First day back!
Topics included EI, taxes, and economic stimulus.
Medical isotopes, sockeye salmon, oil companies and credit cards were also mentioned.
Statements
MP Joe Comartin made a statement on Employment Insurance. He said that the current system, its requirements and policies are failing Canadians. He called on the current government to take immediate action and help the unemployed.
Questions
Liberal
Liberals discussed a variety of issues, but focused on the Conservative’s economic action plan and EI.
Ignatieff asked about the Conservative government past comments and action on the economy. The PM replied that Canada should be focusing on its stimulus plan and does not need an election.
Other Liberals asked:
Now that the finance minister has talked about increases in taxes, does the PM continue to believe this is a bad policy? The rise in EI premiums is a tax hike.
Premiums were lowered 12 times under the Liberals. The PM said it was not a good idea to raise premiums. How does the PM qualify the decision of the finance minister how now suggests he will raise premiums?
4 out of 10 projects are for ridings of the cabinet ministers. How does the PM explain that the cabinet is too busy trying to buy votes instead of helping Canadians out of work?
Other questions include:
Canadian health care: is the PM proud of our health care system? Can the PM explain the government’s silence vis a vis attacks being made on Canada’s health care system in the U.S.? Will the government take action? PM – the system will survive these attacks.
Discrimination: in response to comments disclosed by a member within the Conservative government about “special scrutiny” of funding going out to certain groups, incl. LGBT, women’s and minority groups: will the government disclose which ‘fringe’ groups have been single out for “special scrutiny”?
Citizenship: The government must stand up for Canadians of all heritages. Its record on this matter is poor (ex. Abdelrazik). How can Canadians trust this government to protect all Canadians abroad?
Search and Rescue: given the most recent tragedy, will the minister do a total search rescue revue of service in the province of Newfoundland?
BQ
The BQ also asked about a variety of issues, including EI, the use of wood in federal buildings, and medical isotopes.
Duceppe focused on the BQ’s white-collar crime bill (eliminate release after serving 1/6 sentence). Will the PM support the BQ bill?
The PM pointed out that the BQ defeated similar bill when part of the coalition, and also mentioned that a national securities commission has been put forward.
Duceppe emphasized that the government has never put forward this specific proposal.
Other questions include:
Medical isotopes: The fed government is responsible for this crisis of medical isotopes. Can the government confirm that it is prepared to welcome any demand for financial compensation in the government of Quebec? Reply from Minister of Health – will be meeting with ministers in the near future.
Economy: EI and oil companies. How can the government explain what the government is doing for the oil companies, who do not need any help, and its hard line policies toward the unemployed?
EI: Complete overhaul to the system needed. This government intends to pay for the deficit through higher premium. Will the government support Bill C308?
Home renovation tax credit: Delays are worrying and could impact the economy. Will the government put forward this credit separate from other tax measures that are unacceptable to opposition parties to ensure its passing?
Wood in Federal Buildings: Bill on the use of wood in federal buildings. Will the government support this bill? A QC stakeholder coalition on the use of wood will be launched tomorrow.
Securities: Does the government intend to respond favorably to the unanimous proclamation of the National assembly of Quebec re: transfer of land facing the nat’l assembly and tax harmonization?
Recognition of the Quebec nation: This declaration was nothing but smoke and mirrors. This government denies the nation the opportunity to speak for itself on issues that directly affects it. How can the government be credible when it says one thing and does another?
Tax havens: Will the government take action? Will the minister of International trade commit to not signing a Free-trade agreement with countries that face scrutiny, like Panama ?
NDP
The NDP focused on EI and taxes.
Layton discussed the government’s obligation to work with opposition parties in a minority government – does the PM realize that it’s his own attitude that’s leading us to the possibility of an election? Will the PM work with opposition parties or provoke an election?
PM replied that the government is putting forward many proposals and encourages opposition to consider them.
Other questions include:
EI/Economy: When will we see some comprehensive proposals to compensate for the trouble/delays caused by the Liberals? When will the government introduce the bill that will include all the measure it has been discussing, including measures to include the self-employed in EI, support pensioners and protect people from gauging by banks and credit card companies?
HST: Higher taxes on essential items. Why raise taxes? Will the finance minister end this liberal – conservative tax grab?
Sockeye salmon: This situation is a catastrophe and the Minister has evaded responsibility. Will the minister convene an emergency meeting with stakeholders of West Coast fisheries? Reply from Minister of Fisheries and Oceans – this is a No 1 priority. She had a round table meeting in BC last weekend and reassures that the government is planning a way forward with the industry.
Government
Canadian flag: Can the minister inform this House on this government’s reaction to the piece of literature circulated last week that suggested that Canadians should not be proud of their flag. Reply – It is particularly offensive to make these insinuations to those who wear the Canadian uniform, to suggest that Canadians should be anything but proud of their flag.
What is this Government doing to support unemployed workers? Reply from Minister of Human Resources– This government intends to put additional benefits for long-tenured workers in place.
TRANSCRIPTS AVAILABLE IN THE MORNING UPON REQUEST.
