are the government's concerns as well, which is why we have said from the return of this Parliament that our focus is on economic growth, jobs and the security of Canadians. That is what our focus will be. It has been the hallmark of our budgets in the past and will continue to be going forward.
- MP
libFeb 13, 2012 11:25 am | Ontario, Toronto CentreMr. Speaker, the minister mentioned the problem in his response: in fact, the Conservatives are giving gifts to corporations while threatening the security of the aging population. That is the government's position. The government is threatening the pensions of the future. At the same time, it is giving money to corporations, but no investments are being made for new employees. That is the problem.
The Conservatives are creating two Canadas: one Canada that works and one that does not. This is the division that the Conservative Party is creating, and that must change.
Will the minister finally commit to changing the government's policy?
Feb 10th
- MPconFeb 10, 2012 8:55 am | Alberta, Macleod
Mr. Speaker, finally a question on the economy. I am happy to respond to that, especially because of the fact that our last two budgets actually focused on jobs and the economy. Both of those budgets were opposed by the NDP that claimed to come late to the show in actually talking about jobs.
However, we will be bringing forward a budget in the very near future and that also will focus on jobs and the economy because that is important. That is what Canadians want to talk about, which is why we will continue on that plan.
- MP
ndpFeb 10, 2012 8:00 am | Nova Scotia, HalifaxMr. Speaker, the government is a one-trick pony when it comes to economic policy because, instead of presenting a comprehensive job creation plan, the Conservatives continue to sit idly by making faulty economic comparisons with other countries and claiming that tax cuts create jobs.
The reality is that corporate tax cuts do not increase productivity. We watch as executives take the cuts, award themselves bigger bonuses, shut down operations in Canada and move them elsewhere. Public sector cuts do not make any more economic sense. More than 60,000 jobs economy-wide are jeopardized by the public sector cuts made over the last few years.
New Democrats believe that any job creation worth its salt must include public sector investment, and the Governor of the Bank of Canada agrees, but the Conservatives are ignoring his advice because it inconveniently contradicts them.
It is clear that the economic policies of the anti-science, anti-worker, Conservative government are bad for Halifax, bad for Nova Scotia and bad for Canada, and we demand better.
Feb 6th
- MPconFeb 06, 2012 11:50 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, the plan was in the budget last year that the hon. member voted against.
There are more than 610,000 net new jobs in this country since the end of the recession in July 2009.
We are fortunate now in the city of Toronto to have the leadership of a dynamic mayor who is leading the city in the right direction of fiscal prudence. I know “fiscal prudence” are two words that are foreign to the member opposite.
Feb 3rd
- MP
conFeb 03, 2012 8:55 am | Alberta, Edmonton—Spruce GroveMadam Speaker, I am very pleased to speak to the success of our government's Canadian innovation commercialization program. Our government recognizes that innovation fuels competitiveness and productivity and, ultimately, jobs for hard-working Canadians. This program was supported by the R and D panel led by Tom Jenkins, because it is about supporting Canadian inventions, innovations and products, and getting them to the marketplace so they can succeed. This is just one more example of our government's commitment to creating jobs and economic growth.
Dec 15th
- MPconDec 15, 2011 11:30 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, I do not know why the hon. member casts aspersions on fairies.
Despite this casting of aspersions on fairies, I do wish the hon. member merry Christmas from all elves and trolls, wherever we are.
We are fortunate that Canada's economy is doing relatively well in what is a challenging world. Canadians can remain assured that we will focus on jobs and the economy.
- MP
ndpDec 15, 2011 11:30 am | British Columbia, Burnaby—New WestminsterMr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Finance said in this House that he is not a magic money fairy. I think the facts disagree.
He has Conservative magic money for untendered and expensive F-35 fighter jets that have tripled in cost since the beginning and will now cost about $20 billion.
He has billions of dollars of Conservative pixie dust to sprinkle on unbudgeted prisons.
He has Conservative magic money for massive corporate tax cuts to banks and big oil.
He has magic money for his friends.
The question is, will he stop sprinkling magic money on his friends and start investing in Canadian families?
Dec 14th
- MPconDec 14, 2011 11:40 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the economy, Canadians know the NDP does not have a clue.
Here is what the The Province from Vancouver had to say yesterday in an editorial:
Time and again — either through unaffordable election promises or capricious plans to hike taxes — New Democrats act as though there is a magic money fairy somewhere who sprinkles government with endless supplies of cash. It's why voters often fear giving the NDP the keys to the treasury.
I know it is Christmastime, but I am at best a mere elf. I am no magic money fairy.
- MPconDec 14, 2011 11:35 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, we have continued to caution Canadians about overextending themselves on credit, whether it is residential mortgage credit or credit card credit.
With respect to residential mortgages, we have tightened the rules three times in the past several years, including this year. We have seen Canadians now increasing their activity in terms of paying off mortgages. However, we have low interest rates and some Canadians are taking advantage of those to take on some larger mortgages.
