House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 45% of the vote.
Statistics Canada March 26th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, Statistics Canada is preparing for its census, and is therefore recruiting a number of census commissioners and census takers in each riding. To fill these positions, the Minister of Industry has asked each MP to provide the name of one volunteer to recruit potential census commissioners.
Will the Minister of Industry confirm that, in nearly all ridings represented by opposition members, additional lists of candidates have been provided by the Liberal Party of Canada?
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation March 25th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I would remind the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage that what we formally object to is the creation by the government of a new tax that would make Canadians pay twice for the CBC. We object to this. I understand that she is looking for ways to fund the CBC, but in the meantime the corporation itself is facing some serious problems. The minister should understand this.
This is not a trick question, but a request for information. How can the minister impose another $150 million in cuts without changing the mandate of a crown corporation which, at least according to its last two presidents, is unable to do what is required of it? What does she intend to do? It is her responsibility, and we want an answer. Is it possible?
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation March 25th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Canadian Heritage should remember that, not so long ago, her predecessor's careless answers hurt his career.
My question is extremely serious and if we had an answer once and for all, we would move on to something else. The president of the CBC clearly stated-and he was the second president to do so-that they could no longer absorb $150 million in cuts without the corporation's mandate being affected. Yet the minister asserts that the CBC's mandate will be maintained.
Our question is very simple and quite legitimate and it deserves an answer: How will the minister allow the CBC to carry out its mandate if she cuts another $150 million?
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation March 25th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, last week, while talking about CBC funding, the Deputy Prime Minister said, and I quote: "What makes it difficult, every time we seek new avenues of funding, is the block we run into, the Bloc Quebecois".
I would like to remind the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage that the Bloc Quebecois is the only party fighting for maintaining the mandates of the CBC, the NFB and Telefilm Canada, but that we are opposed to a CBC tax.
My question is for the Deputy Prime Minister. As the CBC faces cuts amounting to $150 million over two years, could the heritage minister finally tell us how she intends to go about funding this crown corporation?
The Late Ernest Charles Manning March 21st, 1996
Mr. Speaker, we all know how difficult political life can be. When a political figure disappears, it is only fitting to reflect briefly on the career of the deceased.
A political career spanning 46 years is very long and it certainly shows how much trust the people of Alberta had put in Mr. Manning.
What is impressive is the innumerable decisions that had to be made by this politician during his career, decisions which had an impact on the life of his loved ones and which were dictated, I am sure, by an extraordinary sense of duty and great respect for democracy.
Mr. Manning certainly was committed in the purest sense of the word. For all these reasons, the members of my party join me in extending our deepest sympathy to the leader of the third party, who was sorely afflicted by the passing of his father.
Going beyond political differences, we must bow down before great men and women and this, we always do. There is no doubt that, with a career spanning 46 years, including many years as premier, Mr. Manning was one of the great ones.
Manpower Training March 21st, 1996
We are in overtime.
Manpower Training March 21st, 1996
Mr. Speaker, we realize that the Prime Minister's referendum promises are worth very little. First, a veto that is no veto, recognition of Quebec as a distinct society that is not recognition and a promise to withdraw from the field of manpower that is no promise.
Does the Prime Minister realize that, if he continues in the field of manpower as he has been going, it will be his third strike? In baseball, it is three strikes and you are out.
Manpower Training March 21st, 1996
Mr. Speaker, this is a fine demonstration of the following principle: it is not easy to negotiate with he who hears only what he wants to hear. It really is not easy. The Prime Minister knows very well that the Quebec consensus demands the federal government's complete withdrawal from the areas of job training, manpower and active measures. The Prime Minister should remember.
When federalists such as Ghislain Dufour, Laurent Beaudoin and André Bérard say it cannot go on-and are even prepared to accompany Louise Harel to Ottawa to make the Prime Minister listen to reason-is it not clear to the Prime Minister that Quebec opposes his position in the field of manpower training and that even his federalist allies are bothered by it? Does he understand that?
Manpower Training March 21st, 1996
Mr. Speaker, clearly, the federal government does not appear to want to back down on the matter of manpower training, insisting on maintaining and even heightening duplication and overlap, which, as we know, lead to inefficiency and waste in this sector so vital in a full-blown employment crisis. Yesterday, the Prime Minister reiterated his intentions saying, with regard to active measures: "these are federal programs-and they will remain under our control".
Given the reaffirmation of the Quebec consensus yesterday at the socio-economic conference in Quebec City, which had been reached by management, unions and government and which requests the federal government to withdraw from active measures, will the Prime Minister agree to reverse his decision and permit the elimination of overlap in the area of manpower?
Human Rights March 20th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, that seems a long time to the Prime Minister. He appears to be counting the days until it is over. We do not want to wait those two years and some months and some days for an answer. People are waiting. The human rights commissioner has asked the government to move quickly on this.
Given that the Prime Minister admits this was one of his promises, will he make a formal commitment to settle this matter, not only before the next general election but within a few months-which may be two ways of saying the same thing?