Sheila Copps

[Question No. 269, October 21st, 2003]

In response to (a), the export of the items without an appropriate export licence was not authorized by the Government of Canada.

In response to (b), no charges were laid in the matter because of the fact that it was demonstrated that the contravention to the law was made without criminal intent and that both the exporter and the auction house subsequently cooperated to correct the situation and returned the items to Canada. The $176,000 amount represented the cost of purchasing the items by the War Museum and not the cost of recovering the items.

In response to (c), eight charges have been laid by the Government of Canada since 1977 against those who have contravened the Cultural Property Export and Import Act.

[Film Industry, October 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we will terminate the plan as executed.

[Library and Archives of Canada Act, October 1st, 2003]

moved that the bill be concurred in at report stage.

[Question No. 236, September 18th, 2003]

The previously identified amount of $1,534,000 which was provided for Francophonie Day celebrations encompassed a wide range of activities which took place over an extended period of time, of which only a minor component actually took place on March 20, Francophonie Day.

The largest portion, $1,250,000, of the amount cited related to the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. Les Rendez-vous has the mandate to promote the French language and culture and to reinforce links between anglophones and francophones in Canada. Each year, over a thousand activities are held in all the regions of Canada starting in August and culminating in the two week period preceding March 20, Journée internationale de la francophonie. These activities include school projects as well as various promotional tools used in the media, youth exchanges, etc.

The department has also funded the Québec Canada Television Consortium for the production of a special program to celebrate Francophonie Day. The production took the form of a quiz, which was broadcast on the TV5 network.

[Société Radio-Canada, June 11th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for the question. I am happy to report to the House that the problem of 10 o'clock mass has been resolved. It will continue to be broadcast at 10 a.m.

[Canadian Heritage, June 10th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to be able to say yes to all projects from the regions.

It is true that the project as it stands represents $28 million in infrastructure investments throughout the country, whereas last year the total infrastructure program budget was $360 million. In other words, more funding is needed, and we must also forge a partnership with the department responsible for infrastructure, in order to really be in a position to renew regional infrastructure.

[Status of Women Canada, June 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I find it troubling that the member is referring to work done by three professors at Université Laval. If she does not agree with recognized work done by universities on the issue of gender equality, that is her prerogative. However, I think the Government of Canada has a duty to ensure equality between men and women.

Three professors from Université Laval have conducted a study; we should at least look at it.

[Status of Women Canada, June 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I think the work of Status of Women Canada is actually to discourage hate against any person on the basis of gender.

I have to say that when I look at the literally thousands of women in Canada still working for 64¢ on a dollar earned by a man, the thousands of women in Canada working full time trying to raise a family on less than $20,000, and the fact that 7% of boards of directors across the country are women, I think we have a long way to go to achieve equality in this country. I hope Status of Women Canada continues its good work.

[Violence on Television, June 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I think it has been a year and a half now that the Canadian heritage committee has been reviewing issues pertaining to broadcasting. I know that the hon. member is on the committee.

Why not consider all these issues within the framework of a new Broadcasting Act?

[Violence on Television, June 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I am certainly interested in receiving such recommendations. It is well known that a report on the diversity of broadcasting channels will be released by the Canadian heritage committee a few days from now.

If it is possible to review this matter, why not?