House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2004, with 35% of the vote.
Fisheries October 30th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member were interested in British Columbia fishermen, he would recognize the object of the government is to get the best deal we can for them.
It is not to stand in the House and posture and make remarks which may appeal to people back home but in the end damage the case we have to put forward to get a deal between Canada and the United States so that the interests of our fishermen are properly respected.
Point Of Order October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, earlier in question period I made reference to a document that I would like to table at this time. It is entitled “Employment Development Program: Program Report, January 1997 to September 1997, of the Community Fisheries Development Centre”. In it, in particular in annex one, you will discover the $12.5 million in programs that this one organization has from Human Resources Development Canada.
Pacific Salmon Treaty October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we have known for four years, ever since this Mulroney negotiated treaty failed, that there was no provision for continuing and no provision for dispute resolution.
We tried year after year to get the Americans to come to the table so they would recognize the need for continuing arrangements for fishing. In most of those years we have been successful with the north and south regional arrangements or with an overall annual arrangement.
There is no question that American fishermen have taken larger numbers of fish than we feel they are entitled to and which the treaty suggests they should have.
Fisheries October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Fortier was our very distinguished negotiator in the very frustrating four years that led up to the impasse this summer which is left over from the Mulroney negotiated treaty of 1985. We certainly think he has outlined a situation, an historical build-up and the issues of equity and conservation effectively. Shortly after I took office I indicated my support for Mr. Fortier's work and I still have full confidence in him.
Human Resources Development October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, if in British Columbia the hon. member had actually bothered to find out what was taking place, he would have discovered a document I am happy to table, namely the report for the first eight months of the employment development program, indeed had $12.5 million of contracts with the department of the hon. minister of human development.
The organizations that make up the body, the Community Fisheries Development Centre, are exactly the same ones that he has referred to today.
In other words he was either—
Fisheries October 28th, 1997
And clearly the Reform Party believes we should fire Jack Frazer as well.
Fisheries October 28th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, all I can hear from the Conservative Party on the other side is that we should go out and fire Kim Campbell. We should fire Benoit Bouchard. We should fire—
Fisheries October 28th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I do not subscribe to the theory that members of Parliament come to this House with no abilities or qualities and when they leave this House have no abilities and qualities. When I look at the opposition Conservatives I may have to revise my view.
The government has appointed the former Reform member for Saanich—Gulf Islands to the Veterans Appeal Board. We have appointed competent members of other parties to boards and commissions. I see no reason why Liberal members should not be similarly treated.
Fisheries October 23rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, had the hon. member bothered to attend the debate that took place today in the House up to the question period and if he bothers to wait and come back to the House after question period, he will discover that it is a Tory motion on this very issue that we are discussing.
Supply October 23rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, now you are sitting down and my mike works. It is the part of your body that activates the mikes that intrigues us all.
The hon. member has said that nothing has been done to assist displaced west coast fishermen. I want to ask him this question. Is he aware that 54 weeks ago the job protection commissioner of the province of British Columbia and the province of British Columbia requested that the federal government spend $20 million on assistance for displaced fishers?
Is he aware that since then we have in fact under programs with HRD in co-operation with local community groups spent $21 million under that initial program, that we have another $7.6 million being spent under that program and that we have in addition $15 million for habitat programs out of the Department of the Environment, of which $7.25 million will be put out this year and the remainder in later years?
Is he aware we have spent more than 50% over and above what was requested by the job protection commissioner and the province of British Columbia over one year ago?