Mr. Speaker, the government has absolutely nothing to hide. I am very pleased to see that hon. members on both sides of the House are capable of making up their own minds and making their views known in committee, and I accept their decision.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1993, with 46% of the vote.
Publishing Industry March 25th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the government has absolutely nothing to hide. I am very pleased to see that hon. members on both sides of the House are capable of making up their own minds and making their views known in committee, and I accept their decision.
Publishing Industry March 25th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. The government considers that the publishing industry is a vital sector of the Canadian economy. I would add that I am also convinced the strong culture or strong identity of Canada could not do without a strong publishing industry.
This is why the Canadian publishing industry receives over $120 million in government assistance every year or 5 per cent of the entire value of the industry.
Magazine Industry March 24th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have indeed received the report and I have read it carefully. It is not my habit to declare policy without consulting the people concerned, the interests of Canadians concerned and my colleagues. As early as possible I will come forward with a policy before cabinet and before this House.
Publishing Industry March 24th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have already expressed my opinion several times on this, and that opinion has not changed.
Publishing Industry March 24th, 1994
Because it is a fact, Mr. Speaker.
Publishing Industry March 24th, 1994
I share the concern of my colleague. It is indeed a vital industry. It is one we should support and we are doing so.
I can indicate the amounts we are putting behind that industry. We are providing over $20 million in support to the Canadian book publishing industry under publication and distribution assistance for the coming fiscal year. We are also providing $24 million in the coming fiscal year. The postal subsidy for the next two years will be over $77 million. That is a total of over $120 million. That is the support we are giving to that industry.
Rights Of Francophones March 24th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I would like all these schools to be magnificent, but I can assure you that we do not forget those lacking these facilities. That is why a program costing in excess of $100 million is under way to build and expand schools. This is a big country and we cannot do everything at once.
But I hasten to add that education is an area of provincial jurisdiction and what we can do is negotiate with the provinces to improve the situation. Negotiations are under way where the needs are greater and I hope they will succeed in improving the situation.
Rights Of Francophones March 24th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, what I recognize above all is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I recognize the Supreme Court decisions defining these rights. I believe these rights should be enforced and respected. That is precisely why this government recently introduced a Court Challenges Program to help right the wrongs done to those who feel their rights have been violated.
Average Income Of Francophones March 24th, 1994
One percentage point. I think that we should also bear in mind that the statistics published were for five provinces. As I said earlier, let us wait and see what the studies will reveal when they are further along before answering.
Average Income Of Francophones March 24th, 1994
It is quite interesting, Mr. Speaker, to see also what is happening in New Brunswick, where the gap between anglophones and francophones is rather small.