Lucienne Robillard

[Transportation Safety Board, February 3rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I repeat: the ethics commissioner himself has said that he intends to clarify the interpretation of the code under such circumstances, so that the rules will be clear for everyone. That is what we are waiting for.

[Ethics, February 3rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I answered that question yesterday by saying that anyone appointed by the governor in council is subject to the code of conduct and to the highest standard of ethics. Our behaviour must always be totally above reproach, 150% above even.

It is very clear that the ethics commissioner has been apprised of this and needs to clarify the interpretation of the code under such circumstances.

[Parental Leave, February 3rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we too support the innovative program in Quebec. With regard to the offer on the table, we too are giving 100% of the amount available for Quebec families.

The cause of the current deadlock is the program start-up costs, and discussions are continuing.

[Parental Leave, February 3rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, at the time, I did not hear the Bloc Québécois pressuring the Parti Québécois to accept the federal government's offer. It is quite interesting to see that, now, this is what the Bloc Québécois is trying to do. Now, for a Liberal government, I—

[Parental Leave, February 3rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, this is odd because, back in 1997, the Parti Québécois did not sign; it refused to sign. In 1997, Pauline Marois also refused. The Bloc is not really in a position to bring me back to 1997.

That having been said, this year's offer is twice as generous. In 1997, it was on the order of $360 million; this year, it is on the order of $850 million.

[Parental Leave, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, it is interesting that the member for Québec wants to pass herself off as the spokesperson for the Liberal government of Quebec, but I must tell you that we are engaged in direct contacts with that government.

I must point out as well that the parental leave system is being provided at this time to all Quebec families by the federal government. No one is being penalized at this time. We are trying to help Quebec improve this program, which is why the discussions are still going on.

[Parental Leave, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, contrary to what my colleague from Quebec has said, Quebec's Minister Béchard is very patient because we are continuing to talk to each other and both of us are trying to find the right approach to settle this entire matter.

[Parental Leave, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister of Canada keeps his word and acts in partnership with all the provinces in all matters regarding federal-provincial relations.

In this respect, we have already covered a lot of ground with the Government of Quebec in the matter of parental leave. We have almost got the entire file sorted out. All that is left is to discuss methodology for the first year. That is why discussions are still going on.

[Parental Leave, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I believe the hon. member is repeating exactly the same question as yesterday. And so my reply will be exactly the same. One issue is the appeal now before the Supreme Court, which is intended to better clarify, in a much broader context, all the programs covered by EI. The other, parallel issue concerns the negotiations with Quebec. There is no direct connection between these two issues. Discussions with my counterpart from the Quebec government are still going on and we are still optimistic.

[Transportation Safety Board, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, it is quite clear that anyone appointed by the governor in council has to follow the code of conduct, which prescribes the highest standard of ethics.

It is right to question the appropriateness of someone's presence at a political fundraising event. I understand that the ethics commissioner is now going to clarify the interpretation of this code for all those involved.