Brian Tobin

[Reproductive Technologies, March 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, having this kind of lecture coming from the Jurassic movement within parliament is indeed interesting, but I want to assure the member that a part of every contribution being made to the five regional science centres across Canada is for the social sciences and the humanities. Part of the money is being provided for ethical studies as well.

We will ensure that the sensitivities of Canada and of Canadians are being taken into account as we proceed to participate in this exciting worldwide venture to understand better the makeup of the human genetic code.

[Reproductive Technologies, March 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the mapping of the human genetic code is one of the great achievements of humanity. Canadians have been responsible for advances that will lead to amelioration or assistance in dealing with diseases which affect our communities.

If the member is suggesting and believes on behalf of the Alliance Party that the rest of the western world and scientific community should not be involved in this exciting new endeavour but that Canada should put its head in the sand and say no to our scientific community, we do not share that kind of vision of Canada's future.

[Research And Development, February 28th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, the government announced $140 million for Genome Canada in 2000.

After consultations within cabinet and direction from the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance I was able to announce this morning, as part of our commitment to double R and D investment in Canada, another $140 million for Genome Canada.

[Business Development Bank Of Canada, February 28th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we are having a hard time keeping track of the logic being exhibited on the other side of the House.

First they complain that they get a loan. Then they complain that the interest on the loan is too high. Now they claim apparently that not only the Government of Canada but all of the lending institutions that made the decision to grant this loan did not act properly.

Four years later the hotel is still open, and four years later 19 people are still employed.

[Government Loans, February 28th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the member has raised this matter with me on another occasion. It is true that we are seeing the loss of an industry and a plant in the province of Manitoba that arises, as the member knows, out of a protracted and extended labour dispute where finally, in the absence of resolution, the decision has been taken by the proprietor to move elsewhere.

No money has been given. Money has been loaned, and that money has to be repaid, as the member knows and as we have discussed.

Following a discussion recently with the member opposite, I am looking at all of the options open to the Government of Canada—

[Business Development Bank Of Canada, February 28th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, these questions have been asked in this place for the last year and a half. Members of this place have asked the RCMP to investigate. It has and it has closed the file. Members have written the ethics counsellor asking for an investigation. He has and has closed the file.

There is not a member in the House who does not believe that the Prime Minister of Canada, after 38 years in this place, is not an honourable gentleman. We are proud to stand with him on this side of the House.

[Business Development Bank Of Canada, February 28th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we had an RCMP investigation opened and closed on this matter. We have the words and the investigation of the ethics counsellor.

We have an investment in a hotel, which is running four years later, and provides jobs for 19 employees, and we have members who are asking questions about a matter that is now being adjudicated before the courts for an individual who has increased his pension unilaterally from $160,000 or $170,000 to $460,000. That matter is being adjudicated where it ought to be adjudicated, not here on the floor of the House of Commons.

[Business Development Bank Of Canada, February 27th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that the leader of the Conservative Party is making representations either as a result of direct dialogue with the former president of the bank or indirect dialogue with the former president of the bank.

This president is now before the courts with BDC sorting out a dispute involving millions of dollars. Is it appropriate for the leader of the Conservative Party to stand there and attempt to take that case before parliament when it ought to be adjudicated before the courts?

[Gasoline Pricing, February 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, it is very easy for any member on any matter of consumer pricing to get up and make a declaration or representation in the House. The fact of the matter is that is why we have organizations like the conference board to look at this issue. It is arm's length. It is independent. It is an expert.

The report is that gasoline prices in Canada relative to the rest of the world, be it Europe or elsewhere, are competitive. There is no indication or evidence that a regulation regime such as being proposed by the member would do any good at this time.

[Gasoline Pricing, February 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the Conference Board of Canada is recognized, or at least ought to be recognized, across the country as an independent organization, one that has substantial credibility in many communities.

The conference board has done a study, one of many. Studies have been done as well by many provincial governments over the years, all of which have come to the conclusion that gasoline prices in the country relative to the rest of the world are quite competitive.

That does not mean anyone likes paying more for gas, but we have to recognize the simple reality that there is no indication based on the work of this study that some kind of regulatory regime being imposed by government at this time will improve the situation with respect to gas prices.