Christian Jobin

[Quebec Winter Carnival, February 9th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the largest winter carnival, in the heart of the only fortified city in North America, which will run until February 15, 2004.

During this event, thousands of tourists from the four corners of the earth will proudly don arrow-patterned sashes and go out into the streets to take part in the many activities.

Yesterday the spectacular canoe races took place on the majestic St. Lawrence River. Canoe races were first run as a sport in 1894, at the winter carnival festivities. On February 1 of that year four canoes, manned by former canoeists from Lévis, took part in the competition. This year's winners, 110 years later, were Bruno Harvey and his team, who were participating for the 27th consecutive time.

Congratulations to Mr. Harvey, who has shown once again that determination always pays off.

[Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply, February 5th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I have a question concerning municipal infrastructure.

We all know too well that, in the last few years, municipalities have had some difficult choices to make. Of course, they maintained their primary services, like garbage collection, snow removal, and so on. But right now, there is a hidden deficit in terms of municipal infrastructure.

I would like the hon. member to tell the House what the government said in the throne speech about how they are going to help municipalities improve their infrastructure.

[Canadian Economy, February 5th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, after a very trying year on many levels, what with SARS, the discovery of a case of mad cow, and the big blackout, the Canadian economy seems to be on the verge of a much-hoped-for recovery.

Yesterday, Statistics Canada revealed the results of its Business Conditions Survey. It shows that Canadian manufacturing companies are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for this first quarter.

The balance of opinion with respect to orders is very positive. The number of manufacturing companies that are posting an increase in orders has risen by 4% since October, for a total of 24%.

This is the highest positive balance since April 2000. This government will continue to ensure an economic climate that will allow Canadian companies to offer quality jobs to Canadians.

[Address in Reply, February 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, when we talk about developing strong social foundations to improve Canadians' quality of life, that includes culture. When one reads between the lines, one understands that in the budget there are provisions for this.

Moreover, the heritage minister already has the funds available to solve the cultural problems. It must not be said that there is nothing for culture. That is not the case. One needs to look at the budget when commenting on improving the quality of life of Canadians.

[Address in Reply, February 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, if we take a closer look at the throne speech, the reference is there. When we talk about building a strong economy for the 21st century, at the forefront of new technologies, we are including the automobile industry. This industry is not excluded. That is what is intended in the throne speech.

[Address in Reply, February 2nd, 2004]

It is not in the speech, but there are already established programs set out in the main estimates. The employment insurance programs exist already. We can abide by them, and they are currently working extremely well for Canadians. If they need to be improved, we are prepared to listen to suggestions from the members.

[Address in Reply, February 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question. Obviously, employment insurance and seasonal workers are extremely important. There is a modulation by region.

[Address in Reply, February 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, that is incorrect. I have never considered this to be just any old problem. It is a major problem for all of North America. It cannot be simply dismissed. Discussions are underway and the borders are already partially open. I think that is what needs to be worked on. I am confident that there will be a solution in the coming months.

It was the discovery of a second cow infected with BSE that provoked this crisis once again. I think we have to work together with the tracing techniques available in North America to resolve the problem once and for all.

[Address in Reply, February 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to a shipbuilding policy, I know that my colleague, the Minister of Industry, formed a committee specifically to explore this issue. The committee will certainly provide input to the government. I also think the budget speech will make some very specific references to this issue.

We all know that shipbuilding policy in Canada is important because we have the best seaway crossing the Great Lakes area. It is therefore important to develop it.

As the member for Lévis-et-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, I am keenly interested in this issue.

[Address in Reply, February 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I will repeat what I said. The Government of Canada supported the farmers with subsidies. It was not enough to cover all their losses, but we have to look ahead and hope that the problem will be resolved. It is a problem that concerns all of North America, not only Canada. We have to work with the U.S. to resolve this North American problem.