Debates of Feb. 21st, 2002

Pat O'Brien Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for International Trade

Mr. Speaker, the issue the member raises, more commonly known as bonding, is an option that is under consideration. A limited number of companies today have approached Export Development Canada for assistance. Some applications have been received and are under consideration. EDC is looking at these applications on a case by case basis. It is very sensitive to the harm that our industry and workers face. We hope there will be some approval of applications shortly.

Don Boudria Minister of Public Works and Government Services

Mr. Speaker, these accusations are extremely inappropriate against someone who has faithfully served his constituents, the House and the country for almost two decades. This is inappropriate behaviour.

The hon. member says it and if he believes what he says, I suggest that he says it out there after question period.

Rodger Cuzner Bras D'Or—Cape Breton, NS

Mr. Speaker, last month I was able to rise in the House and ask the Minister for International Trade about a file that was very important to my region of the country.

A possible trade agreement between Canada and the European Free Trade Association could have a devastating effect on the fledgling offshore and marine supply industries in Atlantic Canada.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for International Trade provide the House with an update on this important file?

Pat O'Brien Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for International Trade

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member and his Atlantic colleagues for their hard work in highlighting this serious concern. The Government of Canada continues to be involved in very extensive consultations with the industry and with relevant stakeholders.

At this point in time there is no date for a resumption of talks, but obviously the government is very concerned about the serious issues faced by the industry. These extensive consultations will continue as we welcome the representations from the member and his colleagues.

Don Boudria Minister of Public Works and Government Services

Mr. Speaker, I have had a conversation with the hon. member and I am pleased to announced that following our meeting I am announcing an indefinite moratorium on the disposal of Green Wharf until the access rule status has been resolved.

Additionally I want to inform him that no further action will be taken for the dismantling of the wharf. I have now asked my officials to continue the negotiations with the regional district of Nanaimo for the maintenance and the eventual transfer of the facility. I thank the hon. member.

Ghislain Lebel Chambly, QC

Mr. Speaker, in connection with the Canada Lands Company, we have learned that the RCMP has had in its possession since 1999 an investigation report prepared by Samson Bélair Deloitte & Touche concerning the conditions under which Robert Charest, the brother of Jean Charest—as you know—the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, was hired.

How does the solicitor general explain that almost three years went by before an investigation was launched, and, more to the point, that it was launched only after the Samson Bélair Deloitte & Touche report became public knowledge?

Lawrence MacAulay Solicitor General of Canada

Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague is well aware that if a complaint is made to the RCMP or other police forces I will certainly not comment in the House on why or why not an investigation went one way or did not go one way.

Bill Blaikie Winnipeg—Transcona, MB

Mr. Speaker, my question for the Minister of Justice has to do with the gun registry. Whatever the varying views of the gun registry might be in the House, it would seem to me that most Canadians would share the concern that we have and that others have about the privatization of the gun registry.

Given that this information is very sensitive, is the Minister of Justice reconsidering the decision taken by his predecessor to privatize this registry and make sure that this kind of information stays with the government and is not contracted out to some fly by night outfit or whatever else they have in mind?

Martin Cauchon Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Simply put, Mr. Speaker, we do not talk about privatizing. The aim and goal of what we are doing essentially is outsourcing. It is to make sure that we will keep being able to offer good services to the Canadian population and deliver what we said we would deliver.

Cheryl Gallant Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the government House leader what is the business for the rest of today, tomorrow and next week.

Ralph Goodale Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, we will continue this afternoon with report stage debate of Bill C-5 respecting species at risk.

Tomorrow we will consider report stage and third reading of Bill C-30, the courts administration legislation, and return to third reading of Bill C-27 respecting nuclear safety. Bill C-48, the copyright bill, will be our backup work for tomorrow afternoon if we have time.

Next week, we will return to Bill C-5. We are now in the third day of the report stage of that bill and I should think that the House would want to complete consideration of this bill without much further delay. As early as we can, depending on when Bill C-49, the Budget Implementation Act, 2001, is reported from committee, we will want to try to deal with it at the report and third reading stages.

Thursday of next week, February 28, will be an allotted day.