Debates of June 10th, 1999

David Collenette Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, there is a bit of a silver lining in this. The fact is the pressure on Marine Atlantic is due to the increase in tourism to Newfoundland as a direct result of the buoyant economy and the policies of this government. However, this does pose quite a challenge as to capacity requirements. We are reviewing it. Over the summer I propose to go to Newfoundland, travel on the ferry, meet with the workers, and learn firsthand what has to be done.

Charlie Power St. John's West, NL

Mr. Speaker, section 32 of the terms of union between Canada and Newfoundland commits Canada to maintain a suitable passenger and freight service between Port-aux-Basques and Sydney. Does the Liberal government believe that the current cattle car level of service lives up to this commitment by the Canadian government, or is the minister willing to accept his responsibility and purchase the ferry that is available to give Newfoundland the service that it deserves?

David Collenette Minister of Transport

Mr. Speaker, as I said, Marine Atlantic is assessing its capacity requirements and that could include getting a new ferry. We just do not make knee-jerk decisions based on political requests of the opposition. What we do is thoroughly analyse the demand. We will do that and that may mean a new ferry, but we will do things in an orderly systematic fashion.

Allan Rock Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, when Sandrine Craig died last month, the community shared the family's grief. It was a tragic loss. One can only imagine the pain of her parents and her siblings.

The family has decided to make something positive come of this tragedy. They have decided to draw public attention to the need for organ donations. They have launched this campaign to encourage Canadians everywhere to think of others when it comes to organ donations.

The health committee has made recommendations to the government which we are considering. We will soon announce an approach but above all, awareness is an important part.

The family in their courage has shown that Sandrine Craig did not die in vain.

John Reynolds West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast, BC

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Justice.

There are only nine days left on the parliamentary calendar. As parliament is expected to prorogue, I would like to ask the minister about the youth criminal justice act.

Last week my party offered unanimous consent to move that bill into committee and get some fast action on a bill which is very important to the House and to Canadians. Why is the Minister of Justice abandoning the youth of this country and the youth criminal justice act?

Don Boudria Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, the government is not abandoning this piece of legislation. I would be willing to give unanimous consent on behalf of our party to proceed to committee immediately after question period. It will be part of my business statement to make this a priority for the fall. We are still committed to the bill.

Madeleine Dalphond-Guiral Laval Centre, QC

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, a good reputation is priceless.

The Prime Minister has had a long political career. That too we all know.

Why then is he allowing doubt about his integrity to remain? Why is he taking such risks at the end of his career?

Jean Chrétien Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I have been very clear. I have explained very clearly that, before becoming Prime Minister, I sold these interests. Everything was handed over to the person administering my assets, who must take the necessary decisions.

Everything was done according to the rules and in consultation with Mr. Wilson. We cannot be more clear than that.

I have absolutely nothing to hide. I look at all the members in this House, in my party and in other parties, with confidence. I can look them straight in the eye. I have no problem at all.

Bob Wood Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Veterans Affairs

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member would know, the committee heard numerous witnesses and has issued a report that was carefully considered. The Minister of Veterans Affairs will give the report the careful consideration it deserves and will, following consultation with his cabinet colleagues, provide the committee with the government's response in due course.

Julian Reed Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Speaker, my minister today was in Germany. As a matter of fact, we watched the report coming from Germany at that time. If he was not physically present, it was because he was somewhere else.