Lost his last election, in 2004, with 28% of the vote.
Taxation February 27th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, people in Quebec and in my riding have a question, and today I would like to share it with the Minister of Finance.
Quebecers who invest in the FTQ's Fonds de solidarité RRSP obtain a tax credit not only from the government of Quebec, but also from the Government of Canada.
Can the Minister of Finance give the House an idea of the amount of this tax credit for the Fonds de solidarité RRSP?
The Francophonie February 20th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as part of a working visit to Paris and Brussels last week, I had the honour and privilege to accompany the honourable member for Brome--Missisquoi, Secretary of State for the Francophonie, Latin America and Africa.
Our meetings were an opportunity to hold discussions with a number of stakeholders of the Francophonie, including Boutros Boutros-Gali, the Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. The secretary of state was thus able to gain an overview of the major issues of the Francophonie leading up to the next summit, to be held in Beirut this coming October.
The exemplary determination with which the secretary of state defended his stand that having democratic regimes in place is imperative for countries in crisis, Haiti in particular, was greatly inspiring to me and all those who were in attendance.
We must be proud of Canada's position and of the advances being made within the Francophonie in connection with democracy and rights and freedoms.
House of Commons January 31st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I wish to point out that in my member's statement, I simply wish to change the words “participated today” to “will participate”, please.
Economic Development January 31st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, today the Secretary of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada participated in the opening of the national downhill ski training and competition centre at Le Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in the Charlevoix region.
The Government of Canada has contributed $10 million to bring this ski area up to world level. Now our athletes will no longer have to train elsewhere.
As well, this investment will make it possible for the centre to hold international downhill ski competitions, thus enhancing its international prestige. It should extend the season by some 30 to 60 days.
There will be economic benefits for the entire Charlevoix tourist industry in the off season. Estimates are that it will lead to the creation of 75 seasonal jobs with the resort corporation, as well as to additional economic spinoffs of more than $16 million over four years.
This is just one more excellent example of how our government is working to ensure the economic development of the regions of Quebec.
Arthritis January 30th, 2002
Mr. Speaker,Yesterday, the Arthritis Society was proud to unveil the first ever Canadian Arthritis Bill of Rights. This bill enshrines the basic rights and responsibilities for Canadian arthritis patients, from the right to timely and accurate diagnosis of the disease to the right to quicker access to new medications.
The purpose of this initiative is to raise public awareness of the problems relating to arthritis and to mobilize arthritis patients.
It is estimated that 85% of Canadians are likely to be affected by arthritis before the age of 70. Arthritis is also responsible for 25% of long term disability cases in Canada.
Now that they have this Canadian bill of rights, arthritis patients have a legitimate platform from which to demand their right to be heard.
International Trade January 29th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade.
People often doubted that Canada was a prime location for direct foreign investments. The KPMG study released this morning compares costs for businesses in North America, Europe and Japan, and it ranks Canada in first place.
What are the impacts for Quebec and how will that study be useful to the cities that took part in it?
International Year of Mountains December 13th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the United Nations declared 2002 the International Year of the Mountains. Throughout the year, the UN will seek to promote conservation and sustainable development in mountain areas, by raising public awareness, and promoting and defending the cultural heritage of mountain communities and societies.
The International Year of Mountains will provide an opportunity to raise awareness concerning the importance of mountains, the fragility of their resources and the need for sustainable approaches to mountain development.
Mountains are fragile ecosystems and are important at the global, regional and national levels. The United Nations described them as adirect life-support base for about one-tenth of humankind. They also supply between 30% and 60% of freshwater in tropical zones, a figure which rises as high as 95% for semi-arid and arid areas.
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, in conjunction with other UN organizations and with NGOs, is planning numerous events and initiatives to raise awareness, and to communicate key information on mountain-related subjects.
We in Canada are very fortunate that, in many of our parks located in mountain areas—
Dairy Industry December 4th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the appellate body of the World Trade Organization reached the decision that the United States and New Zealand had not successfully proved that Canada's dairy product export mechanisms were contrary to the WTO rules.
Can the minister tell the House what this decision means for Canadian dairy product exporters?
Housing December 3rd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for housing met to discuss an affordable housing program.
Will the minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation tell us if the meeting was successful?
International Year of the Volunteer November 26th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the United Nations proclaimed 2001 the International Year of the Volunteer.
Could the Minister of Human Resources Development tell the House what the government is doing to recognize the hard work of volunteers?