Lost his last election, in 2004, with 28% of the vote.
St. Lawrence Seaway March 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, for some time now, the Bloc Quebecois has been telling everyone that the Government of Canada is in favour of expanding the St. Lawrence Seaway, when the entire industry says this is simply not true.
I would like to ask the Minister of Transport the following question. Does the Government of Canada support the expansion of the seaway and will this have a major impact on the St. Lawrence River?
World Water Day March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, today, the international community marks World Water Day. Water, which is the source of life, is a major concern for our government.
In my opinion, it is appropriate to highlight the numerous steps taken by my colleagues from Compton—Stanstead and Brome—Missisquoi to defend the quality of this country's water reserves.
In fact, at a time when there is a plan to expand a landfill site on the banks of the Black River in Coventry, Vermont, my two colleagues are doing everything possible to inform our American neighbours of the associated risks. The plan threatens the main tributary of Lake Memphrémagog, which supplies drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Canadians.
Unfortunately, my colleague from Sherbrooke does not deserve similar congratulations. While the quality of his constituents' drinking water is at stake, he prefers to take part in partisan spats.
Public Transportation March 10th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, urban public transit is best for the environment. But unfortunately both the provincial and federal levels of government are gradually losing interest in this mode of transportation and leaving that industry to fend for itself.
I would like to hear the Minister of Transport tell this House briefly how he plans to ensure the development of this means of urban transportation, and what action he is planning for the years to come to maintain urban transit.
International Women's Week March 8th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, to quote Alfred de Musset: Take time as it comes, the wind as it blows, woman as she is.
I am taking this opportunity today to pay tribute to our mothers, our sisters and our daughters. This year, the theme for International Women's Week in Canada is “She's on a role”.
Today is the ideal occasion to reflect on the progress that has been made and thus to advance equality for women. Still more important, it is a day to celebrate women from all over who have left their mark on the world.
Over the ages, regardless of place of origin, age, culture and status, women have always worked. In Canada and everywhere else, when they were not busy raising very large families, they were involved in such activities as running schools and hospitals. They worked in the fields, took over in the factories during wartime and excelled in a number of areas.
We thank these women and celebrate their invaluable presence within our communities.
Stress February 26th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, Charles Aznavour wrote one of the most beautiful songs of the Francophonie on that theme, while Léo Ferré preferred to just watch it go by: time. Unfortunately, for most of us, time seems to be a rare commodity. Yet, it is a matter of organizing our lives to cope with a condition typical of the 21st century called stress.
I am pleased to announce to the House that, tomorrow, a seminar under the theme “Stressé...pas l'temps!”, will be held in the riding of Lévis-et-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. This event, which is organized primarily by the Lévis Chamber of Commerce, is an ideal opportunity to learn to manage time efficiently, to channel one's energy and to fully enjoy life.
I am proud to take part in such an event, and I congratulate all those involved in one way or another in making this event a success.
St. Lawrence Seaway February 24th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the maintenance of the St. Lawrence Seaway has always been the responsibility of the Canadian government. For several years now, the Canadian Coast Guard has been transferring the cost of dredging and ice-breaking to users.
I would like to ask the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans if he wants to maintain his position while transferring costs to users, and if this gradual withdrawal means that one day the entire responsibility for the maintenance of the St. Lawrence Seaway may end up being transferred to private enterprise, with all the ensuing consequences?
Film Production February 23rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to congratulate all the artists and craftspeople of the Quebec cinema who were honoured last night at the Jutra Awards gala. Les Invasions barbares , or The Barbarian Invasions , won four Jutra awards, including best film, best screenplay and best director, and as well, the Jutra for the film with the most success outside Quebec. La Grande Séduction , known in English as Seducing Doctor Lewis , received seven awards, including the prestigious Billet d'or and the Jutra for best art direction. Gaz Bar Blues captured the award for best actor.
I would also like to acknowledge the success of our filmmakers at the Nuit des Césars in Paris on Saturday. Les Triplettes de Belleville—The Triplets of Belleville won for the best original music and Les Invasions barbares gathered more glory, winning three Césars, including best film of the year. Moreover, Les Invasions barbares is also nominated for two Oscars at the Academy Awards taking place next weekend.
Perhaps the good wishes expressed by the hon. member for Témiscamingue last Friday brought good luck to Mr. Arcand. The Government of Canada is proud to support the creativity and influence of Canadian cinema.
Transportation February 17th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, following on the ruling in Oakville v. Canadian National and the complaints from a number of citizens concerning the noise from railway operations, the Canadian government had decided to amend the Transportation Act, but since then the process has been halted.
I would like the Minister of Transport to tell me when he intends to include the necessary deadlines for arbitration in the Transportation Act, in order to put a prompt end to the disputes between the rail giants and the citizens' groups of individuals subject to the din of marshalling yards at all hours?
Canadian Guide and Scout Week February 17th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the week of February 15-22 is Guide and Scout week in Canada.
Throughout the country, guides and scouts are taking part in celebrations brimming with camaraderie and friendship among the members of these two organizations.
The festivities will culminate on February 22, which is the birthday of both the founder of scouting, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, and his wife, Olave, the first World Chief Guide.
Scouts and guides across Canada provide generous help to many Canadians, whether as part of their daily good deed or through specific initiatives. I am thinking in particular of the 70 million trees they have planted nation-wide since 1970. Scouts and guides make a dynamic contribution to the quality of life in Canada.
I invite my colleagues to join me in sending their best wishes and sincere thanks to the scouts and guides of Canada.
Canadian Athletes February 12th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, Canada has an exceptional pool of talented young athletes, something we have long known. Our athletes have built a tradition of success in hockey, skiing, skating, curling and other sports. So far this year, Canadian athletes have stood more than 80 times on international podiums in eight different winter sports.
Whether it is our speed skaters, such as Jeremy Wotherspoon, our freestyle skiers, such as Stéphanie St-Pierre, our bobsledders, such as Pierre Lueders and Giulio Zardo, or our junior hockey players, Canadian athletes proudly represent Canada on the international stage, week after week.
Today, I want to congratulate all our athletes, their coaches and the sports organizations for their support in these achievements. With less than six years until the 2010 Olympic and ParaOlympic Games in Vancouver, we can already anticipate the stellar performances of those wearing our colours, with the support of all levels of government and the private sector.