Joe Fontana

[Housing, February 11th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I do not buy the premise of the question at all. I am sure the member would want to be more clear with Canadians.

Yes, any time they are undertaking renovations we would encourage them, obviously, to talk to professionals so that they can get the right information.

We have been told, and it is on Health Canada's website as well as CMHC, which advised all the stakeholders and so on, that if left undisturbed it does not pose a health risk.

Yes, we need to inform Canadians on the health and safety of their homes but I am sure the member would not want to alarm Canadians to suggest that they are--

[Canadian National Railway, February 11th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member has just mentioned, I referred the issue of the maintenance of service to the CIRB and in due course it will make that decision.

I should also point out to the hon. member and the House that CN and the employees are at the mediation table. They have taken up the offer and therefore they are in mediation. We hope those mediation services are positive and fruitful and that we can come to an agreement with regard to both parties.

[Canada Labour Code, February 11th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure that the hon. member knows, because he used to be in the legislature himself, that this is a federation and we do have shared jurisdiction. In fact, federal jurisdiction is telecommunications, transportation and air, but with regard to retail business throughout the country, it is provincial jurisdiction that matters. Therefore, he should lobby the labour ministers in those provincial jurisdictions, as I will try to do, to make sure that employers protect employees' rights across this country.

[Canada Labour Code, February 11th, 2005]

First of all, Mr. Speaker, I am sure that the hon. member would want to clarify and make clear that this is a provincial jurisdiction and not a federal jurisdiction. Second, though, it is this government that truly believes, under part I of the Canada Labour Code, in collective bargaining. We believe that both workers and employers have an opportunity and obligation to build the best economy, to be fair and equitable to each other and to build a Canadian society that we can all be proud of.

[Housing, February 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, it is the federal government that believes that housing is about the foundation of healthy communities, families and people. In fact, it is this government that invests $2 billion each and every year to help 636,000 Canadians. It is this government that has committed $1 billion toward homelessness. It is this government that has committed $1 billion toward affordable housing.

[Textile and Clothing Industry, December 14th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will know that when this country enters into free trade agreements, it does two other important things: an environmental side agreement and a labour agreement. We will continue to do that when we enter into free trade agreements with other partners in the world.

[Textile and Clothing Industry, December 14th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, this country has acknowledged the international protocol with regard to child labour. In fact, we have some of the best labour practices in the world. We share them with the rest of the world. We will ensure that we abide by them and promote them around the world.

[Housing, December 13th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I hope I can count on the member's support as well as the support of all members of the House as we move forward with new creative ideas. Over and above the $1.5 billion, we are looking at new creative ideas of how to engage communities, not for profit organizations and co-ops to help us build on the One Percent Solution. We believe, if everyone comes together, big labour, big business, three levels of government and the not for profit sector, that we can build the houses that the country needs.

[Housing, December 13th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, since 1999, the government has committed $1.15 billion with regard to finding solutions for the homeless and most vulnerable in our society. We continue to invest $2 billion each and every year for social housing to look after 636,000 households. We are investing $1 billion on affordable housing, and we will continue to do more. The Prime Minister has committed $1.5 billion more for social housing.

[Housing, December 13th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I can appreciate the question. As he will realize, housing is a provincial jurisdiction, and we want to work with our partners. In the election platform, the Prime Minister committed an additional $1.5 billion. We agree that 1.7 million Canadians are looking for housing solutions. It is this government that is committed to ensuring that we can find some.

Is there still a need in Quebec? Yes. We will be working on it.