Kelly Block

Liberalize supply management

The other end of this axis: Defend supply management

Supports marketing freedom for grain farmers and policy environment allowing farmers to make a living.

Speaker, earlier this week our government delivered on a long-standing promise to farmers by introducing the marketing freedom for grain farmers act. Unfortunately, factions allied with the old Canadian Wheat Board guard are working to destroy the rural economy of the Prairies by opposing our bill.

Slower phase-down, production first

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

Opposes carbon tax as harmful to economy and western industries, favors realistic approach over one-size-fits-all.

While I believe that all of us should do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we have to be realistic and understand that a one-size-fits-all approach cannot work in Canada. I also believe that Canadians pay enough in taxes.

Higher spending and more capability

The other end of this axis: Restrain spending and deployments

Supports increased defence spending including for NORAD and Arctic security.

Budget 2022 also includes an increase in defence spending for which there is broad support. Increased NORAD funding is a good start to improve our ability to protect the integrity of our national borders. With the complete disregard Russia has shown for international law through its invasion of Ukraine, the need to ensure the integrity of our land in the Arctic has been intensified by the territorial claims put forward by it, which encroach on our northern borders.

Expand production and export

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

Strongly supports resource development, pipelines like Keystone XL, and opposes tanker moratorium as anti-energy.

I would suggest that this bill is an open, sneering attack on our oil and gas sector, an anti-pipeline bill poorly masquerading as an environment bill. Environmental legislation is supposed to be based on science.

Provinces lead

The other end of this axis: Ottawa leads

Emphasizes respecting provincial jurisdictions and organizations.

Certainly as a member of the federal government, I am aware of the jurisdictional issues; I recognize that. We all play different roles and I think my perspective is to come at addressing the issues and finding the solutions. I want to respect the jurisdictions of the organizations of the province. So you mentioned there was very little relationship between the first nations, your organizations, and the provincial government.

Lower taxes and tighter spending

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

Opposes tax hikes and supports returning to balanced budget after recovery.

While our Conservative government is focusing on the economy and committing to returning to a balanced budget once our economic recovery is assured, the Liberal leader is committing to a massive new permanent spending deficit. Canadians know how he will pay for his spending promises.

Assertive alliances and sanctions

The other end of this axis: Alliance restraint

Supports sanctions on those committing genocide against Uighurs and action against ISIS.

These citizens are calling on the Government of Canada to formally recognize that Uighurs in China have been and are still subject to genocide and to use Magnitsky act sanctions against those who are guilty of these crimes against humanity. I hope the government will faithfully deal with these citizens' concerns.

Market supply and deregulation

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

Supports home renovation tax credit as successful stimulus measure.

Through this temporary tax credit, we are providing an estimated 4.6 million Canadian families with up to $1,350 dollars in tax relief on eligible renovation projects undertaken before 2010. The home renovation tax credit's popularity is driven by its effectiveness as everyone from the home renovation and construction industry, to retailers, home hardware stores and lumber producers, to manufacturers, suppliers, carpenters and roofers are benefiting as a result, helping protect and create jobs and helping fuel the economic recovery.

Lower intake

The other end of this axis: Higher permanent intake

Supports cracking down on abuse of system and bogus claims to protect genuine refugees.

For far too long, foreign criminals, human smugglers and bogus refugees have abused our immigration system. This abuse comes at a great cost.

More flexibility for employers

The other end of this axis: Stronger unions and standards

Supports EI reforms to encourage accepting available work and reduce disincentives.

The practical result of this policy is not hard to see: EI claimants turning down any work that exceeded this exemption because they would not profit from their labour. While an individual is waiting for a permanent, full-time job to open up, their skills are underutilized.

Enforcement and sentencing

The other end of this axis: Prevention and restraint

Supports tough measures like ending faint hope clause and safe streets act.

Why are the rights of criminals being placed ahead of the rights of law-abiding citizens, and what message does this send to the families of murder victims and their communities? Could the minister explain how the government's faint hope legislation will help victims of crime in this country?

Deeper continental integration

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

Supports open markets, globalization and foreign investment.

Open markets and globalization have disaggregated production processes to the point that supply chains are now global. Our challenge is to ensure that Canadian businesses can maintain and enhance their positions within these global supply chains, so that they can be cost-effective and successfully compete against competitors from other countries.