House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2004, with 38% of the vote.
Softwood Lumber February 18th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as the member noted, there will be trade talks tomorrow here in Ottawa. They will be led by the Canadian deputy minister and the U.S. deputy trade representative, so we will have equivalency in representation. Indeed, the minister of trade is away on a very important trade trip doing his job, which is trade promotion for Canada in a very important market overseas.
Softwood Lumber January 31st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, the next thing that has to happen is the response from the American administration to the proposals that were put forward by the Canadian provinces. Meanwhile we continue on our two track policy. We continue with discussions. We continue to challenge this U.S. trade action at every appropriate forum, at NAFTA, at the WTO and in the U.S. courts. We will win in this situation because we are right.
Softwood Lumber January 31st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, once again the member has it wrong.
The provinces have made submissions to the United States. At the request of Governor Racicot, the American industry is to respond to them with concrete proposals. It has not done so yet, so our government is continuing to wait to hear from the American administration. The member has it all backwards again.
Points of Order December 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, for clarity, I may have inadvertently indicated that the Minister for International Trade will speak with Mr. Racicot in Washington today. Indeed, he will have a conversation but it will be on the telephone.
Softwood Lumber December 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, let me try again. What I pointed out to my colleague was that he represents a party which last spring did not even bother for weeks to appoint a trade critic. Now all of a sudden when this issue is heating up, that party has some interest in finally raising some questions.
I have already indicated to the House that the Minister for International Trade is continuing to work very aggressively on this file, as is the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has raised the issue repeatedly with President Bush, and it has also been raised by the minister at every opportunity.
Softwood Lumber December 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, it takes quite a nerve to criticize the Minister for International Trade when that criticism comes from a party that did not bother to have a trade critic for weeks last spring. It is incredible for me to hear that.
We are proceeding on a two track policy of litigation. On Wednesday a panel was struck at our request at the WTO. At the same time, we continue with discussions with our American partner. The minister will be raising these issues today with Governor Racicot in Washington.
Export Development Corporation November 29th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, this may come as a news flash to the hon. member, but London, Ontario is in Canada.
If I may quote from Alstom's own website, it notes that in view of the NAFTA, “ALSTOM Canada works closely with its US and Mexican counterparts to better coordinate its activities and its development in North American markets”. That is exactly what General Motors in London, Ontario did with the appropriate help of EDC.
Export Development Corporation November 29th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to have that question. First, I have to point out that the details of the contract are commercially confidential, obviously, but all of EDC's criteria in terms of benefits to Canada and Canadian content were satisfied.
This is the largest such contract in North American history and 850 workers in my riding of London, Ontario will not have to be laid off. They will be maintained in their jobs because of this contract. Because of this contract the full workforce of 2,755 employees will be maintained in place in London, Ontario.
International Trade November 27th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, last Thursday the Minister for International Trade and his counterparts from El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras announced the launch of free trade talks. This agreement would give our exporters advantaged access to the important central American market. It would also help us to further our foreign policy objectives in the region of the alleviation of poverty, promotion of peace and democracy, and economic stability and growth. These are very important talks. We look forward to a successful resolution of these talks.
Canadian Commercial Corporation Act November 19th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, there is an issue of extraterritoriality here which is just common sense. It comes into play and the member must be aware of that. If he is not, I invite him to come to committee where we can elucidate the facts for him and perhaps educate him on that point. I know he is not a member of the committee but we would welcome his attendance anyway.