House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2004, with 35% of the vote.
The Environment April 24th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report to the House that on last Thursday in New York I signed the Cartagena protocol on biosafety on Canada's behalf.
As members know, this protocol was concluded in Montreal last year. Then Canada played a key role in bridging the differences between the various groups. This protocol is a clear reflection of the government's commitment to reconcile economic policies and trade policies with strong protection of the environment and its concerns.
The Environment April 6th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should apologize for his comments. I have in no way endorsed any violence on any reserve or in any situation with the Global Television Network. His statement that we are somehow protecting this is outrageous. I suggest he apologize for it.
There are areas of shared jurisdiction, but I would explain to him a constitutional point that sometimes shared jurisdiction does not mean the federal government can take over that part of it which is provincial. Is that the position of his party?
The Environment April 6th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I will take the matter up with the provincial minister. I would suggest, however, that the Alliance Party make clear whether it is asking the federal government to assume jurisdiction in a provincial sphere on issues of this nature before proceeding with questions of this type.
Freshwater Exports April 6th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. Yes, we do remain concerned about the export of water from Gisborne Lake and other jurisdictions in Canada. We believe the best approach is to prevent interbasin transfers of water at source rather than attempting to deal with it at the border.
I have spoken with Newfoundland's minister of natural resources and have explained to him the Canadian position. I have followed the media quite closely. I gather there is substantial opposition within Newfoundland to the proposal. It may be that this suggestion will not proceed.
Freshwater Exports April 5th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member clearly has not understood the importance of making sure that water is not considered an item of trade under NAFTA or other trade agreements.
We have to make sure that we do not get into a situation, through inadvertence or any other reason, whereby water then comes under NAFTA provisions. To do that we have an accord with the provinces and territories. To do that we have legislation in the House, Bill C-6, to deal with boundary waters.
It is clear that we must follow the procedures we have laid down and follow them to the letter.
The Environment April 5th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we had a paragraph of the communique of the 34 nations of the Americas that met in Montreal which referred to climate change.
That said, there was a separate Latin American declaration made which is certainly its right and privilege. I said at the time we had very little to take exception with in that but as we were chairing that meeting we could not take part.
With respect to the second part of the hon. member's question, I wonder whether he listened to my answer yesterday when I said to the hon. member for Rosemont—Petite-Patrie that the Prime Minister made clear—
The Environment April 5th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. I can assure the hon. member that I will be meeting with ministers of the environment of the provinces and territories very soon. We will be discussing climate change among other issues.
I know this is also true of the Minister of Natural Resources. I know it is true of many other ministers of the government and the first ministers of Canada who discuss these issues when they meet.
The Environment April 5th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, ignoring the fact that the Alliance Party was against the Kyoto target the Prime Minister accepted, may I simply repeat for members of the Alliance and the New Democratic Party leader who clearly are unaware of what was said yesterday in the House. I quote:
Nevertheless, as the Prime Minister made clear yesterday and in previous statements, Canada is committed to the Kyoto protocol. We want to implement its provisions and we urge other countries to do the same.
In response to a second question, I added:
—we want the Kyoto agreement to be put into effect. We certainly want to make sure that we have sinks included because there are great opportunities for reducing greenhouse gases—
The Environment April 4th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the meeting to which the hon. gentleman refers, the first ever meeting of the environment ministers of the Americas, took place in Montreal. Many items were on the agenda but the question of climate change was not, although it was discussed. A number of points of view came forward and some nations signed. The Latin American nations signed an agreement.
We chaired that meeting. Climate change was not on the agenda and it was inappropriate for the chair to take a position on it.
Nevertheless, as the Prime Minister made clear yesterday and in previous statements, Canada is committed to the Kyoto protocol. We want to implement its provisions and we urge other countries to do the same.
Transportation April 4th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the position of the government was made clear moments ago by the Prime Minister. Perhaps the hon. member was not listening.
The fact is we want the Kyoto agreement to be put into effect. We certainly want to make sure that we have sinks included because there are great opportunities for reducing greenhouse gasses through sinks and sinks are part of the Kyoto agreement.
With respect to transit in the lower mainland, we certainly hope the strike ends soon, but that is not a responsibility of the government to negotiate. I trust the NDP government of the province of British Columbia and the municipal authorities will get on with the job.