Lost his last election, in 2006, with 35% of the vote.
St. Lawrence Seaway March 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the member's question gives me an opportunity to clarify a number of concerns.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital part of our economy and we will continue to ensure its viability.
The study is looking at the ongoing maintenance and long term capital requirements to sustain the existing seaway infrastructure. The study is not looking at expanding the seaway.
Public Transportation March 10th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question.
The government is investing in urban transit. To date, $735 million has been announced in the past year and more announcements are expected.
Under the Canada strategic infrastructure fund, Transport Canada jointly with our colleagues over at Infrastructure Canada, negotiate the terms and conditions with respect to the provinces and municipalities. We are responsible for the implementation: over $1 billion of federal funding for urban road and transit infrastructure across the country, with a total of close to $4 billion. This confirms our commitment to--
Sponsorship Program March 8th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, first of all, it is not preventing the government from governing. We are governing. We are engaged in policy and we are doing a lot on this side of the House. If the opposite side would actually ask a question that had relevance for Canadians, we might in fact get some answers.
With respect to the question that was asked, Mr. LeFrançois was provided due process. It was based on that process that we made a decision. That decision was one that was made after reviewing and receiving that submission and the government stands behind that decision.
Sponsorship Program March 8th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, as I said and as the hon. member quoted, the firing of Mr. LeFrançois was based on the Auditor General's report. Mr. LeFrançois had an opportunity to provide a submission. He did so on March 1. I subsequently met with Mr. LeFrançois. We discussed his submission. Based on that, Mr. LeFrançois' appointment was terminated.
Transportation February 26th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we certainly take this very seriously. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident to determine the potential causes and make recommendations.
The department will continue to cooperate fully with the Transportation Safety Board in its investigation. The department is being kept informed of its progress. We do have a ministerial observer on site as well. Any safety deficiencies that might be uncovered through the Transportation Safety Board will be acted upon.
Industry February 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, in fact when this information is fully completed and available to be tabled in the House and presented to Canadians, we will do exactly that.
The fact that there is an investigation shows very clearly that we want to get to the bottom of this. We will be very transparent with Canadians in every aspect of governing.
Industry February 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I will certainly take the question under advisement and look at providing that information as quickly as possible. Investigations do require thoroughness and I am sure that is what is happening in this particular case.
Business Development Bank of Canada February 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, crown corporations operate at arm's length. They have a board of directors. The board of directors has a fiduciary responsibility. The board of directors has, in fact, reasserted and reaffirmed its confidence in the president.
We will look at that situation and make a recommendation to the government. The Minister of Industry will do that, and we look forward to that recommendation.
Business Development Bank of Canada February 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the BDC is a crown corporation with its own board of directors. The board of directors has reaffirmed its confidence in its president. We will obviously re-evaluate this based on the board of directors' response. After we evaluate the situation we will make a recommendation to government.
Transportation February 17th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question.
Certainly noise pollution in our communities is an issue that concerns all of us. Through previously introduced legislation, we have heard from numerous stakeholders, including members of Parliament, to look to address this issue.
The government has made it very clear that it intends to give the Canadian Transportation Agency the necessary authority and jurisdiction that it requires to deal with this issue that the hon. member brought up.
I want to assure the hon. member along with the House that I, along with my parliamentary secretary, will deal with this issue.