One case; that is only one case.
Lost his last election, in 2004, with 28% of the vote.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act April 10th, 2003
One case; that is only one case.
Salon international de l'alimentation April 2nd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.
Indeed, today, the Salon international de l'alimentation, commonly referred to as the SIAL, is an extremely important event for agriculture. It is a wonderful opportunity for 700 exhibitors, including more than 370 from Canada, to showcase their know-how and promote their products. The show is expected to draw some 15,000 professional buyers from 70 different countries.
Events like the SIAL provide an excellent opportunity for Canada to increase its share of the world food market and the Government of Canada is determined to work together with the sector to reach its objectives.
Once again, the Government of Canada has done a wonderful job.
Community Television March 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I wish to draw the attention of the House to the presence today and tomorrow on the Hill of CJSR, the riding of Portneuf's community television station.
Community television is essential because it contributes to community development and reflects local culture. With local access to the media, studios and equipment, community television also encourages individuals to get involved in programming.
CJSR is a very dynamic community television station that broadcasts 35 hours per week, 25 of which are devoted to local programming.
I wish to pay tribute to the perseverance and the creativity of the employees and numerous volunteers who work day after day to provide a quality local information network. I want to add that CJSR's personal style is helping the people of Portneuf to develop a true sense of community.
Tobacco Farmers March 21st, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the member for Joliette asks a very relevant question. Several members from Quebec and Ontario have been made aware of the tobacco farmers' situation.
I can assure you that officials are currently working with tobacco farmers and their office and I quote:
—to work within the available programs on ways to facilitate the readjustment and possible transition of the tobacco farmers.
I can assure the member that the minister is very aware of the situation.
Canada Student Loans Program March 18th, 2003
Madam Speaker, one could talk for along time about this situation, which is of great concern to Canada. The hon. member was at the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food when we met with the various stakeholders about this disease. I believe that the government is taking into consideration everything it can possibly do to eradicate it.
Studies and tests are being carried out, and surely with time the various data gathered will produce results. It is certain that the government is going to try to do everything it can to solve this problem.
Canada Student Loans Program March 18th, 2003
Madam Speaker, I would be happy to answer the question from the member for Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar regarding the use of lands likely to spread chronic wasting disease. This is a disease that attacks deer and elk. It is important to examine what measures are needed to eradicate this disease.
The member referred to the need for farmers to generate income from their land. However, I am sure that both she and her constituents are as resolute as we are to eradicate this dangerous disease.
First, it is important to know that farmers have been advised that they may, for instance, raise hogs or chickens destined for human consumption, provided that they remain inside to avoid exposure to soil contaminated by CWD. Farmers may also cultivate feed, such as hay or alfalfa, as long as they prevent it from being exposed to deer or elk that roam or are held in captivity.
The member asks if the government can scientifically prove that there is any disease on these farms and that it is contagious in that form.
Members will remember that the minister, in answering a question earlier this month from the member, indicated that the government was working with the industry to eradicate CWD from deer and elk herds in Canada. Part of this work involves doing scientific research to discover what happens to soil once it has been contaminated with CWD. How long does the soil remain infectious? When can livestock be reintroduced on the land without fear of reinfection?
Research to answer these questions is inconclusive at this stage. However, I will be letting members know of any results that will affect our decisions to determine if lands are deemed risk-free again.
A study published in 1995 revealed that 17% of animals that had been introduced to land that was previously contaminated, but that had undergone a lengthy decontamination process and had been in fallow for more than twelve months, died of CWD anywhere from three to eight years following their introduction. Soil decontamination was done by spraying calcium hypochlorite, then tilling the land and spraying it again. Feeders and fencing was also replaced. The fact that 17% of the herd was lost after having taken such careful precautions indicates that the risks were not managed carefully enough. Researchers later carried out a trial. This time, after having slaughtered all of the deer and elk living on the contaminated land, they sprayed the structures and fields with calcium hypochlorite. No elk or deer had contact with the land for one year. Subsequently, 12 young elk were introduced into the zone. However, after a few years, two of them died from CWD.
Another study was carried out on an establishment in Wyoming where all of the deer and elk had been slaughtered. The new animals that were introduced had no contact with the infected animals. However, after a few years, some of the new heard had contracted the disease.
A study published in 1998 did a review of the literature on the subject. It concluded:
Contaminated pastures appear to have served as sources in some CWD epidemics although these observations are anecdotal and not yet corroborated by controlled studies.
That is the bad news for farmers and ranchers with animals with CWD in one of the four highly infected farms among the 42 with an infestation. Empirical data seems to indicate that the disease can remain in the soil. The first two studies I described demonstrate that, even after one year, even if the soil, feeders and fences are carefully sprayed, the disease can survive.
Landmines February 24th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the Mines Action Canada Coalition's landmine awareness week begins today.
Canada is strongly committed to eliminating landmines. It worked with non-governmental organizations and showed leadership to ensure the adoption of the Ottawa convention. It was also the first to ratify the convention.
Today, Canada is still involved in de-mining activities and the destruction of mine stockpiles, and is providing assistance to victims. The number of persons affected by landmines is estimated at tens of thousands annually. This shows how serious this problem is. Those who do not die immediately are wounded and traumatized. They experience physical, psychological and socio-economic difficulties.
I salute the Canadian government's commitment to landmine victims and encourage it to continue investing in this campaign.
Agriculture February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, discussions are under way in various committees about the labelling of genetically modified products. Everyone is talking about it. It is under consideration. I will be happy to get back to the hon. member later, with better information than I can provide him with today.
Alexandre Cyr February 14th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is National Flag of Canada Day. I wish to take this opportunity to remind the House of the extraordinary work the former member for Gaspé, Alexandre Cyr, did to have this day recognized.
On February 14, 1973, Mr. Cyr got a unanimous vote of the House on a special motion asking that the Canadian flag stand in a place of honour among parliamentarians. The next day, on the eighth anniversary of the Canadian flag, the Speaker granted the hon. member's request.
Mr. Cyr accomplished a great deal as a member of Parliament. In this place where parliamentarians gather to work on improving society, he has left an important legacy, namely a reminder that patriotism and civic spirit are essential to our work.
Agriculture January 31st, 2003
Mr. Speaker, there is absolutely no threatening going on. We are currently developing the program. The Minister of Agriculture and his provincial counterparts are still working today in Toronto to develop this program. In due course, all producers will be able to access all the funding they need for their programs.