Bobby Morrissey

Faster fossil phase-down

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

Excerpts repeat support for Canada showing leadership in greenhouse gas reductions due to vulnerability to climate change.

My question is about this comment that is often made: why should Canada be doing anything if nobody else is doing anything? I would like you to elaborate on the benefits of Canada being a leader in the field of greenhouse gas reduction instead of us saying, well, nobody else is moving, so therefore we cannot achieve anything with Canada moving on its own. Canada is one of the largest countries in the world.

Restrict new oil and gas

The other end of this axis: Expand production and export

Excerpts repeat emphasis on renewables, wind, solar, and clean energy transition.

Our leadership role in renewable energy is well recognized across Canada. For decades, Egmont has adopted an approach that accentuates advances in wind power and now there are new projects that build on the promise of solar energy.

Ottawa leads

The other end of this axis: Provinces lead

Excerpts support federal strings on transfers and federal decision-making on infrastructure.

Our government has put significant...and signed agreements with each of the provinces targeting home care because the provinces tend to move the money all around. Could you expand a bit more on how you would like to see that specified to the provinces?

Higher taxes and public spending

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

Excerpts repeat support for deficit spending, middle class tax cuts, child benefits and senior pensions as investments in Canadians.

In order to be at a balanced budget today, given what happened dramatically in the fall, and continues today with the decline in oil prices, in which areas would a Conservative or NDP government make cuts? We have made it clear that we would invest in Canadians. We have brought in measures, such as a tax cut to the middle class, the child tax benefit, and an increase in seniors pension, all of which are investments in Canadians. Small businesses need customers with money in their pockets to spend.

Expand public coverage

The other end of this axis: More private delivery

Excerpts support increased Canada health transfer and targeted federal funding for home care and mental health.

There would be $152 million through the Canada health transfer, which is an increase of $4.6 million, and $56 million through the Canada social transfer, which is an increase of $1.7 million. I am pleased that the government would provide Prince Edward Island with an estimated $45.

Higher permanent intake

The other end of this axis: Lower intake

Excerpts support temporary foreign workers and welcoming refugees to support communities and seasonal industries.

When I spoke about my riding and about how impressed I was with the seconder of the throne speech, it was because our small communities are reaching out to refugee families in a positive way by supporting and welcoming them to these small communities. That says a lot about who we are as a nation and as a people.

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

Excerpts repeat calls for EI reforms to protect seasonal workers and allow training access while on benefits.

The second area is reform to the employment insurance system to recognize that in parts of this country we truly have a seasonal economy. With a seasonal economy we must have a very dedicated, highly skilled, highly motivated workforce to allow those seasonal industries to thrive. To do that we must have an insurance system in place that protects the earnings of those seasonal workers when they no longer have work.