Again, we need to caution Canadians not to overextend themselves because interest rates eventually will go up.
- MPndpDec 14, 2011 11:35 am | British Columbia, Burnaby—New Westminster
Mr. Speaker, this government is pathetic. Canadian families are carrying record debt loads under the Conservatives. Workers' wages have fallen by 2% over the last year, and 90,000 Canadian families had their livelihoods taken away this fall. And what is this government doing? It is giving the oil companies and banks a lovely gift on January 1, while hiking EI premiums for families.
Why is this government giving Bay Street another big Christmas present? Why is it giving Canadian families a lump of coal in their stockings?
Dec 13th
- MPconDec 13, 2011 11:45 am | Alberta, Macleod
Mr. Speaker, there is the Christmas spirit: vote against everything that Canadians want by reducing their taxes. The NDP continues to vote against it. Through the actions that this government has taken, every family of four, an average Canadian family, has over $3,000 left in its pockets. That is a good news story going into this Christmas season.
- MPconDec 13, 2011 11:40 am | Alberta, Macleod
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member and his colleagues voted against a plan for jobs and the economy, not just once but several times. They, in fact, vote against Canadians whenever they seem to have an opportunity.
We have cut 120 different taxes for Canadians. The NDP voted over 100 times against those. Reducing the GST for Canadians, they voted not once but twice against that. They voted against the tax free savings account that help Canadians save for their future.
- MPndpDec 13, 2011 11:40 am | British Columbia, Burnaby—New Westminster
Mr. Speaker, we did not vote against a virtuous circle; we voted against this vicious circle that the Conservatives imposed: job losses, lower wages, the highest family debt ever in our history. What are they doing now? They are cutting taxes for banks and big oil companies swamped with profits. They do not care about the 90,000 Canadian families that lost a breadwinner this fall because of their policies.
Instead of acting like Santa to Bay Street again, why do the Conservatives not give a real Christmas present to hard-working Canadian families and put a jobs plan into place for Christmas this year? A jobs plan is what Canadians need for Christmas.
Dec 12th
- MPconDec 12, 2011 11:30 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, we have a low-tax plan for jobs and growth. Here it is. We like this budget so much that we introduced it twice this year. The Liberals opposed it the first time, and look where they are now: down in the corner.
For members who have not had a chance to read it yet, I have good news for Christmas giving. There are still a few copies left. The demand has not absorbed all the copies. Chapter 5, in particular, has the statistics on reducing the deficit. It makes warm, comfortable fireside reading. I urge the member—
- MPndpDec 12, 2011 11:30 am | British Columbia, Burnaby—New Westminster
Mr. Speaker, we take no lessons from the government, because we know the job numbers that it throws out are—
- MPconDec 12, 2011 11:25 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Budget Officer has made it clear that he thinks it is necessary to continue to reduce deficits in Canada, and we entirely agree. Indeed, in the economic action plan, the emergency plan that we brought forward in January 2009, every year we had deficit reductions leading up to balanced budgets in the medium term. The Parliamentary Budget Officer supports that track, Canadians support that track, and we are not going to make the mistakes the European countries did with big deficits and big public debt.
Surely that lesson has been learned, except by the NDP opposition.
- MPndpDec 12, 2011 11:25 am | British Columbia, Burnaby—New Westminster
Mr. Speaker, the Parliamentary Budget Officer confirms that this government is increasingly having problems making budgetary estimates. The difference between the government's numbers and the real numbers is roughly $10 billion a year. The government is overly optimistic and it is hiding the numbers from the public. We need transparency in order to create a jobs plan. The economy needs jobs and so do Canadian families.
When will this government show fiscal transparency and effectiveness?
- MP
conDec 12, 2011 11:20 am | Ontario, Ottawa West—NepeanMr. Speaker, the economic action plan has been a great success but the reality is that far too many Canadians are looking for work, which is why we remain focused on job creation and economic growth.
One of the things we see causing problems for the world economy, whether it is in the United States or in the eurozone, is governments that do not live within their fiscal means. Reckless spending and out of control debt are key problems.
This government is taking some reasonable measures to ensure that we return to a balanced budget, that we focus on job creation and that we focus on economic growth. That is the plan on which we will continue to work diligently.
Dec 9th
- MPconDec 09, 2011 8:50 am | Saskatchewan, Regina—Qu'Appelle
The hon. Minister of State for Finance.
- MPconDec 09, 2011 8:50 am | Alberta, Macleod
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Liberals are a little late to the game. We have put in place policies that businesses asked for in the last two and three budgets. I believe that he was one of the Liberal opposition members who voted against it.
