Gérard Binet

[Suicide Prevention, February 13th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, suicide is a phenomenon that affects all age groups and social classes and, sometimes, it can strike very close to home.

February 9 to 15 is the 13th Quebec suicide prevention week. The main objective of this event is to convince young people that suicide is neither a solution nor an option.

Quebec has the highest suicide rate in Canada. Suicide is currently the number one cause of death among teenagers, closely followed by accidents.

We must recognize the efforts being made by professionals to prevent these tragedies. To this end, I want to stress the excellent work done by l'Ensoleillée, a mental health community resource centre in Lac-Mégantic, and particularly Dany Couture, for his involvement. Mr. Couture is urging the public to stress the importance of being personally involved in the prevention of suicide. Care and treatment can save lives. Suicide prevention is everyone's business.

[International Network on Cultural Policy, February 4th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the international network on cultural policy was created in Ottawa in 1998 as an initiative by the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada.

This network currently counts 53 member countries from every major region around the world. The purpose is to promote dialogue on issues that affect cultural diversity in the context of globalization, and to come up with ways to promote this initiative.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage inform the House what the Government of Canada is doing to promote cultural diversity internationally?

[Paul Hébert, February 4th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, last Sunday, the ninth annual Soirée des Masques was held. This tribute to Quebec theatre recognizes the artists, writers, directors and actors who share a passion for their art.

In addition to highlighting their accomplishments, this celebration is an opportunity for the public to see the breadth, diversity and richness of Quebec theatre.

This year, the Académie québécoise du théâtre decided to honour a man of the theatre, an actor and director originally from Thetford Mines, Paul Hébert. This man, who has dedicated his life to the theatre, received the Hommage de l'Académie award for his body of work.

On behalf of the people of Frontenac—Mégantic, I am very proud to congratulate Paul Hébert, a master of his craft.

[Louis Archambault, January 28th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we were saddened yesterday by the news that Quebec artist Louis Archambault had died at the age of 87.

Louis Archambault was a refined artist who was respected by his colleagues and who redefined sculpture. He was one of the first sculptors to do public monumental art, and he moved sculpture from the religious and commemorative themes of the past to abstraction and modernity. The works of Louis Archambault can be seen throughout Canada.

Louis Archambault was also an excellent teacher, and he influenced young artists when he taught at the École de meuble and at the École des beaux-arts, in Montreal, beginning in the seventies.

In 2000, his life was the subject of a documentary entitled “À la recherche de Louis Archambault”.

On behalf of the Canadian government, I want to praise Louis Archambault for his work and for his influence on sculpture in Canada. I also wish to offer my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[Literacy, December 9th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to inform the House of two initiatives supported by the National Literacy Secretariat of Human Resources Development Canada in the riding of Lotbinière—L'Érable.

The organization ABC Lotbinière received $19,000 for a study on distance education using the Internet. The next stage will be to develop a distance education Internet site to enhance access to literacy services.

In Sainte-Sophie de Lévrad, the Centre d'action bénévole of the Bécancour RCM received $12,000 to develop a communication plan designed to raise public awareness of illiteracy.

It is through such community initiatives that the people of Lotbinière will be able to address the problems associated with illiteracy and build empowerment on a day to day basis.

[Jean Dupéré, December 5th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I heard the sad news that Jean Dupéré, the major private employer in the region, a great and unwavering defender of chrysotile asbestos, and an expert on mining, died at the age of 57.

Full of ideas, and a man of action and conviction, he loved to get things moving. He left an indelible mark with his expertise, know-how, determination and commitment. The region never would have survived the asbestos crisis without him. He was a great man and he will always be recognized as a model of determination. He fought tirelessly until the end.

The Frontenac—Mégantic community joins me in extending our sincerest condolences to his wife, Michelle Dupéré, his sons Mathieu and Simon, his daughter Catherine, and his many friends and loved ones.

I thank the Chair for allowing me to express my feelings and condolences here, in the House of Commons.

[Economic Development, December 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the Agropur plant in Chambord, which used to process millions of litres of milk produced by farmers in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region, has shut down.

Does the Secretary of State responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada intend to come to the assistance of stakeholders in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean, so that they can keep production and processing operations in their region?

[Economic Development, December 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the town of Thetford Mines is trying to diversify its industry and open its economy to new market opportunities. To this end, various regional stakeholders are promoting a project that would make the Amiante RCM the Quebec capital of the oleochemical industry.

There is enormous potential here, and I want to acknowledge the promoters of this kind of initiative to create new and innovative sectors of activity and, in so doing, create new jobs.

On November 8, Canada Economic Development contributed $81,500 toward the implementation of a strategic development plan for this industry.

This contribution is a good example of our interest in supporting projects which will protect and improve the environment, while repositioning this region to deal with new technologies. This is great news for Frontenac—Mégantic.

[Liberal Government, November 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, on November 27, 2000, the Liberal government was re-elected to ensure that Canadians from coast to coast could explore new opportunities and develop their personal and economic potential.

Local solutions to specific situations can spur the development of rural economies and attract investments. This is the way that the Liberal government has chosen to develop regions while encouraging ordinary citizens to get involved in the development of its policies.

Allow me to thank again the residents of Frontenac—Mégantic for having given me the opportunity to work toward a critical objective, which is to ensure that our riding and region are among the priorities of the Canadian government. I will continue to fulfil this social role with vigour and energy, in the hope of ultimately building a better, safer and more prosperous society.

[Minority Official Language Communities, November 7th, 2002]

Madam Speaker, on October 16 I had the great pleasure of announcing on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage funding of $44,917 for the Megantic English-Speaking Community Development Corporation to help finance its initiative to keep youth from the anglophone community in the region.

This project is intended to encourage young anglophones from the Frontenac—Mégantic region to stay or return to live in their community by offering them a lifestyle and professional environment adapted to their needs. Local employers are participating in this program as well, and a presentation will be shown to all high school students.

The Megantic English-Speaking Community Development Corporation demonstrates once again that it is by combining our efforts that we can encourage the full participation of official-language communities living in minority situations.

Congratulations on this marvellous initiative.