Pat Kelly

Slower phase-down, production first

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

Excerpts repeat opposition to carbon tax and support for resource development while growing economy.

However, my colleagues and I cannot support the Liberals' plan to run roughshod over the provinces and impose a job-killing carbon tax, which would raise the cost of living for all Canadians and hurt the most vulnerable members of Canadian society the most. Canada can do several things to minimize our contribution to global climate change while growing the economy.

Higher spending and more capability

The other end of this axis: Restrain spending and deployments

Excerpts call for more money and capability including F-35s and ships.

This is a critical failure of government at a time when Canada's ability to defend itself and support its allies is at the most urgent point that it has been in decades. I am pleased that the government has reversed its earlier positions and finally announced that it will buy the F-35s. That is good. Now it should buy ships. Canada was a founding member of NATO.

Provinces lead

The other end of this axis: Ottawa leads

Criticizes federal overreach on energy approvals and provincial jurisdiction.

We have seen how the government rendered the energy east project economically untenable by moving the goalposts, introducing upstream emissions, which is not an area of federal jurisdiction and not one which the NEB would have jurisdiction over, as well as downstream, which is quite ridiculous in a pipeline project.

Lighter capital rules and more competition

The other end of this axis: Tighter prudential rules

Excerpts criticize mortgage changes that reduce competition.

Here are some of the things that the finance committee heard that the minister would have heard had he bothered to ask: He would have heard from many witnesses that the new rules will reduce competition, leading to higher interest rates and fewer options for Canadian consumers. He would have heard from Michael Lloyd of DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts that the new rules are, “not even effective in Vancouver and Toronto.

Lower taxes and tighter spending

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

Excerpts repeatedly attack large deficits and broken promises of restraint.

Despite aiming to boost GDP growth, budget 2016 introduces measures which are either unrelated to growth or actually hinder growth. Despite its self-described goal of growing the middle class, budget 2016's deficits form a burden upon the middle class. Despite claiming to promote accountability, budget 2016 is built of broken promises.

Assertive alliances and sanctions

The other end of this axis: Alliance restraint

Supports military and lethal aid to Ukraine and Magnitsky sanctions on China.

Financial aid, humanitarian aid, logistical aid and, yes, lethal military aid are all urgently needed by Ukraine. Since this bill was tabled, the Parliamentary Budget Officer has confirmed that the government's military capital spending, including its 2017 strong, secure, engaged funding announcement, is hopelessly behind schedule.

Market supply and deregulation

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

Excerpts oppose mortgage rule changes and support consumer choice.

I am concerned for young families that will bear the brunt of the Liberal carbon tax and may now have a harder time achieving their dream of home ownership. I am also concerned about the effect of the minister's announcements on competition in the mortgage business.

Lower intake

The other end of this axis: Higher permanent intake

Criticizes surge in asylum claims from 10,000 to 290,000.

We have jumped from 10,000 people to 290,000 people in the queue for adjudication of asylum claims. It is no surprise how we got there.

More flexibility for employers

The other end of this axis: Stronger unions and standards

Excerpts defend secret ballot for union decisions.

Would someone please explain to me how it is somehow fair to take away the secret ballot as the means of choice for joining a union?

Enforcement and sentencing

The other end of this axis: Prevention and restraint

Opposes reducing minimum sentences for serious offences.

The bill sends exactly the wrong message from this Parliament to the judiciary. It sends the wrong message from the government to criminals. It sends the wrong message to Canada's victims of serious and violent crimes.

Deeper continental integration

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

Supports free trade agreements including CETA and NAFTA history.

Canada was built on trade. From the earliest European settlers trading with indigenous peoples and fur traders following rivers and exploring the land, to present-day Canadians for whom one in five jobs depends directly on exports. Extraction and exchange are in Canada's bones.