House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1997, with 56% of the vote.
Trade November 25th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the Minister for International Trade has been asked this question several times in the House and has made it very clear that we consider that health is part of the basic protected services and will not be part of those negotiations.
Freshwater Exports November 23rd, 1999
Mr. Speaker, again, for the purpose of informing the hon. member, the legislation does provide for a prohibition of bulk removal. What it does not do is follow the recommendation of the hon. member and some of his party on the west coast, which is to turn this into a trade issue which would result in a series of trade actions that would totally impede the capacity of Canada to protect its waters.
The hon. member is standing on his head.
Freshwater Exports November 23rd, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the hon. member that yesterday we tabled in the House legislation that provides a prohibition for the bulk removal of natural water under the Boundary Waters Treaty Act. It is a full pledge of commitment to the issue that we put forward last February.
I hope the hon. member will take the advantage of reading the legislation.
Freshwater Exports November 23rd, 1999
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the hon. member was not in the House yesterday because we tabled legislation—
International Boundary Waters Treaty Act November 22nd, 1999
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-15, an act to amend the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
East Timor November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, we have always taken the position that the question of accountability is one of the primary elements in the settlement for East Timor. We are continuing to pursue that both at the United Nations and in our discussions with other partners.
At the same time I would like to emphasize that what is really crucial, what is very essential now, is that East Timor has its independence. The time, energy and resources of this country, as with all countries, including the network, the CLC and the hon. member, should be going toward ensuring that independence, to help build a civic administration and to help protect the security of the East Timorese. That is the real issue, not going on the kind of wild goose chase the—
Nuclear Waste November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I will repeat what I said.
It is not true that the United States is no longer interested in the tests on plutonium. In fact, they share the great concern of all Canadians and Americans with respect to the problem of nuclear proliferation.
I hope all members of the House agree that we must give very careful thought to the Department of Transport's procedure and, at the same time, to the importance of priority in achieving nuclear disarmament.
Nuclear Waste November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the reports that appear today are not quite accurate. In fact, the United States does want to proceed with the tests because they agree, as we do, that there is a very important serious problem of nuclear proliferation of a large surplus of nuclear warheads. If we are going to eliminate the dangers and hazards of nuclear proliferation then we all must play a part.
We have just completed a series of consultations. The Minister of Transport will be releasing a report on that matter. We have given all assurances that in order to achieve our objective of helping in this nuclear disarmament, we will also make sure that the safety and security of Canadians are protected as well.
Chechnya November 4th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, generally speaking, I am in agreement with the hon. member's sentiments.
I have therefore written to Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs to express strongly the serious concern of all Canadians.
I hope there will be a positive response from the Russians, particularly with respect to the ongoing negotiations between the Americans and the Russians. During my recent visit to Armenia, I expressed the same sentiment.
Foreign Affairs November 3rd, 1999
Mr. Speaker, there is no question that this is a crucial issue. The government has been following a three-track approach.
First, the Minister of the Environment has been working with his provincial counterparts to develop a broad domestic consensus.
Second, we were co-operating with the United States through the International Joint Commission. A report has been tabled.
Third, and perhaps most important, I intend very shortly to bring in amendments to the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act which will provide very effective protection for Canadian water and make sure that we cherish this very important resource for Canada.