David Collenette

[Public Safety Act, 2002, October 31st, 2002]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-17, an act to amend certain acts of Canada, and to enact measures for implementing the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, in order to enhance public safety.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Softwood Lumber, October 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, that was such a multifaceted question that many ministers wanted to answer it. We will certainly take the hon. member's representations and get back to him.

[Kyoto Protocol, October 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we tabled a plan in the House last week. We are asking the provinces for their views and we will listen to their views before the vote. We take their views extremely seriously. I hope the Leader of the Opposition does too.

[Kyoto Protocol, October 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister went to Alberta a few weeks ago and he said that this accord will not damage any one part of the country. We are all Canadians, we work together, and we shoulder burdens together. That is what being a Canadian is all about.

[Kyoto Protocol, October 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, no one who has listened to the hon. Minister of the Environment and has appreciated all the hard work that he has done over the past years accepts that for a moment.

I can think of no other member in this House who is more concerned about the environment and who wants to hear the opinions of all Canadians than the Minister of the Environment. I think the hon. Leader of the Opposition should not be so cavalier with that kind of expression.

[Kyoto Protocol, October 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister made it clear that it is our role to consult all the provinces. Today, we are having a meeting in Halifax with all the provincial and federal ministers concerned. We will listen to what the provinces have to say.

What is really important is that we will soon vote on Kyoto and all members in the House of Commons will have the opportunity to voice their opinion before voting.

[Kyoto Protocol, October 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been very clear that the provinces will be consulted, and we take their views seriously. That is what today's meeting with my colleagues, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of the Environment, is all about.

This is a matter that has been before us for more than five years. The government has said that we will ratify the Kyoto accord and we will go ahead and do it, but there will be a vote in the House of Commons. There is debate, and it is a chance for everyone to put their views forward.

[Safety Standards, October 22nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the manufacturer and my department have thoroughly investigated this particular matter and the evidence does not indicate the presence of a safety related defect. The seat will increase the child's safety in the event of a collision. It was a highly technical response but I am glad to give it and put the hon. member's concerns to rest.

[Highway Infrastructure, October 22nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, there is funding for this highway as part of the funding for the national highway infrastructure, that is the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program. Unfortunately, the Government of Quebec did not sign the agreement with the federal government, but we will carry on the discussions. However, there is funding, and I hope this project will soon be completed.

[The Environment, October 21st, 2002]

Yes, Mr. Speaker.