Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I questioned the Minister for International Trade about the Liberal government's plans regarding the filing of an official complaint with the World Trade Organization.
For months and months, this government has been boasting about everything being under control. It certainly looks like this attitude is taking away any hope the industry may have had to see France reconsider its decision to ban asbestos on its territory.
This will have an tremendous impact on my riding, not only on the asbestos industry, but also on the development of the community as a whole. The government does not seem to realize how worried people are in my riding; all it does is send us ministers on a purely election-oriented mission. Could the minister tell us if cabinet issued some secret directions not to go to the WTO? We all know about this government's inclination to turn to the courts when in a tight spot.
Beyond the rhetoric and lip service we have heard from the minister and the Prime Minister, does the government have any real plan of action?
I would like to know the profound convictions of cabinet on this unique mineral, not only because of its extraordinary properties, but also because it constitutes one of the jewels in the crown of the Canadian mining industry.
It is high time the federal government made amends to the citizens of Thetford, Black Lake and the whole asbestos mining region. It made a commitment to intervene on the international level to rehabilitate asbestos, particularly chrysotile asbestos.
Perhaps the time is ripe for it to start promoting it on its own territory, even here on the Hill.
How can it be assumed that the asbestos that is sealed inside the walls in the buildings on Parliament Hill is dangerous? Yet that is what is suggested in the numerous internal memos we receive in our offices concerning the major renovations that are scheduled, including decontamination of the buildings.
Despite all the respect I have for this House and for cabinet, this whole scenario suggests to me that the Liberal government's famous action plan is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. The government, and its Minister for International Trade, are improvising daily in this matter, inventing things as they go along.
In this connection, I could produce before this House numerous documents setting out the position of the current government and the previous one concerning the government's true psychosis about the harmful effects of asbestos. My predecessor, the hon. Marcel Masse, was one of the most vocal supporters of chrysotile fibre during his entire political carrier in Ottawa. His statements in favour of asbestos were decisive for our industry.
Personally, I strongly condemn the lack of leadership shown by the Minister of Natural Resources, who proved unable to convince one French MP, Christian Daniel, of the safety of asbestos when used properly. Imagine, if she is unable to convince one lone MP, how could she hope to influence the position of a whole government?
In conclusion, I would ask the minister to apprise us of the government's intentions regarding the promotion of chrysotile fibre, especially with regard to the use of asbestos ore in Canada. The minister should take note of my question, I intend to follow through with it. People in the asbestos producing area are tired of ministers coming to Thetford with empty promises. As far as I know the election campaign has not started yet. The government was elected to govern, and so it should.
I hoped the international trade minister himself would answer my question. Does he not consider this issue important enough to be present in the House and respond to my comments?