IN THE HOUSE ~ Question ~ Why should Canadians trust the Conservatives to keep Nexen jobs in Alberta when they have sold us out every other time?

Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the

Conservatives' lack of clarity on Investment Canada has become an embarrassing

mess. They are missing their own deadlines, deciding on deals in the middle of

the night, confusing investors and refusing to consult Canadians. Considering

how badly they are bungling this, it is no wonder they are hiding behind closed

doors.

However, it has now leaked out that they are apparently asking CNOOC for something. What is that something? The House wants to know and Canadians want to know. If the Conservatives are not embarrassed about selling out Canadian natural resources, then why are they hiding behind closed doors?

Hon. Christian Paradis (Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), CPC): Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: Our government will always act in the best interest of Canadians.

Every single decision that will be made regarding foreign investment will have to

prove net benefit for Canada. This is exactly what we are reviewing. We take

the time to fully scrutinize a proposed transaction to make sure that a

decision is made in the best interest of Canadians.

Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP): Mr. Speaker, how can the Conservatives expect Canadians to trust them? They hide information from the public, they negotiate in secret and they let foreign companies break their

promises with impunity.

Remember when they sold out Falconbridge? Hundreds of jobs were lost. They sold out Inco. Hundreds of jobs were lost. They sold out Stelco. Hundreds of jobs were lost. They sold out Alcan. Hundreds of jobs were lost. Now, with CNOOC and

Nexen, they are doing it again.

Why should Canadians trust the Conservatives to keep Nexen jobs in Alberta when they have sold us out every other time?

Hon. Christian Paradis (Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), CPC): Mr. Speaker, first of all, with regard to the review, we will act in the best interest of Canadians.

That being said, we welcome foreign investment. We believe in foreign investment. It can put out enterprises in the global value chain, it creates jobs and it creates

growth for the economy.

However, if we would follow the NDP policy, everything would be lost from the outset with a $21.5 billion carbon tax and an anti-trade and high-tax agenda. We will not go there.

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