Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for this question. Obviously, many issues will be discussed in Washington. It is also an opportunity for the two leaders to get to know one another.
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Agriculture April 26th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for this question. Obviously, many issues will be discussed in Washington. It is also an opportunity for the two leaders to get to know one another.
Foreign Affairs April 26th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, this is precisely our goal, free trade for softwood lumber. Our approach will continue to be twofold in that we will pursue legal discussions while also trying to achieve some results through negotiations.
Finance April 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his excellent suggestion. I know that many changes have already been made in this area so that stock options have to be expensed.
Softwood Lumber April 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I very much appreciate the hon. member's interest in this file because it is so important to all of us. I can assure him that I carried the provinces' view to the United States on January 11, and one of the reasons that this was rejected unanimously was for one of the reasons that he stated.
Softwood Lumber April 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, as I have said in the House many times, this is such an important industry to all of Canada and this is why I am very pleased the hon. member has asked this question.
We will continue to pursue our two-track policy on this. One is litigating before the WTO and the NAFTA, and the second is to come to some type of negotiated settlement.
So far we have not had a prevailing view in Canada as to what that type of negotiated settlement would be and therefore it is quite premature for him to prejudge what we would be doing.
Apparel Industry April 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that changes must be made to deal with international competition. That is why the Minister of Industry has already announced—this year and last year—over $80 million for adjustments.
I shall continue to work with the textile industry to help the workers in that sector.
Apparel Industry April 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, it is true that this is a very important industry, and the Minister of Industry recognizes that international competition presents great challenges for these industries. That is why the minister has already acted in this area.
Apparel Industry April 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that—
Softwood Lumber April 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I must say that this matter is of the highest importance to me. It takes all of my time and I will continue to work for Canadians on this issue.
Softwood Lumber April 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, it is true that we have had many discussions with the provinces, the industry, workers and producers in the softwood lumber sector. We will continue to pursue our plans in two ways; by continuing the negotiations and by continuing to press our case in the dispute. Our goal is to obtain free trade for softwood lumber.