Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was region.

Last in Parliament May 2004, as Liberal MP for Frontenac—Mégantic (Québec)

Lost his last election, in 2004, with 37% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Petitions June 11th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to present, on behalf of my colleague, the member for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, a petition regarding the working conditions of rural route mail couriers.

Petitions June 11th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Ahuntsic, I have the honour to present in the House a petition in both official languages, asking parliament to urge the Government of Canada to request that the United Kingdom return the parthenon marbles to Greece.

The petitioners ask that every effort be made to have the parthenon marbles, which were removed from Greece almost 200 years ago without the consent of the Greek people, returned to Greece, their country of origin, prior to the 2004 Olympic Games, when Greece will host the 28th Olympiad.

Economic Development June 5th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce a financial contribution of $65,346 from the Government of Canada, through the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, to the LNS Community Seafood Coop, located in Harrington Harbour, on the Lower North Shore.

This co-op, which is doing a pilot transformation of an underused species, namely spider crab, will thus be able to diversify its market by offering a new product that is primarily intended for the Japanese market. Indeed, in some processed foods, spider crab can be an economical substitute for snow crab.

This project will extend the working season of 24 fishers and 30 plant workers.

Volunteerism June 4th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, since the International Year of the Family in 1994, the City of Plessisville has honoured a family that has been particularly involved in the community over the course of the year. In 2002, the honourees are the Morin family.

Marc Morin was the chief organizer of the Marathon of Hope, the objective of which is to raise funds for needy people in the region. His wife Chantal and their three children, Pierrick, Marielou and Émilie, are also involved in helping their fellow citizens. Whether the activity relates to culture, sports, community or economic development, there is often a Morin involved.

This family from Lotbinière—L'Érable has even gotten involved on the international scene as well.

My congratulations to them for their volunteer involvement. This family is a model for all Canadians. Well done, Morin family of Lotbinière—L'Érable.

Renewable Energy Sources May 28th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Natural Resources.

Renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar energy, are gaining more and more interest throughout the world.

In addition to reducing our dependance on oil and gas, these energy sources also provide a solution to the pressing problem confronting Canadians: the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other atmospheric emissions from energy production and consumption.

Can the Minister of Natural Resources explain to the House of Commons how the government—

National Mining Week May 21st, 2002

Mr. Speaker, May 13 to 19 was National Mining Week. This is a week which celebrates the benefits to our country of the mining industry and the contribution the industry makes to our daily quality of life.

From everyday products to high-tech discoveries, mining touches our lives in many ways.

Minerals and metals, as well as their compounds and alloys, play a vital role in our society.

Innovation is essential to the future prosperity of the mining industry. A future marked by new technologies and practices, attentive to our environmental and social needs, will help us meet our economic objectives.

Sustainable development is important not just for the future of the mining industry, but also for the people and communities who depend on the mining industry, such as in Frontenac--Mégantic.

Forests May 10th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, National Forest Week is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the current state of our forests.

My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources. What is Canada doing to ensure that we will continue to benefit from this extraordinary resource, which means so much to Canadians?

Montgolfière Aventure May 10th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Martin Lafrance and Luc Gaudreault for their ingenuity in founding Montgolfière Aventure, two years ago.

These two intuitive, creative and innovative managers share a philosophy that has allowed them to distinguish themselves in a short time. Starting in June 2002, they will offer rides to tourists throughout Canada.

The company's constant growth, which has made them a leader in their field, is the result of the exceptional commitment made by its founders and employees since the beginning, in addition to their constant efforts to develop the business.

Montgolfière Aventure's motto is “higher, farther, stronger”, and thanks to Canada's innovation strategy, launched on February 12, we will be able to find the resources to support a variety of diverse, dynamic businesses, both big and small, that want to develop new markets thanks to their innovative products and services.

I congratulate Montgolfière Aventure, and wish them a long and prosperous future.

Forests May 9th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, from May 5 to 11, Canadians can get together and celebrate National Forest Week, the theme of which this year is “Biodiversity”.

The great biological diversity of our forests depends on our careful use of resources. Thanks to sustainable development based management methods, the Government of Canada is helping to improve the quality of life of all Canadians.

Not only do our forests contribute to our high standard of living, but they also play a vital role in keeping our air and water clean. In addition, their majestic trees and natural vistas provide Canadians with recreational opportunities.

Beyond our borders, Canada is contributing to the vitality and sustainability of the world's forests by developing and exporting its know-how and its innovative high-tech tools.

Information Technology Week May 6th, 2002

Mr. Speaker, from May 3 to May 12, 2002, we will pay tribute to those who have played a role in making information technology more accessible, visible and interesting.

Information Technology Week is jointly promoted by Industry Canada and the Information Technology Association of Canada.

For these ten days, communities, businesses, employees, teachers and students are encouraged to work together to find innovative ways to highlight and showcase achievements in information technology. In a knowledge-based society, people are the greatest resource.

Canada's Information Technology Week complements the “Connecting Canadians” initiative to make Canada the most connected country in the world.