Alexandra Mendès

Faster fossil phase-down

The other end of this axis: Slower phase-down, production first

Excerpts repeat support for reducing carbon emissions and renewable energy to address climate change.

But the minister's staff seem to have forgotten or failed to grasp that the ultimate aim of Bill C-429 is to help Canada's forestry industry while logically promoting new ways of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Once again, it is clear that the government refuses to consider the positive side of measures that come from this side of the House.

Restrict new oil and gas

The other end of this axis: Expand production and export

Excerpts advocate investing in green energy and reducing emissions from buildings.

After 10 years of neglect, we have to invest in green energy, public transit, and green infrastructure across the country. I see it in my riding where we received a major investment from the federal government to build an electric train that will connect us not only to the Island of Montreal, but also to the airport.

Tighter prudential rules

The other end of this axis: Lighter capital rules and more competition

Excerpt supports changes to prevent banks' unfair advantage over independent insurers.

colleague from Scarborough Southwest, that takes aim at making significant changes to the insurance business regulations for banks and bank holding companies in order to ensure that small and medium insurance brokers have a level playing field. The bill amends four key provisions in the regulations in order to prevent Canadian banks from having an unfair advantage over independent insurance companies, agents or brokers.

Higher taxes and public spending

The other end of this axis: Lower taxes and tighter spending

Excerpts repeatedly criticize tax cuts for profitable corporations while deficits exist.

Are they something Canadians want? Are they something Canadians need? Canada cannot afford to give big corporations $6 billion in tax cuts because of a record $56 billion deficit caused by the Conservatives. I believe in competitive corporate tax rates.

Public supply and demand controls

The other end of this axis: Market supply and deregulation

Excerpts call for faster federal funding of social housing construction.

What does the Minister of Finance plan to do to get the necessary money out quickly so that social housing construction can bring about even a partial recovery of housing starts across Canada?

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

Excerpts repeat calls for EI access for self-employed and aid to forestry workers.

When will the Conservatives allow self-employed people to contribute to employment insurance?

Prevention and restraint

The other end of this axis: Enforcement and sentencing

Excerpts express trust in courts over mandatory sentencing and call for prevention.

Chair, I do trust our justice system. I believe our courts know what they're there to do. If they have one Sri Lankan person, of Sri Lankan origin, who actually committed a crime and is accused and convicted of this crime, the person will be deported if he's not a Canadian citizen.

Diversify away from one partner

The other end of this axis: Deeper continental integration

Excerpts criticize the softwood lumber agreement with the United States.

This decision is a direct result of the flawed Conservative softwood lumber deal signed with the Americans. How can the Conservatives possibly explain to unemployed Quebec and Ontario forestry workers that even before they can be rehired, $68 million in export taxes need to be paid?