Conservative MPs are raising concerns about this inaction.
With only a few weeks left for the review, will the minister stop stonewalling and agree to hold public consultations on the Nexen takeover deal?
Hon. Christian Paradis (Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), CPC): Mr. Speaker, this transaction will be scrutinized very closely. I must remind my colleague that we have targeted amendments to the Canada Investment Act that provide better transparency to the public, more flexibility in enforcement and an alternative to costly and time consuming mitigation.
We do not have to take lessons from the NDP. Its policy would deter any form of
investment here in Canada. It would impact jobs. It would kill the jobs and
impact Canadian families, and we will not go down that path.
Context : Question #2
Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP): Mr. Speaker, a lesson we can give them is instead of making stuff up in the House they should be consulting with Canadians outside of the House of Commons.
Today the Minister of State for Finance said this about the Nexen takeover: “I've heard many concerns, varying concerns, from my constituents�. The government is even ignoring Conservatives.
This takeover opens up serious questions about ownership of Canada's energy
resources. We know the minister is consulting thoroughly with lobbyists from
CNOOC and Nexen. Why will he not agree to consult the Canadian public?
Hon. Christian Paradis (Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), CPC): Mr. Speaker, there is a process in place to review this transaction and determine whether it provides a net benefit for Canada. This transaction will be scrutinized very closely.
I must remind my colleagues that we all know the NDP is against all trade. It is even opposed to free trade with the United States. We will not go down that path. We are a responsible government and we will do whatever we have to do to make sure that we have economic growth and job creation in the country.