Jane Stewart

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, let me quote from a letter referencing Manufacturier des Bas Iris from the department, which states:

“In these circumstances, I do not think it necessary to recommend any change to the existing contract”.

The department looked at this and found that a change to the contract was not necessary.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House we absolutely believe that the right thing to do is provide opportunities for young Canadians to travel the country, to get to know the country so they can understand when they go home to share their experiences with others, their families and neighbours.

We know the members of that party are not interested in that. That is why we are here and they are there.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member has details of an issue that he would like to have referred, then let him bring them forward.

In the case of this undertaking I want to be clear again that the project was supported by the Government of Canada, it was supported by the municipality, it was supported by the Government of Quebec, and at the time it was a Bloc member who was in the riding and he supported it very vigorously.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, it was anticipated that the products from Iris Hosiery were going to be for export.

I would note that the investment of the Government of Canada was 16.3% and that the company itself invested $54.9 million. I would also say that this project was supported not only by the local municipality, but of course by the Government of Quebec.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

No, Mr. Speaker.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, any money forwarded to this program was for actual costs incurred.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I reject the allegation made by the hon. member. If he has proof that there was something inappropriate here, then let him bring it forward.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, you must understand that from the point of view of that party it is “never mind the 1,440 people that are working”.

One of the things that is clear, and I will say it again, members on that side of the House do not believe that the Government of Canada should be working with communities and individuals to ensure that they have the opportunities to benefit from this great country. Well, we feel quite differently.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, let me say again that on this side of the House we believe that a program like Experience Canada is worth the investment.

I can confirm to the hon. member that the moneys that have been provided to this program have only been expended for actual costs incurred.

[Human Resources Development, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, the focus of the interventions of my department are on individuals. In this particular case, 1,440 individuals who did not have the opportunity to work before now have the opportunity.