Alex Ruff

Slower phase-down, production first

The other end of this axis: Faster fossil phase-down

Excerpts repeat support for exempting farm fuels from carbon tax and defending Line 5 pipeline.

The government has the opportunity now to take action and reduce the burdens on our farmers by implementing rapid testing at the border to reduce the isolation period for temporary foreign workers, thus allowing workers to start on time; by adopting Bill C-206, which would cut costs for farm families by exempting propane and natural gas from the carbon tax for farmers; and by adopting Bill C-208, in order to maintain the strong tradition of family farms in Ontario and Canada. Finally, the government must stand up for Enbridge's Line 5, as it is a crucial lifeline for our farmers, other industries and the environment.

Higher spending and more capability

The other end of this axis: Restrain spending and deployments

Strongly supports meeting NATO 2% GDP target and increasing investment in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Madam Speaker, as always, it is an honour to rise here in the House, not only on behalf of my constituents of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound but on an issue of such fundamental importance to all Canadians, that of supporting our Canadian Armed Forces and the need to meet our NATO commitment of 2% of our GDP. I plan on taking a slightly different tack in my speech than likely many of the previous speeches that we have heard so far today in order to provide a more fulsome perspective from someone with over 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Expand production and export

The other end of this axis: Restrict new oil and gas

Excerpts repeat calls to protect Line 5 and back hydrogen technology aiding fossil sectors.

Finally, the government must stand up for Enbridge's Line 5, as it is a crucial lifeline for our farmers, other industries and the environment. Replacing this pipeline would require 2,000 trucks or 800 railcars daily to meet the current need.

Provinces lead

The other end of this axis: Ottawa leads

Excerpt criticizes Ottawa-knows-best policies and urges non-interference in provincial jurisdiction.

I am not trying to be an alarmist. I am just saying I am tired of seeing policies come out of Ottawa with an Ottawa-knows-best approach. Those maybe work great for the people who live in major urban centres, but they do not work for my constituents of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound.

Lower taxes and tighter spending

The other end of this axis: Higher taxes and public spending

Excerpts criticize high national debt and unneeded stimulus spending.

Even with our very low interest rates, with a national debt of over $1.2 trillion, it is my understanding, and I might be off by a billion or two but hopefully not, we spent $24 billion in interest on our national debt this past year. That is $24 billion.

Assertive alliances and sanctions

The other end of this axis: Alliance restraint

Excerpts call for sanctions on China over Uighurs and criticize weak Afghan response.

Therefore, the petitioners are calling upon the government to formally recognize the genocide that is ongoing against the Uighurs in China, and calling for use of the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act to sanction those responsible for such heinous crimes.

Market supply and deregulation

The other end of this axis: Public supply and demand controls

Attributes housing unaffordability to Liberal deficit spending and calls for reduced red tape.

This speaks directly to the impact the Liberal government's inflationary deficit spending is having on the economy and the ability for people to get into homes, not only to get them built, but to afford to build them or to move into rental units.

Enforcement and sentencing

The other end of this axis: Prevention and restraint

Excerpts oppose new gun laws on law-abiding owners and call for tougher measures on criminals.

Forcing law-abiding Canadians to follow even more laws will not reduce urban gun crime and fails to address the real problems of gangs, illegal smuggling, drugs and poverty. As a newly elected MP, I am here to solve problems, not create new ones.

Deeper continental integration

The other end of this axis: Diversify away from one partner

Excerpts highlight need to sell cattle to the United States and protect cross-border pipelines.

Ontario farmers are suffering from a lack of processing capacity and their inability to sell fed cattle to the United States. The government missed a critical deadline to apply to the World Organisation for Animal Health for negligible risk status.