House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1993, with 46% of the vote.
Publishing Industry March 7th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, if we were to reverse the decision, which is in keeping with a contract, it would lead us straight into judicial action.
As I said, the policy of protection, not the Baie Comeau policy, is going to be sustained. Of course everyone is entitled to one's judgment about the credibility of the minister of heritage but a number of people in the industry have understood that this was an exception confirming the rule and that the industry will continue to receive support.
Publishing Industry March 7th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the question is long and complicated but the answer is simple.
A previous government entered into certain commitments. They were no secret; they were known. The commitment as described by our colleague was that if a policy occurs the Canadian government which had acquired 51 per cent of the shares of Ginn would sell them back to the American parent firm. This is what happened.
I am pleased to say that while it is cleaning up past business, the policy of protecting our book publishing industry has not changed.
Government Agencies February 25th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure this is a genuine supplemental, as we are moving to another subject, the National Capital Commission.
I am well aware of what is going on in the agencies in my jurisdiction. I am in constant contact with them and I frequently meet with the heads of these agencies to ensure that public funds are well spent and that programming is both serious and useful.
I have had the opportunity to talk about public consultations with the Chairman of the National Capital Commission. I was pleased to hear him assure me that, in the coming months, consultations would intensify to make sure that all the concerns of the people in the National Capital Region are taken into consideration when the Commission makes a decision.
Government Agencies February 25th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to the Auditor General of Canada who, as far as I am concerned, is the best-informed source. He assured me that this museum would be undergoing a special audit in a matter of months. So, when we have all the facts, as audited by the Auditor General of Canada, we will be in a position to judge.
National Arts Centre February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, there are procedures that we follow with respect to agency heads. Whenever there is a vacancy, we make an announcement in the Canada Gazette . We receive names and these names are then taken into consideration.
As we speak, there is in fact a vacancy in a cultural agency of the Canadian government, an announced vacancy that is not yet effective but will become so a little later in the year; at that time, when the position becomes vacant, appropriate procedures will be followed.
National Arts Centre February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I can assure the hon. member that the Minister of Canadian Heritage never washes his hands of anything. It does not mean that his hands are dirty.
There is a point that should be made, because not everyone knows it. The National Arts Centre is the only institution of its kind whose director is elected by the board of directors rather than appointed by the government. This situation is unique and can explain many things.
The government and this institution have an arm's-length relationship that I think the hon. member does not challenge and that the government respects. However, the minister has some authority; he has the power to appoint people to the board of directors, to audit its finances and to amend the law if this is deemed necessary. And the problem that was alluded to will, of course, be considered within the measures that the government can take regarding the NAC.
Winter Olympics February 17th, 1994
There was no question, Mr. Speaker.
Winter Olympics February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I would be extremely sorry to lose my diplomatic courtesy by taking part in politics. I believe that we have something called Canada House in Lillehammer and it is open to all Canadians who go to the Olympic Games and especially to our athletes.
The people to whom he referred were certainly welcome to go there and I am bitterly disappointed that they did not have a chance to do so. I should add that I stopped to see their snow and ice sculptures and I would be pleased to congratulate them.
Film Industry February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am of course very concerned about the public. I am also concerned about quality productions and the information provided by these two wonderful institutions. The National Film Board has been in existence for a long time now. You can rest assured that, before we make any decision, we will take into consideration the public interests and the quality of the service.
Film Industry February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that there is, in fact, a study underway. We have yet to receive its findings. There will undoubtedly be some findings and recommendations coming out of this review. I cannot anticipate what the recommendations will be, but once we get them, we will make the appropriate decisions.