Lost his last election, in 2004, with 37% of the vote.
Official Languages April 30th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for the Francophonie.
In a study released yesterday, the Commissioner of Official Languages lamented the under-representation and even the absence of French on the Internet sites of foreign missions in Canada.
What does the minister intend to do to improve this state of affairs?
Airports April 30th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, Rimouski is now the sole owner of its airport. This airport is recognized as one of 70 regional and local airports providing regularly scheduled passenger service to fewer than 200,000 travellers annually.
Now that the airport is operated by people from the region who understand their role in the community as well as their growth potential, the people of the region will be able to benefit more from their airport, reduce costs, adjust service levels to the local needs and attract new and different types of business.
The improved use of transportation infrastructure will most certainly stimulate trade and tourism and create employment, one of our government's objectives, which is striving to establish a flexible, efficient and affordable network of airports to better serve Canadians in the future.
Hurray for Canada's presence in Rimouski.
Charter of Rights and Freedoms April 17th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, today marks the anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The last two decades have been an exciting time for Canada; it has come of age.
The charter, which is displayed on the walls of our homes, schools and offices, sets out our rights and our freedoms, our responsibilities and our democracy. It has contributed to defining who we Canadians are, and is the means for expressing our identity, our shared convictions and the values we hold dear.
Every day, parliament and the various legislative assemblies and courts fine tune its meaning and its effects on us as individuals and as members of society.
As we mark these 20 years under the charter's protection, we need to pause a moment, reflect on its influence and celebrate together one of the greatest of Canadian achievements.
Byelections in Quebec April 16th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening, strong objections to the tenets of the PQ surfaced during the byelections that were held in Quebec.
Just like in the November byelections, Quebecers made it clear that they feel safer in a united Canada than in a sovereign Quebec.
In light of yesterday's results, many will seriously wonder about PQ policies.
If things are getting slippery for the Parti Quebecois, it is probably because the Liberal values of co-operation, security, stability and respect for democracy are better suited to the fundamental needs of Quebecers.
Liberal members are unquestionably the best promoters of Quebecers' interests, both at the provincial and federal level.
Interparliamentary Delegations March 21st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to present, in both official languages, under Standing Order 34(1) the report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association delegation concerning the meeting of the economic affairs and development commission held in London, England, January 17 and 18, 2002, and the first part of the regular 2002 session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe held in Strasbourg, France from January 21 to 25, 2002.
Polyvalente La Samare in Plessisville March 19th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to pay tribute to young people in the riding of Lotbinière--L'Érable. On March 21, 22 and 23, a theatre group from Polyvalente La Samare in Plessisville will be presenting its 14th production.
The Ensemble theatre company was started at the Plessisville comprehensive school in 1988 by its community and spiritual awareness department. It has nearly 100 members between the ages of 14 and 17, and its mission is to raise awareness of certain social and human realities.
The group promotes values dear to the hearts of Canadians: tolerance, respect, justice and solidarity.
The young performers are noteworthy for their leadership and the good examples they set both in school and in the community. Through theatre, song and dance, this is a generation of young people who are expressing a vision of a better society.
These young people are being trained to be responsible and committed members of their community. Congratulations to these young people of Lotbinière--L'Érable.
Red Cross March 18th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to remind the House and all Canadians that March is Red Cross Month in Canada.
The Canadian Red Cross Society works to prevent and alleviate human suffering in Canada and around the world. When a catastrophe occurs, the quick action of volunteers from the Red Cross and other volunteer organizations helps lighten the burden of survivors.
I am taking this opportunity to underline the contribution of this organization and to urge hon. members and all Canadians to support the Canadian Red Cross Society and their community by working as volunteers on a regular basis, or by financially supporting Red Cross programs around the world and at home.
Guaranteed Income Supplement March 14th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as part of its responsible approach to guaranteed income supplement, the Department of Human Resources Development has embarked upon a number of initiatives to inform those who are entitled to this comprehensive pension program.
Even though the Bloc Quebecois supports the recommendations of the committee that reviewed the guaranteed income supplement, the reactionary nature of Bloc Quebecois members pushes them to use their own operating budget to give information that has already been provided by my office or by HRDC, which, incidentally, has done an exceptional job.
The hon. member for Lotbinière—L'Érable has launched a biased and incomplete information campaign in my riding on this program. Is he trying to justify his salary by redefining the boundaries of his riding?
I am disappointed by his attitude. I think he was ordered to do that by his leader, who is using every possible avenue, even if it means being unethical, to justify his presence in Ottawa.
Mont-Mégantic Park March 12th, 2002
Madam Speaker, Mont-Mégantic provincial park is characterized by an imposing rock outcropping composed of eight distinct peaks. It offers an extraordinary venue for outdoors enthusiasts, mountain climbers, people interested in flora and fauna. It is an ideal site for snowshoeing, hiking, cross country skiing and a number of other activities relating to nature and nature interpretation.
Thanks to its astronomical research centre, its interpretive nature centre, and an observatory open to the public, it is also the ideal marriage of terrestrial and celestial pursuits. This year, it recorded a new high of more than 10,000 visitors.
Whether visitors are interested in a hike, or a ski or snowshoe outing, activities led by a nature or astronomy interpreter, or an evening spent looking at the night sky, this, the most snow-covered provincial park in the southern part of Quebec, invites them to come and discover it, and to come away with an unforgettable experience of nature in winter.
Commonwealth Day March 11th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, today is Commonwealth Day. Known as a model of multiculturalism, the Commonwealth provides Canada with the opportunity to considerably strengthen its ties with other member countries and promote our foreign policy interests.
The ties that bind peoples together through traditions, cultures, and diverse values are numerous, and they are present in every sector of activity.
Our country benefits enormously from its membership in the Commonwealth and Canada, in turn, brings its unwavering support to this venerable institution.