Louise Thibault

[Business of Supply, April 24th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, my question is very short and very simple. I thank my colleague for Beauharnois—Salaberry for her remarks.

What does she think of the statement made earlier by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment of the Conservative government, that the only reason the Conservatives support this motion is that it does not refer exclusively to the creation of a carbon exchange in Montreal?

[Business of Supply, April 24th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie a question that could be considered related.

Yesterday, the government announced $200 million for ethanol production, a process that is not very environmentally friendly. It is far from being a panacea. When we look at its production in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, I think it is worrisome. The $200 million may be a good thing for some producers but I would like to ask the member what he thinks of this announcement in relation to the motion he has tabled this morning.

[Passports, April 23rd, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is swimming in surpluses. Yet, it is incapable of providing fair, adequate services for a simple passport application. Backlogs continue to accumulate every day. Canadian and Quebec travellers are losing time and money because of this situation. Even worse, people in rural regions are particularly inconvenienced, including those in my region, for instance.

Does the Minister of Foreign Affairs recognize the problem and does he intend to set up a passport office for Bas-Saint-Laurent and the Gaspé as soon as possible?

[Persons with Disabilities, April 18th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I will vote in favour of this motion.

[Committees of the House, April 18th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I will vote against this motion.

[Rimouski East Wharf, April 17th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, there is a problem at the wharf in Rimouski East. Transport Canada is neglecting its infrastructure, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada is abandoning users of the part of the wharf it owns.

This inaction is delaying work that is vital to the economic development of the riding and the region. While the ministers are passing the buck, companies are dealing with infrastructure that is not at all suited to the economic activities of our marine technocity.

Is the Conservative government prepared to fund a study to find a real solution for the people in our community?

[National Volunteer Week, April 16th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of National Volunteer Week, it behooves me to highlight the invaluable contribution of volunteers who work with our children, the hungry, the lonely and seniors, those who improve our environment and collect funds in order to support aid agencies in our communities.

This unheralded army of citizens is made up of men and women of all ages and from all backgrounds, young people and seniors, workers and the retired, our neighbours or members of our families. They all help make our communities stronger.

They contribute two billion hours of labour to Canada annually. All these individuals, those in my riding and in other regions, deserve our support and our thanks for the difference they make to the daily lives of so many individuals.

[Transport Canada, March 30th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I believe a supplementary question is necessary because the minister did not answer the first one. According to Transport Canada's directive, public servants must confirm with the quality director that the Auditor General's request is valid.

Can the minister explain the circumstances under which a request by the Auditor General would not be valid and legitimate? Why is the minister trying to gag the Auditor General?

[Transport Canada, March 30th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government claims it has nothing to hide. The Minister of Transport makes nice speeches about transparency, but his department is obstructing the Auditor General's work by demanding that all of the information she receives be filtered beforehand. This directive was implemented by a Transport Canada director who, a few weeks ago, tried to intimidate potential witnesses who were about to criticize the airline safety bill.

Why is the Minister of Transport tolerating actions like these that violate the spirit of the Accountability Act?

[Esprit-Saint Development Corporation, March 29th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec has refused to provide financial support to the Esprit-Saint development corporation for the establishment of a development centre for Opérations Dignité.

It is widely agreed that this centre will act as a catalyst allowing the municipality of Esprit-Saint and surrounding municipalities to foster and enhance stable economic development. This initiative of citizens of Haut-Pays-de-la-Neigette does not, however, appear to be meeting the economic development criteria put forward by that agency.

This is an innovative strategy which has the unconditional support of the public, the UQAR and the different jurisdictions in our great region. For the people of Haut-Pays, this approach reflects the vital force of their community.

The will of the people and the institutions has been clearly expressed, and the government should respect that will. However, the minister seems to continue to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to this style of development. Community builders ought to get the support they deserve from the government.