Debates of June 11th, 2001

Jane Stewart Minister of Human Resources Development

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should know that we have made these changes. We have repealed the intensity rule. We have changed the clawback rule to be more supportive of Canadians. We have made it fairer to those who are re-entering the workplace.

More specific, we are working in Lac-Saint-Jean with employers and employees there because they want more than just employment insurance. They want jobs.

If the hon. member had any sense he would be working with us in this regard instead of criticizing.

Charlie Penson Peace River, AB

Mr. Speaker, this spring it was revealed that the Business Development Bank loan authorization contained a footnote implying that the Auberge Grand-Mère owed a debt of $23,000 to the Prime Minister's personal holding company.

The Prime Minister claimed it was as forgery. Two months ago, on April 12, the BDC sent it off to the police for a forensic audit. After two months of waiting is the industry minister prepared to announce to the House whether or not the document was a forgery?

Brian Tobin Minister of Industry

No, Mr. Speaker, unlike the party opposite we do not hire private investigators. We put these matters in the hands of the RCMP and we rely upon the professionalism of the RCMP.

Charlie Penson Peace River, AB

Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what I am talking about, the RCMP. In fact the minister said on April 23 in the House that the allegedly forged document was still with the RCMP. It is almost two months later and he still does not have an answer for the House.

It is obvious the minister is dragging his feet. What are they hiding from Canadians? Why will they not release the results of this examination?

Brian Tobin Minister of Industry

Because, Mr. Speaker, we do not believe in hiring secret agents in the mould of Maxwell Smart. We do not believe in hiring handwriting experts.

We on this side have a plain, old fashioned, strong confidence in members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and we do not tell them how to do their job.

Christiane Gagnon Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, Canada Day president Serge Savard has announced the amounts to be spent in Quebec for Canada Day. Apparently, $5 million, or 75% of the entire Canada Day budget, is for Quebec alone. If that is not propaganda, how does the minister explain that—

Christiane Gagnon Québec, QC

If that is not propaganda, what does the minister call it?

Sarmite Bulte Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Canadian Heritage

Mr. Speaker, I inform the hon. member opposite that over 2.5 million people in all regions of Quebec celebrate Canada activities. In addition, communities all across Canada celebrate Canada week.

Whenever those applications come in from all across Canada, not just from Quebec and including New Brunswick, most of the applications are accepted.

Christiane Gagnon Québec, QC

Mr. Speaker, 75% of the budget being spent in Quebec can be called propaganda.

Does the minister think it is right that the opposition is unable to obtain these figures in the House and that it must rely on others and on the newspapers to obtain the answer to legitimate questions? What was the minister afraid of that she would not answer our questions?

Sarmite Bulte Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Canadian Heritage

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to have the opportunity to answer the supplementary question.

The Celebrate Canada Committee in Quebec gets funding to allow 20 regional centres to actually have Celebrate Canada activities and in addition provide money for celebrations in more than 200 communities.