Gérard Binet

[Income Tax Returns, April 26th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, most Canadians have until midnight, on Monday April 30, 2001 to file their income tax returns.

What options does the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency offer to Canadians to simplify this process?

[Volunteerism, April 24th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as this is National Volunteer Week, could the government tell us what it is doing in support of the voluntary sector?

[Premier Of Quebec, April 6th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec's premier, Mr. Landry, continues in his unjust attacks on Canada. He continues to use the expression “night of the long knives”, in reference to the patriation of the constitution. And now he is accusing the Government of Canada of “viol des foules” or rape of the masses.

Will the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs tell the House what he thinks of this attempt to sidetrack the public debate?

[Free Trade Area Of The Americas, April 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade.

In order to make their mark on the world stage, the CLD of the Asbestos RCM and over six businesses of the region of Asbestos will be participating, in connection with the summit of the Americas, in an Americontact export trade fair on April 3, 4, and 5, 2001 in Quebec City.

Americontact 2001 will bring together business people from the Americas with a special interest in areas of economic activity.

Will the free trade area of the Americas, an integral part of the summit of the Americas, reflect the values, interests and priorities of the SMBs, which are vital to the prosperity of the regions—

[Agricultural Production, April 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to stress the openness and the flexibility displayed by the federal government toward farm producers.

A few days ago, the government announced it would be doubling the amount of interest-free loans under the Spring Credit Advance Program. The maximum amount will go up from $20,000 to $50,000 for spring 2001.

This is a timely measure, since producers are adversely affected by the increase in the costs of fuel and fertilizer.

In the past, that program has proved very useful to farmers. It has allowed them to get funds in time for spring planting.

A number of income support measures are being put in place by our government. I urge it to continue to work with the agricultural industry to ensure long term stability in that sector.

[Tourisme Amiante, March 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday at the Gala des Grands Prix du tourisme, a tourism awards gala held at l'Islet-sur-Mer, the first prize in the tourist services category for the Chaudière-Appalaches region went to Tourisme Amiante.

I congratulate them on their dynamic efforts to find winning formulas for showcasing this region which is located in the heart of the Appalachian region at Thetford Mines.

This is but the latest in a number of accomplishments over the years to fully exploit the potential of this most beautiful region with its wide variety of tourist attractions.

Congratulations, Tourisme Amiante.

[Asbestos Industry, March 15th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade.

Following the decision of the WTO's appeal body, which ruled in favour of France by saying that the ban on chrysotile asbestos was in compliance with multilateral trade agreements, what will be the short and long term consequences for Canada on international markets?

[Research And Development, February 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the government announced in the throne speech that it would double investment in research and development by 2010.

Can the secretary of state tell us what impact this investment will have in Canada?

[Asbestos, February 6th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I am a little ways away and there is a lot of noise.

My question is for the Minister for International Trade and has to do with the safe use of asbestos.

The asbestos industry and its workers in Canada are being threatened by the arbitrary and unjustified decisions by a number of countries to ban asbestos, thus breaching the rules of international trade.

What is being done, and what does the Government of Canada intend to do to ensure that the rules of international trade are respected? Is the World Trade Organization the only avenue open to the Government of Canada to protect the asbestos industry and its workers?

[Frontenac-Mégantic, February 1st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, on November 27, the voters of Frontenac—Mégantic expressed their confidence in me by electing me to the House of Commons, and I would like to thank them most sincerely.

This confidence is the product of a vision of courage resolutely turned towards the future, which, in turn, will motivate me to work on behalf of the men, women and children of the four corners of the riding of Frontenac—Mégantic.

I intend, in all humility and with unwavering conviction, to strengthen our ability to work together to develop a vision for Frontenac—Mégantic.

I am therefore very proud to be part of a team with a vision for success, a most exciting challenge. Thank you again to my electors.