Jim Peterson

[International Trade, March 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. Leader of the Opposition owes it to the House to state, when he says that we gave away the sink, that we gave away the store, what did we give away?

Does he object to our asking for 100% return of all the deposits on duties? Does he resent the idea that we would like to replace the duties as a temporary measure with a border tax going to Canada and not to the Americans? Is this what he says is selling out the store? I do not think he understands what we are doing at all.

[International Trade, March 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to inform the hon. Leader of the Opposition and all members of the House that what we are doing in terms of softwood lumber is the team Canada approach is being pursued at this very instant in Toronto. Negotiations are being undertaken between Canada and the United States with a hope to bringing an end to the softwood lumber dispute.

[Textile Industry, March 22nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as I just said, the NAFTA working group has begun to look at these issues. We are examining the report.

[Textile Industry, March 22nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, it is quite obvious that, within the NAFTA framework, the textile and garment industries have already been discussed. This month a working group presented a report containing six suggestions. Because of the problems in this industry, the government has spent nearly $600 million helping this sector become more competitive.

[Softwood Lumber, March 11th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I have heard the question as to why the ministers do not give the industry a chance to take part in the discussions to resolve the softwood lumber crisis? They have had a number of opportunities to participate with us and the others. As for funding to assist the industry with its costs, that is another point, currently under discussion.

[Softwood Lumber, March 11th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as I have always said, we have already provided the industry, the communities, and the softwood lumber workers with support of more than $350 . We are also in the process of discussing these matters with the industry and the other stakeholders. Decisions will be forthcoming.

[Textile Industry, March 10th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we did take action to protect our textile and apparel industries in Canada. We have given them close to $600 million to become more competitive. That is the support we have provided.

[Textile Industry, March 10th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as we have already mentioned, most of these T-shirts were made in Canada by Canadian workers.

Having said this, our support to the textile and apparel industries is very significant. Over the past two years, we gave them close to $600 million. Such is our support to help these industries become more competitive.

[Sponsorship Program, March 10th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, here are the facts if the member is really interested. The shirts were sewn in Mexico and packed in the United States. However, they were designed by Canadians. The thread was made in Quebec. The tissue was made in Quebec. The shirts were dyed in Quebec, and they were purchased from a Quebec company. Most of these shirts were from Quebec.

[Canada-U.S. Relations, March 10th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member mentions softwood lumber. Why does he not recognize that we are making progress in continuing with our three-track approach? What one single constructive idea has he given on this? What one constructive bit of advice has he been able to provide? None.