Blaine Calkins

Slower phase-down, production first

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

Repeats defense of fossil fuels, oil and gas production, and opposition to carbon tax.

Fossil fuels are so ingrained in every aspect of our lives, and when we say that a carbon tax is a tax on everything, it is absolutely true. Take a look around this room.

Higher spending and more capability

The other end of this axis: Restrain spending and deployments

Supports expanded NATO role and more troops for Afghanistan mission.

Afghanistan is geographically a relatively small country, yet despite the presence of numerous international forces, NATO has asked its members to commit additional troops. Given the evolution of what NATO was created for, what it did in the past, and what we're asking NATO to do now in the present, does NATO have the resources and expertise to command this mission?

Expand production and export

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

Advocates building pipelines and increasing export capacity for oil.

Just to put things back in context, obviously the strategic importance of having the ability to export oil and oil resources from Alberta is critical. The minister eloquently addressed the concerns I had when it came to the Gateway pipeline.

Provinces lead

The other end of this axis: Ottawa leads

Supports provincial jurisdiction over payday lending regulation without federal duplication.

As a matter of fact, the bill is actually meant to exclude certain aspects pertaining to Canadian payday loans from provincial jurisdiction. In that way, provinces such as Quebec and the western provinces, including Alberta, which is the province I am from, have the ability to protect their consumers in a way that they see fit.

Lower taxes and tighter spending

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

Emphasizes $2 in tax relief for every $1 in new spending and multiple tax cuts.

There is more tax relief in this first Conservative budget than in the last four federal Liberal budgets combined. To top it off, there is $2 in tax relief for every $1 in new program spending.

More private delivery

The other end of this axis: Expand public coverage

Opposes federal pharmacare expansion as intrusion into provincial jurisdiction.

It is not a pharmacare program. Health care is actually a provincial jurisdiction. It should be delivered by the provinces.

Lower intake

The other end of this axis: Higher permanent intake

Supports reforms to reduce illegitimate refugee claims and protect citizenship standards.

Illegitimate claimants clog our refugee system and create unnecessarily long wait times for those truly in need of Canada's protection. This leaves in limbo those who are genuinely in need.

More flexibility for employers

The other end of this axis: Stronger unions and standards

Supports secret ballot votes for union certification over card check.

The employees' voting rights act simply takes what is optional right now in current legislation and makes it mandatory. If you look at the current regime, if a union signs up 50% plus one of employees in the workplace through a card check system, the union automatically becomes certified.

Deeper continental integration

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

Pushes free trade agreements and stronger trade ties with the United States and others.

We signed several free trade agreements since we took office in 2006 with several European and South American countries. However, this is not the time to rest on our laurels.