IN THE HOUSE ~ Question Period on CNOOC Ltd.'s takeover bid of Nexen Inc.

41st Parliament, 1st Session

Mr. Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Westminster, NDP): Mr. Speaker, we know what is happening behind closed doors because the lobbyist registry shows extensive meetings between CNOOC lobbyists and the government. Canada's twelfth largest oil company is at stake and meeting with lobbyists is not consulting with Canadians. On this side, we believe Canadians must be consulted about this
deal, about the impact on jobs and the economy and on our communities.

After the broken promises, fiascos and scandals of the government we understand that it is afraid of the public. I have a simple question, when will there be a public
review of 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. Unlike the other side of the House, it is not the intention of the government to put the oil industry out of business.

We do not have any lessons to take from his party. What it advocates for would deter any form of investment in the country, and this is certainly not the path we will take.