Claude Drouin

[Wind Energy, May 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, does the hon. member want us to announce it a third time? No. Seriously, we will continue to do so.

If we receive applications for other projects, we will analyze them as we have always done. We will show that we are looking out for the development of the regions, as we did with the Gaspesia mill, as we did with the aluminum technologies centre.

These are projects which we have supported in the regions and which we will continue to support because Economic Development Canada is looking out for the development of the regions.

[Wind Energy, May 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we have perhaps taken a page from the book of the PQ, which announces the same news four times.

What I would like to say today in the House is that when the hon. member for Bonaventure--Gaspé--Îles-de-la-Madeleine--Pabok made the announcement, it was conditional on approval by the backers. This was recently given and I confirmed it yesterday in the House.

That is why we announced it. We give you the real news: $2.2 million.

[Wind Energy, April 30th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Portneuf for his question.

I am very pleased to make the announcement today that Economic Development Canada will be contributing $2.2 million to a project for the production of three wind-powered prototypes by a consortium of Quebec companies.

This project by the Groupement Éolien Québécois will make it possible to develop technological expertise that is unique to Canada. By so doing, we wish to develop an industry that will bring about true job creation and we hope to be able to continue to encourage the economic diversification of all of the Gaspé.

[Wind Energy, April 29th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, our programs are in place. They exist. We have already done our share as far as wind power projects are concerned. We are going to continue to do so according to the requests and to the criteria we have in place. Rest assured, without any fear, that we are going to work for the economic development of the region.

[Wind Energy, April 29th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we are already involved in the wind power project. A new request has been received and we are going to look into it.

I must reiterate that we work in collaboration and are always there to work for the development of the region.

[Employment Insurance, April 29th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we will study the request if it is tabled. As we have always done, we want to co-operate and help the region, which is experiencing a difficult situation. We are always there and open to ideas based on the programs and opportunities that we have to assist the region. We want to co-operate.

[Employment Insurance, April 29th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada has been working for a long time on development in the region. We have worked together with the Government of Quebec. We will continue to do so.

We have created a new region with the Gaspé. We have invested $35 million over five years under the federal support program for the Gaspé and Magdalen Islands economy.

Since its inception, 139 initiatives have been approved. This has generated $50 million, including $19 million from the Government of Canada. We will continue our presence.

[Regional Economic Development, April 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for Pontiac--Gatineau--Labelle for his question.

In 1997, Economic Development Canada was already addressing the issue, setting up the EDC strategy in co-operation with the CFDC.

Since then, the agency has invested almost $26 million, benefiting more than 1,500 young entrepreneurs. Some 4,580 jobs have been created or maintained in various communities throughout Quebec.

All told, there has been $102 million in investments created thanks to co-operation by the Government of Canada.

[Aluminum Industry, February 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, Economic Development Canada has invested $31 million in various projects, generating 728 jobs.

In addition, we were involved in the creation of the very first technological road map of the Canadian aluminum industry.

As well, in conjunction with NRC, we contributed to the creation of an aluminum technologies centre, an investment of close to $52 million, which will provide employment for 80 researchers, and encourage secondary and tertiary processing.

[Economic Development, February 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, as I already mentioned in the House, two $7 million funds created between 500 and 600 jobs.

If the member wants an inquiry to expose the good results, we are open to the idea.