Ronald J. Duhamel

[Modernization Of Benefits And Obligations Act, April 11th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I want to ask my colleague a couple of questions.

I wonder if she would be kind enough to define feminism for the House. There appears to be a number of meanings. I think we might profit from that definition. There seems to be a feeling that feminism exists only among women. I would like to be corrected if I am wrong.

Second, does the secretary of state know whether there are any churches or groups of people who belong to traditional churches who support this legislation? I think that too might be useful to those who are watching and listening.

[Conference Of Women In The Francophonie, February 10th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I took part, along with my colleague, the Secretary of State for the Status of Women, and our partners from Quebec and New Brunswick.

Canada undertook to step up its efforts to promote democratization, human rights and equality of the sexes. Canada also undertook to eliminate the obstacles to women's advancement, such as violence and limited access to political positions.

Canada is a leader in this area. It intends to continue to exercise that leadership.

[Western Diversification, December 17th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, a number of examples come to mind. In the Canada infrastructure works program there was a federal share of $69 million; Synchrotron, the Canadian light source, almost $100 million; the Saskatchewan-WD partnership, $24 million; and the Moose Jaw base closure, another $4 million.

There are community futures development corporations in the rural areas. There are the women's enterprise centres. The operating and loans fund injects another $10 million. There is still a lot to do and we will do it.

[Francophonie, December 2nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, when they were in Moncton, the member countries of La Francophonie set out the main thrusts for such themes as youth, women, cultural diversity and economic development in developing countries.

Later, in Paris, they gave concrete expression to youth programs. For instance, one third of the committed amounts will go to youth. Decisions were also made regarding the women, democracy and cultural diversity programs.

The meeting in Paris gave me an opportunity to see that Canada, its government, its Prime Minister, and his entire party are highly respected by their partners when it comes to democracy and to the other issues discussed.

[Francophone Communities, November 22nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the formula is brilliant in its simplicity.

First, we met with community representatives and got dialogue started. Second, we jointly identified their economic development needs and, third, we gave them the tools, mechanisms and programs that would enable them to take control of their future. It is as simple as that.

[Farm Implements Industry, November 18th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the federal government has not accepted that this is a fait accompli.

We continue to work with the companies to try to retain the jobs and to see if we can expand the plant. With respect to additional investments, we will look at those when they are presented to us. To date none of this has occurred.

[Sommet De La Francophonie, October 19th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, Canada was able to exchange views on a number of issues such as democratization and the respect of human rights.

As well, Canada saw that its concerns and intentions relating to these issues were raised in the Moncton declaration.

Canada has shared the parallel summit's documentation with all delegations that were in attendance. I can assure my colleagues that Canada had a hand in the progress of democracy at the Moncton Summit.

[Cancer, June 11th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, there are numerous initiatives throughout Canada, in our universities and in our hospitals. However, I would like to particularly mention a partnership agreement signed yesterday between Pasteur-Merieux-Connaught Canada, along with its worldwide network, the private sector, and the National Research Council representing the government.

They are focusing their unique expertise on what I believe is the greatest challenge of our time, namely to beat cancer, breast and prostate cancer in particular.

This initiative shows that Canada has the brains, the expertise and the knowledge to do leading-edge research comparable to what is—

[Agriculture, June 10th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the two individuals involved here, myself and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, have been giving the same message. It is a critical situation. It is being examined. Subsequent to that examination, the government will make a decision. It is clear. It is precise. It is exact.

[Agriculture, June 10th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, it was I who made the statement which was that the minister of agriculture was showing some leadership on this file, that he would be going to Manitoba, that he would be assessing the situation and subsequent to that would be reporting back to cabinet as to what if anything could be done in order to help the farmers affected. That is what was said.