Lost his last election, in 2006, with 38% of the vote.
Interparliamentary Delegations April 20th, 2005
Pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, respecting its participation in the meeting of the Political Committee of the APF held in Libreville, Gabon, from March 3 to 6, 2005.
Housing April 18th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the surpluses accumulated by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation now total $3.4 billion and will exceed $7 billion in 2008. I introduced a bill in the House to restrict the assets of the CMHC and transfer its scandalous surpluses to Quebec and the provinces, so that this money can be used to build social housing units.
Does the government intend to support Bill C-363 and give hope to the 1.7 million people who are facing housing problems?
The Environment April 14th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, these are fine words, but there is no action. Minister Mulcair also said that, by producing half as much greenhouse gas emissions as other Canadians, Quebeckers are helping lower the Canadian average, but are not compensated for that.
What does the Minister of the Environment have to say to his Quebec counterpart, who says that his approach is unfair and completely ignores Quebec's efforts in the area of greenhouse gas emissions?
The Environment April 14th, 2005
When we are 28% behind on the targets, there is no reason to applaud.
The least that we can say is this plan is totally unacceptable to the Quebec government. Minister Mulclair said, “It is much biased in favour of western Canada and Quebec will be penalized”. He is a federalist. He is not a member of the Parti Québécois. He is Quebec's Liberal environment minister.
How can the federal Minister of the Environment justify that he has produced a plan that is so unfavourable to Quebec?
The Environment April 14th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of the Environment has tabled his plan for achieving the Kyoto targets and the least we can say—
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act April 13th, 2005
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-363, an act to amend the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act (profits distributed to provinces).
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to introduce in this House, under private members' business, an act to amend the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act (profits distributed to provinces).
This enactment requires the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to distribute any surplus from its reserve fund to the provinces for social housing purposes, to encourage the supply of quality housing at affordable prices and to increase housing choices for the people in the provinces.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Stadacona Papers April 11th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, a major paper company in my riding, namely Stadacona Papers, announced an investment of $44 million for the modernization of the facilities at its plant in Limoilou, in an attempt to maintain long term jobs and to ensure sustainable development.
While paper companies are going through some tough times, it is very encouraging to see this company make substantial investments in its plant, not only to remain a key player in Quebec's paper industry, but also to reduce by nearly 80% its greenhouse gas and air emissions.
The Bloc Québécois wholeheartedly supports the Kyoto protocol. I am delighted that a paper company from Quebec is taking initiatives that put it at the forefront of the industrial world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
World Water Day March 22nd, 2005
Mr. Speaker, today we are marking World Water Day. This year's celebration is also the beginning of the international decade of action proclaimed by the United Nations as the Water for Life Decade.
Many organizations in Quebec, among them Développement et paix and the Eau-Secours coalition, are working to protect this resource so often misused.
In Quebec, the St. Lawrence River is a source of life. It provides our drinking water, transportation and inspiration. With nearly 6,000 animal and plant species living in its waters or on its shores, the St. Lawrence's wealth, its biodiversity, must be fiercely protected.
The Bloc Québécois calls upon the federal government to use the Water for Life Decade to incorporate the concept of sustainable development into its decisions. Maintaining the St. Lawrence's rate of flow, preserving lac Saint-Pierre, and monitoring climate change are only a few examples of the many challenges awaiting us.
We must be ready to face the challenges, because the people of Quebec are demanding a healthier, cleaner St. Lawrence—and rightfully so.
The Environment March 10th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of the Environment recognize that if the government continues to reduce greenhouse emissions targets, particularly with regard to the major industrial polluters, he will have to buy emission credits from other countries, and the taxpayers are the ones who will pay for wealthy oil and gas companies to do nothing?
The Environment March 10th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of the Environment do not agree on what position to take concerning auto manufacturers. One prefers the voluntary approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the other prefers an agreement accompanied by binding regulations. This difference of opinion between the two ministers is delaying the drafting of the Kyoto protocol implementation plan and has even forced the Prime Minister to step in to resolve this impasse.
Can the Prime Minister tell us whether he decided in favour of the Minister of the Environment?