Let us hear what CIBC economist Warren Lovely said about Canada. He stated:
With the ranks of AAA-rated credits thinning out, market confidence in a European solution understandably shaky and political disharmony in Washington, Canada should continue to stand out for all the right reasons. Look for international capital to seek out Canada in size during the year ahead.
- MP
libDec 09, 2011 8:50 am | Nova Scotia, Kings—HantsMr. Speaker, yesterday President Sarkozy warned that, “Never has the risk of Europe exploding been so big”.
Will the Minister of Finance take off his rose coloured glasses and take action to protect Canadian jobs? Will he cancel his planned $600 million payroll tax hike in January? Will he listen to Canadian manufacturers and make the accelerated capital cost allowance permanent, and not just for two years?
Finally, will he cancel the government's plans to scrap the SR&ED program, which is so essential to creating jobs and opportunities in Canada's science and research and technology--
- MPconDec 09, 2011 8:20 am | Alberta, Macleod
Mr. Speaker, the job number that matters to Canadians is that 600,000 more Canadians are working today than were working at the end of the recession. That is because of the policies we put in place. It is because businesses are paying less tax, so those businesses can reinvest in themselves and can hire more Canadians. It is simple economics.
The NDP has voted against every one of those plans that we have put forward. We will continue to support our businesses so they can hire Canadians and get them back to work.
- MPconDec 09, 2011 8:15 am | Ontario, Ottawa West—Nepean
Mr. Speaker, providing support to low-income Canadians has been a huge priority for our government over the past six years. Let us look at some of the initiatives we have taken: we have taken over one million low-income Canadians right off the tax rolls, so they are not paying a dollar of tax themselves; we have increased the basic personal amount Canadians can earn without paying taxes; we have introduced the working income tax benefit to support low-income Canadians; we have increased the guaranteed income supplement for our most vulnerable seniors; and, finally, we lowered the GST, one of the taxes that low-income Canadians pay the most, from 7% to 6% to 5%. The NDP voted against each and every one of these initiatives.
Dec 5th
- MPconDec 05, 2011 11:30 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite covered a lot of ground there. He is mad at the banks. He is mad at profits. He thinks we do not reduce taxes. Where do we start?
Well, we have reduced taxes on average by $3,000 for every Canadian family since we took office. How did the NDP members help with that? They voted against every tax reduction. They say they care about Canadians, but they are happy to keep taxing. I heard it in the debate yesterday. The only question was, how much more should we tax Canadians? That is what we hear from the NDP.
Do they care that we have bank profits? I care. It gives us a sound banking system, and they paid $8.3 billion—
- MPconDec 05, 2011 11:25 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite refers to the OECD report. He does not mention that the OECD stated that employment is the most promising way of tackling inequality, and that the biggest challenge is to create more jobs.
This government is focused precisely on the goal of economic growth and the creation of jobs in Canada. There are nearly 600,000 net new jobs, the best job creation record in the G7. The OECD and the IMF say that Canada's economic growth and job creation will be the best going forward.
That is how we address inequity. That is what the OECD—
- MPndpDec 05, 2011 11:25 am | British Columbia, Burnaby—New Westminster
Mr. Speaker, the latest OECD report is damning. The gap between the rich and the poor is growing bigger more quickly here than in other developed countries. The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer. Average families are having more and more difficulty making ends meet. The OECD has clearly stated that Canadians need good jobs. They also need a tax system that is progressive and fair. However, all this government does is give gifts to companies with money to burn.
When will the government finally come up with a job creation plan? When will this country return to a fair tax system?
Nov 30th
- MP
conNov 30, 2011 11:50 am | Alberta, Calgary SouthwestMr. Speaker, today's numbers showing significant growth in the Canadian economy last quarter are very encouraging. At the same time, we remain very concerned about the problems in Europe, particularly the problems of debt and deficit.
These problems are part and parcel of the fragile global economy. That is why we will continue to focus on our plan to keep taxes low in order to foster employment and growth.
We will continue to be focused, as a government, on jobs and growth, and also on keeping taxes low. Now is not the time for the kind of job killing tax hikes proposed by the NDP.
Nov 29th
- MPconNov 29, 2011 11:20 am | Saskatchewan, Regina—Qu'Appelle
The hon. minister of state.
- MPconNov 29, 2011 11:20 am | Alberta, Macleod
Mr. Speaker, in fact there was a plan. I would remind the hon. member that he voted against it. In fact, every time we bring a plan forward to help create jobs, to help reduce taxes for businesses that actually do create jobs in this country, the NDP members stand up and vote against it. Then they stand up and ask us to extend the programs that they voted against. I am a little unsure of what they are going to ask next.
- MPndpNov 29, 2011 11:20 am | British Columbia, Burnaby—New Westminster
Mr. Speaker, the NDP voted against the government's failures, and there have been many.
