MARSTON ON MANUFACTURING ISSUES: Questioning the Conservatives on their inaction

r. Wayne Marston (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, the provincial government in Ontario established a council to advise MPPs on manufacturing issues. It is undoubtedly a weak response. What the sector needs is a plan, not more advisement.

However, it is at least a step forward. Since taking power two years ago, the Conservative government has not moved with the times of increasing dollar values and continued cuts in the manufacturing sector.

When is the government going to take seriously the plight of workers and the communities that depend on those jobs and establish a plan for these manufacturing industry workers and their communities?

Mr. Colin Carrie (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, I do not know where this NDP member has been, but last year the industry committee did an unprecedented report which came up with 22 recommendations that his critic actually supported. The interesting thing with the NDP is that in our budget we addressed 21 out of 22 of these recommendations and the member voted against it.

We lowered corporate income tax rates. He voted against it. We increased the capital cost allowance writeoff. He voted against it. We cut the paper burden on businesses. He voted against it.

There was $800 million per year for education, $1.3 billion for research--

Wayne Marston (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, those scripted answers from the minister will be of little consolation to the families and workers who have lost their jobs.

Statistics Canada today says that 16,000 people lost their jobs in November. Study after study has shown the negative impacts of job loss and plant closures on workers and their families.

If the Conservatives will not help save the manufacturing sector with a comprehensive jobs strategy, will they commit to immediate and serious investments to help unemployed workers and their families?
Mr. Colin Carrie (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, all the NDP has are strategies. I hear they even strategize on whether or not to shave off their leader's moustache.

The manufacturing sector does not need strategies. It needs action. That is exactly what we have given it. We have lowered taxes by $1.3 billion. We have increased the capital cost allowance. We have responded positively to 21 out of 22 recommendations in the INDU report. We are taking action, which is something the NDP will never do.