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Lakeshore Advance, 2013-05-08, Page 11Wednesday, May, 8, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 11 Question and answer with Huron -Bruce MP Ben Lobb Gerard Creces QM Agency Q: What kind of example do you thick negative attack advertising setsfor chil- dren, who are told online bullying is not allowed? A: Well, in my mind, it is really not the same thing. If you look at the ads that all political parties run between and during elections... First of all, they have to be fact - based otherwise you are going to be in a courtroom for slander or libel. All parties, have the ability to attack to defend day in and day out. All parties have attacked in the past and all parties will probably continue to do so in the future. The difference is, in my opinion, a young person in a lot of ways doesn't have that ability to defend their self - it can be relent- less in a lot of ways. There are 100 different ways that kids are going to be influenced and 1 don't think political advertising is going to he influential. 'there is just as Hutch negative information on network news to be honest with you. Q: Areyou sending out &uderuu 10 per centers? A: No. Q: A number of scientific organiza- tions have expressed their concerns about government filtering scientific research before 11 is mule public. Why do you think that is? A: Certain scientists will ahvays have certain complaints but at the end of the day, take a look at the availability of scien- tists to report to Canadians and report their facts or research that they do. We're talking in the thousands of media inter- views that scientists employed by the Canadian government do each and every year. Q: So Is it a misconception then or is there something to it? A: I don't know specific reports these organizations are talking about - if you have specific examples. It is probably best to hear about a spe- cific example. It's worthwhile to look into it. IMP I'm always open to take a look at it.'Ihe Information Commissioner is doing a study on 6-7 different (departments. She may look in to the specifics. If there is a case there are some corrective actions that can be taken. Q: What benefit does fast -tracking environmental assessments offer the environment? A: The important thing is some of the projects that were underway... For instance, the E lydro Electric Power Asso- ciation. 'There were instances where EIAs have taken almost a decade.'Ihe question is, is there that much work to (1o? Could we allocate resources and more people to get it done in two years? In the past we've had to get environmental assessments for benches and decks. Do we really think we need to do EA on that? Their time and days and hours of the week they have -- aren't they better spent on the large projects that have an impact on the environment? My belief most people in our areas would think that is reasonable Let's put people In place to get things done. Whether the EA takes five, 10 or two years. As long as all the work is getting (lone and the assessments are getting done it is neutral. In the past it has taken 10 years because the resources weren't better utilized. It's not cutting a step, putting more resources and people in place to get it done in a timely manner. Q: This is not thefirst lrst time (the China) FIPA has bens postponed. What isdiffer- ent this time around? A: With the history on FIPA - when they are signal it does take time to get ratified. Some cases can take months, some can take years. It's not a FIPA but a different version. 'lie Ixotentiati upcoming trade deal with European Union has over 20 countries that will have to ratify the deal with Canada. Yes it will be ratified but it will take time to ratify. Q: What do you think about the law suit being launched by tau+ (Inc yxuasath) First Nations? A: "'hat is their legal right to (10 so. At the end of the day, business and government have to consult First Nations. Govenunent and business still have an obligation to consult first nations. Any band has the right to file an appeal as they see fit. As far as I'm concerned they are pro- tected that way.'they have withstood the test of time. They are protected whether FIPA is in play. Since 20XX; there have been 1:3 or 14 FIPAs that have been signed and seven free trade agreements. Q: If thegovernnnent derides socialists, why are they so eager to sell resources to comnnunist state-run corporations? A: Just in regards to why (10 business sell resources to China -. they have the second largest economy in the world and the sire and magnitude and the growth of their economy is really maintaining the price of commodities - keeping mines open and keeping Canadians working. that proba- bly sums it up. Again, we are diversifying our Canadian export markets. When we were younger, we were pretty Hauch selling to the United States..Ihat's not it long-term strategy only slakes sense to (10 business with china. It's a long -terra relationship that started at least 40 years ago and 011e that will continue to develop and mature over the years. There are a lot of Canadian resource companies that require capital to continue to grow and develop that particular resource. Without joint ventures we will SIMON UFSJARI)INE ('FI', ('LU, RNU, EI'(' ('rr/jfied Financial Planner. l'harterrd Life 1 ndnwnlrr 519-238-6399 55 Ontario St. N. Grand Bend • Investment Funds • RRSI''s • Insurance • Mortgages "In Rwinol Since Yearr2w wrens."2000, (Mr faction u wrens."RUNci not be able to grow our economy. That's the reality of our resource sector - we need foreign invest- ment. 1 think in the fall the l'rinle Minister was very clear that foreign state-owned enterprises will not be able to purchase Targe resource plays like the Nexen deal. With Nexen, the majority of operations will be around the world not just a Canadian company. Q: If that is the case, Oust is hin- dering Canada from developing it's own state A: You mean make a Petro-(:an- atda again? I think that time and time again, the market has shown anything that is state run will not operate as well as private operated business. The proof is there that government should not be operat- ing private business. Q: Except China? A: '!'hat's their choice -- as far as state nm business's I think we have shown pretty well over the decades we have not done a good job of running state-run businesses. After selling Petro Canada, CN and (:P these companies are now running at a profit. Q: On an international stage, Canada continues to get falling grculesfor its environmental prac- tices. Why is our reputation slipping? A: I actually (don't feel that way at alt. We've signed on back when Jim Prentice was Minister to the( :open- haget he(:olx'n- hageti agreement - illl(1 we are well on our way to meeting that target on greenhouse gas emissions. This government has made tremendous investments in all areas to reduce and regulate emissions. 'leo he honest, 1 just don't agree with them. 'hike a look at our elec- trical grid. it's it provincial jurisdiction - but 75 per cent is from non -emitting sources. In the United States, 75 per cent of their electrical grid is from emitting sources. We are in a completely different posi- tion than just our neighbours to the south. I'd have to see the specific report that is condemning us for what we do. If you're talking about the oil - sands -- I'm not sure that any other sector or economy spends more on research and technology to reduce their environmental footprint. What Canadians can't deny is the oilsands have made gains in reducing emissions. There is a difference between what the national media says and a report by the UN or anybody else has on a specific topic. Q: Control has been a recurring theme for this government and dissident MPs are going beyond the original abortion bill in their complaints - what does the com- ingforward of Conservative MPs mean to you/the party? A:If you're talking about Mark Wawant, his complaint evolved and where he settled on was the abili- ties of MI's to Standing Order 31 where MI's can make a one -minute speech in the house. When you talk about democratic reform there are probably about 50 other things you could hang your hat on than an 5031. That's his opinion. I don't feel the same way he feels. I guess he is not with the Prime Minister and has a new motion to pre's'to and sl forth. All MPs have the ability to vote freely on a motion 01• private mem- bers Bill. lust myself, I've voted for blur or five different 1 iberal or NDP motions. Lynda HINman-Ripley Lakeshore Advance MP Ben Lobb I don't think SO31s are the big- gest problem with democratic reform. 11 Witwam and whoever else are on democratic reform that is where they need to stay focused. Don't just work with the blue members of the house, work with the NI the liberals and the Greens so it is 1)01 just one person or one party - it should benefit all. Q: This type of divisions are what caused the downfall of the Liberal government - lc there any concern this could lead to a schism? Wiry or why not? A: A couple of guys spoke in the house on the topic. Michael Chong - he's a great guy. I Iv's been to (luron Bruce before -- that was his thoughts and words are what they were that day. 1 lis beliefs are he is passionate about democratic reform and knows SO31 are not the only issue for democratic reform. We are as united as we have been in the five years I have been here. OfFICE HOURS The New Office flours for "1'hc Lakeshore Advance will he as follows... 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