Mr. Speaker, members of our party vote yea on this motion.
Lost his last election, in 2006, with 29% of the vote.
Division No. 217 June 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, members of our party vote yea on this motion.
Division No. 216 June 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the members of our party who are present vote nay on this motion.
Supply June 9th, 1998
Madam Speaker, I would like to begin by congratulating my colleague, who can certainly not be accused of being pathologically partisan. On the contrary, thanks are due the constituents of Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough for electing such a distinguished parliamentarian, who tackles his work with such enthusiasm. He has already been very well accepted by all members of the House.
As did our colleague, the member for Brandon—Souris, the member for Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough pointed out this government's complete lack of agenda, with examples from a few particular sectors.
This government was re-elected with a distinctly smaller majority than in 1993, after some completely incredible flip-flops on free trade. The Liberals battled the former government fiercely on this issue. However, this measure has resulted in our exports increasing from $90 to $215 billion. It was the same with the GST. We lost the election on the GST. They also had a lot to say about the acid rain treaty and defeated us because of national defence issues.
With such a track record of public contradictions, why was this government re-elected, even with a smaller majority? Was it maybe because the opposition parties are becoming more regionalized and divided?
In light of what my colleague, the member for Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, said, I find it completely incredible that a government that makes historic errors on national agendas adopted by the previous government, that in some cases contradicts itself while in office by passing measures it voted against, particularly with respect to national defence, and that spent hundreds of thousands of dollars after making election promises not on the sly but right out in the open, on television, is re-elected.
Why was this government re-elected? I think is has something to do with an aspect of Canadian politics that has cost us very dearly to date. Is it not because of the proliferation of opposition parties, which have trouble reaching any kind of consensus that could be constructive for our country?
Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 June 8th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I have two short, very objective questions for my colleague, for whom I have a great deal of respect and with whom I enjoy working, if he wants to return jurisdiction for certain matters, including language, to the provinces. I ask him whether it is not the federal government's role to protect minorities, because our track record on minorities in this country is not too wonderful.
That is the first point on which I would very honestly like his opinion. It does not seem to me that giving the provinces complete responsibility will be much of a guarantee for our minorities.
Second, and this is my final question, I would like to know which article in his party's new electoral platform has to do with its partnership with Quebec's separatists. What promise would he like to have in his party's next electoral platform? There does not seem to be much promise in this, in my view.
Reform Party Of Canada June 4th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Quebecois and the Parti Quebecois want to see Quebec separate, and the Reform Party will not be able to form the government unless it does. So they represent two sides of the same dubious coin.
In 1991, when the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform Party were still in the shadows, they were talking about being allies for practical reasons. One Reform member voiced her opinion that the separation of Quebec would happen sooner than people think.
Lucien Bouchard said “I do not view the Reform Party as an adversary”. He also said “Long live Reform”, adding that at least with them, the position was clear.
Both parties specialize in stirring up passions and fomenting dissension. That is the truth. The Bloc Quebecois and the Reform Party are pursuing the same objective, and it is one we must speak out against.
The Reform Party, the Bloc Quebecois and the Parti Quebecois are going through a profound crisis, and this is just the beginning, according to what 65% of Quebeckers are telling us.
National Highway System June 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, could the minister tell us whether he is still in favour of increased reliance on private and public sector consortiums to build and improve the national highway system?
National Highway System June 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport.
Following the conference of Canadian transport ministers, Quebec's own inimitable transport minister, Jacques Brassard, said that Ottawa lacked the political will to do anything about the road system and that the federal government did not have one cent to spend on highway 175 between Quebec City and Chicoutimi.
Could the Minister of Transport tell us whether Quebec's transport minister is right and whether this reflects the conclusions of last Friday's conference in Edmonton?
Nunavut Act June 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, members of our party oppose this motion.
Division No. 186 June 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, members of our party are in favour of this motion.
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
Division No. 184 June 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, members of our party oppose this motion.
(The House divided on Motion No. 7, which was negatived on the following division:)