Debates of June 11th, 2001

Allan Rock Minister of Health

Mr. Speaker, games aside, we hope that the parties opposite will support the legislation when we bring it before the House. It will be intended to strengthen the regulatory capacity of government to make sure that Canadians know what products are being used to control pests and to make sure that food products are as safe as they can be.

Suzanne Tremblay Rimouski-Neigette-Et-La Mitis, QC

Mr. Speaker, traditionally, Quebec has been able to fish 95% of the turbot quota. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans reduced the quota to 88% so as to give the rest to Newfoundland. On May 31, the minister told fishermen to limit themselves to three-quarters of their quota.

Are we to understand that the minister is preparing to announce a new distribution of quotas between Quebec and Newfoundland, once again to the detriment of Quebec? Are we to understand that this unjust, cynical and arrogant government will again wait until the end of the session to make the announcement?

Lawrence O'Brien Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Mr. Speaker, the question from the hon. member has to do with the turbot in the gulf.

I will say that the minister has instituted a committee. The committee has reported to the minister. We have a majority report and the decision on that will be forthcoming in a few days.

Martin Cauchon Minister of National Revenue and Secretary of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec)

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his excellent and important question.

Indeed, members on this side of the House do work hard to promote economic development in all the regions of Quebec, but also of Canada.

Martin Cauchon Outremont, QC

Since members opposite do not work at all for regional development, they are heckling so that people will not hear what I have to say.

But I will nonetheless say that this morning we announced, for the great region of the Outaouais, about 10 projects representing contributions in excess of $3 million to create over 400 jobs.

Martin Cauchon Outremont, QC

This is what this government wants to do for all the regions.

Monique Guay Laurentides, QC

Mr. Speaker, public service employees want the government to stop treating them like second class citizens. MPs, senior managers, judges, members of the RCMP and military personnel have received large salary increases.

Why does the minister not send a clear message to her employees by promising in this House not to apply a double standard?

Lucienne Robillard President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Infrastructure

Mr. Speaker, we always strive to ensure that our employees are paid fairly, based on market conditions. We are currently at the bargaining tables. Fortunately, we have signed agreements with certain groups and we hope, through collective bargaining, to arrive at a settlement for all our employees.

Derek Lee Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table, in both official languages, a number of order in council appointments recently made by the government.

Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 110(1) these are deemed referred to the appropriate standing committees, a list of which is attached.