Liza Frulla

[Question No. 24, December 3rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, in response to a), due to the particular circumstances of this matter, including the fact that the Department of Canadian Heritage received the exporter’s full cooperation to ensure the prompt return of the medals to Canada, the Department of Canadian Heritage did not request that a formal criminal investigation be undertaken. The situation was therefore not brought to the attention of the office of the Attorney General and no charges were filed against the exporter.

In response to b), under the terms of the Cultural Property Export and Import Act, the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board can determine a fair cash offer at the request of either an exporter or an institution or public authority that has made an offer to purchase that has been rejected. Neither party requested such a determination.

[Canadian Heritage, December 3rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I totally reject the premise of the hon. member's question. What we did was respect the wishes of the 1st Parachute Battalion Association, which was keen on holding a fundraiser. About three weeks ago, I indicated to them that we were prepared to cover the cost of buying back this Victoria Cross.

I have also said that the Victoria Cross would stay in Canada. This is our firm intention.

We do, however, respect the organization's desire to raise the funds.

[Arts and Culture, November 26th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I discussed this particular issue with the mayor of Drummondville perhaps three weeks ago.

The assistance provided to the Légendes fantastiques at the time came from two sources, namely the communications program and the sponsorship program. Everyone cashed in on this much maligned program. And now, everyone wishes it was still around.

I indicated to the mayor that we now have to check our programs. We have nothing right now, but we plan to be reviewing these programs to help—

[Music Industry, November 26th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, we have also met with members of the music industry. The whole copyright issue is indeed a critical one. We are currently drafting a copyright bill with the Minister of Industry. We intend to submit it to cabinet before Christmas, so that it can be referred to a committee during the next session.

[Government Grants, November 25th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the contract was awarded in September 2003 by the REMI, the Regroupement des événements majeurs internationaux du Québec. At that time, the REMI was making a presentation to the Government of Quebec. It has nothing to do with the federal government. I was a federal member of Parliament in September 2003.

It surprises me that the Leader of the Opposition has allowed the hon. member to ask this question, because he has many people around him who know the REMI very well and are very familiar with its activities in Quebec.

[Government Grants, November 25th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the answer is no. No official request has been made to the department, except what is usually granted to them as major festivals such as the jazz festival and Just for Laughs, to which our department has been contributing funds for a number of years.

[Canadian Heritage, November 25th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, first, the Arab Women magazine and the Caftan Montréal organization are two very different things. The magazine applied for funding on March 29, 2004. I was not the Minister of Canadian Heritage at the time. Also, the profits from the event will be donated to UNICEF and the Collectif des femmes immigrantes du Québec.

Once gain, I extend the invitation to everyone—honestly, I do—to attend the fashion show on Saturday, along with the mayor of Montreal and Quebec's immigration minister. It promises to be a great evening.

[Canadian Heritage, November 25th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, on September 27, 2004, I agreed to take part in a photo op in support of the event organized by Caftan Montréal. Caftan Montréal is the organization that will be hosting on Saturday a fashion show whose profits will be donated to UNICEF and the Collectif des femmes immigrantes du Québec.

The mayor of Montreal and Quebec's immigration minister will attend. Truth be said, everyone is welcome, and it would be great to see you all in Montreal on Saturday.

[Cultural Diversity, November 25th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I explained to my hon. colleague before the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage yesterday that we are in favour of having mechanisms, but the negotiations are barely underway. Obviously, there is still a year left for negotiating such mechanisms.

Canada is, moreover, the rapporteur, as well as having a hand in drafting the preliminary convention. Obviously we have played a lead role, and will continue to do so. There is no doubt about that.

[Cultural Diversity, November 25th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I must provide the Bloc Québécois critic with some reassurance. We have been in touch with the minister of culture for Quebec as well as those of the other provinces. Our proposal contains positions which reflect each element of Canada, but of course in the end it is the Canadian position.