House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 33% of the vote.
The Environment November 18th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the minister is trying to create a diversion because the government will be going to Cancun without a position or a plan. Yet, it can be done. The African Union and the European Union will be showing up with a plan that is already posted on their Internet sites.
Does the minister realize that his lack of transparency is not just scuttling Quebec's efforts but that it may result in the failure of negotiations in Cancun? Does he realize what he is doing?
The Environment November 18th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is going to Cancun without a credible plan for fighting greenhouse gases. Before unelected Conservative senators defeated a bill approved by the House without even studying it, Canada had a game plan for effectively fighting climate change. By killing this bill, the Conservatives have ensured that they are free to defend the interests of oil companies in Cancun.
Is that not the crux of the matter—defending the oil companies' interests in Cancun?
The Environment November 17th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I do not think the parliamentary secretary understood my question, and the Prime Minister was not listening either. Today the question is clear. What we want to know is whether the Minister of the Environment will fulfill his international responsibilities and go directly to Cancun for the next conference on climate change. Yes or no?
The Environment November 17th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that the government and the Minister of the Environment have no interest in fighting climate change. In the past, the minister has shown that he would rather torpedo the work of conferences on climate change than work constructively to ensure their success.
In light of the Conservatives' obvious lack of interest in environmental issues, can the Prime Minister guarantee that the Minister of the Environment will attend the 16th Conference of the Parties, which will be held in Cancun?
The Environment November 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the minister has a lot of nerve to talk to us about the Copenhagen conference. He was the one in 2007 who torpedoed the Bali climate change conference when he tabled a climate change plan that renounced the objectives of the Kyoto protocol.
What are the minister's intentions: show leadership in Cancun or stifle any progress at the upcoming climate change conference?
The Environment November 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of the Environment is minimizing the importance of the upcoming climate change summit in Cancun. The Conservative government still does not have a clear plan, objective or policy. It is showing up in Cancun empty handed. It was precisely that type of attitude that torpedoed the Copenhagen conference.
Does the minister realize that his attitude is contributing to what will inevitably be a series of negotiations that will result in lip service and nothing binding?
The Environment November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Council of Chief Executives is urging the Prime Minister to lay the foundation for a real policy to fight climate change. The leaders of 150 of Canada's largest corporations are growing impatient.
What is the Prime Minister waiting for to listen to the Bloc Québécois, environmental groups and now business people, too? What is he waiting for to announce a plan?
The Environment November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, with the next conference on climate change less than three weeks away, we still do not know what Canada's targets are. What we do know is that one of the big banks that invests in the oil sands has rolled out the red carpet for the former environment minister. This illustrates the close ties this government has with the industry.
Will the Prime Minister stop hiding behind the Americans to justify his inaction, be more transparent and immediately reveal the position Canada will defend in Cancun?
Resignation of Member November 4th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my House of Commons colleagues in saluting the Minister of the Environment. I would like to tell him that I remember the good times we spent together. Even though we did not always have the same vision of the future, I must say that he was a gentleman in the House. If there is one thing we can all wish him, it is the best of luck in his career pursuits.
I will remember the love of nature that the Minister of the Environment has personified. The creation of Nahanni National Park was probably one of his greatest achievements. We owe the creation of that park to the Minister of the Environment.
On behalf of my Bloc Québécois colleagues, I salute the member and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.
Copyright Modernization Act November 2nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, culture is always compromised with this government. During the last federal election campaign, Quebec's artists and artisans took action to make the government understand that they would not accept cuts to existing culture programs that allow our creators to function.
After using federal funds and budgets and threatening artists with cuts, now the government is using legislation to make them understand that we are living in a completely open market, in the wild west, and that the big players—the broadcasters and Internet service providers—will get benefits. Those who form the very foundation of the services provided will be dropped. Big Internet service providers are nothing without these artists.
We need to ensure that cultural content, which is produced on platforms and sometimes used for other purposes, is first authorized and then receives fair royalties. This Conservative government always compromises culture. We saw it during the last election campaign, and we are now seeing it with Bill C-32.