The Economy  At the same time, as the member knows, the recovery began when interest rates were in fact higher than they are at this stage. I think it is very clear that the recovery in Canada is sufficiently well anchored that in most areas of the economy, certainly those that are creating jobs like goods production, the high interest rates have not yet begun to stifle the recovery.

The Economy  Mr. Speaker, I have made it very clear, as has the Prime Minister, that as a government we take our deficit targets very seriously. We are prepared to take whatever action is required in order to hit them. That is the commitment of the Prime Minister; it is the commitment of the government and it is a commitment on which the House can rely.

Indian Affairs  As of now, the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake has issued a press release saying the Mohawk cemetery expansion is suspended at Ottawa's request. I am very pleased that the Mohawks have suspended their clearing operation at the cemetery as an indication of their good will of negotiating. Again, as I have said, we do not create a crisis. Our party is committed to recognizing a problem, going in, dividing it up into its components and solving those components.

National Forum On Health  Absolutely not, Mr. Speaker, because there is a clear and unequivocal commitment on the part of this government to free and universal health care across the country. More and more -and even the provinces recognize this- Canadians want this health system which is the envy of the Americans and others to be maintained.

Rideau Canal  Completed in 1832 to give access to the Great Lakes from the nation's capital, the canal today offers 202 kilometres of clear, pristine waters through a total of 47 locks. Hundreds of pleasure craft annually move leisurely along through the canal and pages and pages of Canada's history. As the holiday season starts in Canada in a few weeks I encourage Canadian boaters who are looking for a relaxing holiday to try travelling the Rideau this summer.

Seniors-Reduction Of Age Credit  Although there is an increasing number of people living well beyond age 65 years, fewer are living in poverty. Proof of the success of this network of programs becomes clear every month as millions of people receive their pension benefits from the government reliably and on time. In Canada in the late 20th century we can be proud of the initiative and the planning which almost 30 years ago laid the groundwork for the satisfying life of retirement which more and more Canadians are enjoying.

Seniors-Reduction Of Age Credit  Next, simply put, budget action on the age credit means there is no reduction for three-quarters of seniors, about three million people with incomes under $25,921. I want to be very clear on this. This budget measure will have no effect on the majority of low-income seniors. However, some seniors will indeed be affected by this measure. I would like to remind the House of what the finance minister announced in his last budget.

Budget Implementation Act  With respect to the people he had invited who were kicked out and went to the media after, it was quite clear that some of the parties did not have an invitation or arrived unexpectedly and were allowed to present their cases. Both of them agreed that they would present their cases within a half an hour.

Budget Implementation Act  They see little reason for two large bureaucracies, one federal, one provincial, doing essentially the same thing. It is time to make clear distinctions between income supplements and income insurance and to clarify exactly which level of government is responsible for delivering those services. I also believe that the level of government that is closest to the people is most often in the best position to effectively administer these types of programs.

Province Of Quebec  Speaker, I have a supplementary question. Yesterday the Prime Minister also said that if the Quebec people were asked a clear question on separation in a referendum, using words and terms which clearly speak of separation, they would not support the separatist option. Does the Prime Minister have in mind the wording of the question which he would like the Quebec people to answer?

Salmon Fishery  Speaker, I regret to say it now appears that a war between Canada and the United States over Pacific coast salmon stocks is inevitable unless immediate action is taken. Negotiations have been made impossible. While Canada has a clear position regarding the renewal of the Pacific salmon treaty, the United States seems to have an Alaska position, a Washington State position, an Oregon position, a California position, a commercial fishery position, a native fishery position, a sports fishery position.

Bill C-7  Speaker, physicians and other scientists in Canada are very concerned about the government's proposed legislation, Bill C-7. Criminal law must be very clear and concise because of the serious penalties for breaking the law. However, this legislation is vague and broad. Through provisions for as yet unnamed substances to be added to the schedule of controlled drugs, health professionals dealing with innovative active chemical ingredients may be liable to serious legal penalties which are not clarified in the act.

Budget Implementation Act  I think that unemployment insurance is a tool, but it should be integrated into a structure, into an active employment policy so as to make it work. Countries where this works have given a very clear direction to these things.

Canadian Film Development Corporation Act  Selling with foreign purchase orders was preferable to domestic sales because the federal government guaranteed the major portion of payment upon delivery. A very positive aspect of the federal program was that the eligibility rules were clear and certain and applied whether one was a new entrant such as us or a long established enterprise. Bridge financing can be a reasonable proposition if it follows the principles of equal access to all and encourages good ideas.

Canadian Film Development Corporation Act  The program, in fact, will be an invaluable financial incentive contributing to the growth of the Canadian film and video industry. Its objective is clear and its scope considerable: to encourage our financial institutions to become better acquainted with this industry and devote more of their resources to funding Canadian production and distribution companies.