Unfortunately, under the Conservatives, Canada's trade deficit has increased from $16 billion to $81 billion: fail. Household debt has reached a record high: fail. Last month, 72,000 jobs were lost: fail. Two million Canadians are out of work: fail. Wages are decreasing: fail.
Will the Prime Minister hear the alarm bell? Will he finally wake up and take care of Canadian families by creating an employment plan and thus turn this government's failures into successes?
- MPndpNov 29, 2011 11:15 am | British Columbia, Burnaby—New Westminster
Mr. Speaker, the OECD warns of troubled global financial markets and family debt levels of Canadians are bad news for our economy. It says that the outlook for the Canadian economy has worsened significantly. The OECD predicts growth for next year almost one full percentage point below budget projections and below the minister's recent revision.
Canada lost 72,000 full-time jobs last month. Canadians' wages are plummetting. How much more evidence does it take for the government to act? How much more evidence does it take to make the next budget an investment budget for Canadians?
- MPconNov 29, 2011 11:15 am | Alberta, Calgary Southwest
Mr. Speaker, first of all, the OECD's projections are actually very close to the government's in the economic and fiscal update. The policies that we have followed have created nearly 600,000 jobs in Canada. It is one of the best records in the world. That includes some significant investments that the NDP voted against.
Let me be very clear that the things the NDP advocates for the Canadian economy, such as raising taxes, shutting down industries, blocking trade, will never be the policies of this government.
Nov 24th
- MP
libNov 24, 2011 11:25 am | Saskatchewan, WascanaMr. Speaker, small business says, "Freeze the premiums. Don't raise them by $600 million".
Even with all of their economic trouble, the Americans do better than Canada on productivity growth. Therefore, facing this challenge, plus more global risk, more unemployment, a more vulnerable middle class, what does the government choose as its leading priority? Bigger jails. Its policy for affordable housing and mental health seems to be bigger jails. Its policy for aboriginal training and jobs is bigger jails.
Why is the government putting prisons ahead of schools? Think what that $13 billion could do for education and productivity.
- MPconNov 24, 2011 11:25 am | Alberta, Calgary Southwest
Mr. Speaker, for this government, jails in our country are only for violent and repeat criminals. That is the policy of this government.
Obviously for the population at large, this government is dedicated to the creation of jobs. That is why we were elected. That is the platform on which we ran. That is what we will do.
I know the Liberal Party will vote against the creation of jobs, but that is why it will continue to sit in the far corner of the House of Commons.
- MPlibNov 24, 2011 11:20 am | Saskatchewan, Wascana
Mr. Speaker, economic risks are getting worse across Europe. The contagion has moved from Greece and Italy into Spain and Portugal and maybe France. Now even Germany is having trouble selling its bonds.
Here in Canada, unemployment is going up, while job quality is going down. There are nearly 600,000 fewer full-time jobs in Canada today than just before the recession began in 2008.
Will the government stop making things worse and cancel its job-killing payroll tax increase that is planned for January 1? Just stop it.
Nov 22nd
- MP
con
Nov 22, 2011 11:55 am | Ontario, Chatham-Kent—EssexMr. Speaker, while our Conservative government is focused on jobs, the NDP is bashing the Canadian economy.
First, the NDP tries to hike taxes on Canadians from a $10 billion a year hike on employers to a GST hike on families and more. Second, the NDP travels to Washington to join fellow left-wing radicals to attack our country's economy and good Canadian jobs. Finally, last night, the NDP shockingly voted against implementing the next phase of Canada's economic action plan.
Could the finance minister please explain what the NDP tried to kill last night?
- MPconNov 22, 2011 11:55 am | Ontario, Whitby—Oshawa
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the erudite question about budget voting.
Last night the budget was voted on at third reading and it was passed in this place, but without the support of NDP members. They walked away from the job creation tax credit for small business. They voted against the family caregiver tax credit. They voted against the children's arts tax credit. They voted against the volunteer firefighter tax credit. They voted against tax relief for the manufacturing sector and making the gas tax fund permanent for municipalities in Canada.
- MP
conNov 22, 2011 11:05 am | Ontario, St. CatharinesMr. Speaker, I am glad I have a chance to respond to the positive aspects of Niagara versus what my colleague from Welland mentioned earlier in his statement.
While Canada's economic recovery is the strongest among G8 nations, we remain vulnerable to an unpredictable global economy. In the past, this meant St. Catharines and the Niagara region would be the heaviest hit by job losses. However, under our government, the unemployment rate in St. Catharines and Niagara has declined each and every month so far in 2011. This is a direct result of our government's economic investment strategy in St. Catharines and Niagara. With previous governments, St. Catharines and Niagara was not a priority. However, with this government, we have seen targeted investments in job-creating building projects like the replacement of the Burgoyne Bridge and the widening of the QEW.
With Brock University's Health and Bioscience Research Complex ready to go, we are acting in Niagara and we are responding to the needs of the community.
1 2 3 4 5 6
