Debates of Oct. 5th, 1998

Myron Thompson Wild Rose, AB

Mr. Speaker, in two weeks hundreds of thousands of Albertans are going to democratically vote for the next senator. However the Prime Minister and the justice minister from Alberta have scoffed at this democratic initiative calling Alberta's dream a joke.

I want to know, other than just mindlessly insulting any idea that comes from Premier Klein, what exactly would the minister from Alberta suggest to make the Senate more democratic?

Herb Gray Deputy Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, speaking of abusing question period, what is the hon. member doing by creating the impression that a minister can answer because she comes from a region? That is contrary to our rules.

As far as making the process more democratic, the hon. member might explain why Premier Klein's party is not running a candidate and why the federal Conservative Party is not running a candidate. He might explain why this election has no provision for re-election. It makes things democratic when one has to stand for re-election.

Lloyd Axworthy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity in New York on Friday to meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations to talk about the Kosovo situation, as well as a number of members of the security council.

At that time it was indicated very clearly that the secretary general would be tabling a report today from the security council. It is certainly our opinion that the security council ought to live up to its responsibilities to deal adequately with the humanitarian tragedy that is taking place. We will wait to see what the security council does this week before we decide.

Peter Stoffer Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Deputy Prime Minister.

For 35 years the Volvo assembly plant has been in Halifax. It has now built a vehicle that has been proclaimed the number one car built in North America for two years in a row.

Because of Bill C-11, the auto tariff reduction bill, this money making plant is moving to Mexico, throwing 223 hard working Nova Scotians out of work.

Why are the Prime Minister and the Liberal government destroying auto industry jobs in this country? What are they going to do to help the 223 workers they have now put on the unemployment line?

John Manley Minister of Industry

Mr. Speaker, first of all the plant is not moving to Mexico.

Second, it has nothing to do with Bill C-11.

Third, let me say that it is true the government does want to do whatever is possible to work with local organizations in the Halifax region, work with Volvo and work with the workers to try to find solutions to the situation there.

However, it is not helpful to hear empty and false rhetoric from the NDP that has nothing to do with the reality of the situation.

Marcel Massé President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Infrastructure

Mr. Speaker, I think my colleague is talking about an infrastructure program. I believe we have already indicated that infrastructure projects that meet the needs of the three levels of government have been chosen in conjunction with the provinces, including Quebec.

There may be another infrastructure program in a future budget, but that has yet to be determined.

Gurbax Malhi Bramalea—Gore—Malton, ON

Mr. Speaker, since my riding of Bramalea—Gore—Malton—Springdale encompasses Pearson International Airport as well as many major roads and railway lines, I am concerned about the computer systems associated with transportation.

Could the Minister of Transport say what he is doing to promote industry awareness of the potential transportation problems associated with the year 2000 computer problem?

David Collenette Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, that is a good question and the opposition would do well to listen to the answer.

The government is very concerned about the millennium computer bug and, as members know, the government is looking at its own computers as well as working with industry across the country.

A couple of weeks ago I convened a conference with transportation stakeholders from surface, marine and air and was certainly assured and comforted by a lot of the work they have been doing in order to be well prepared to deal with this issue. They do have some concerns in areas such as the electrical power supply to certain industry components that they use.

This is a matter of utmost priority for our government.