Allan Rock

[Technology Partnerships Canada, September 24th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, technology partnerships Canada is one of the means by which the Government of Canada invests in innovation in this country. For the most part, the dollars we invest leverage four times that amount from the private sector to advance research and development and create jobs.

The member for LaSalle--Émard has for many years taken the position that he does not involve himself in matters related to shipbuilding in this country and he has always respected the guidelines in that regard.

[Research and Development, September 24th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, as I have told the member, steps have been taken and are being taken to fully investigate the matter. I am told that the internal investigation will be completed in the reasonably foreseeable future.

I should also point out that a substantial portion of the alleged overpayments have been recovered by IRAP and have been paid back to the government. I am sure that the report, when it is eventually concluded, will make all those statements clear.

[Research and Development, September 24th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I should first emphasize that the irregularities came to light by virtue of NRC's own internal processes of safeguards. It reacted immediately by launching an internal investigation and at the appropriate time informing the RCMP.

I have asked Dr. Carty to first, conclude that investigation as quickly as possible, and second, to ensure, by whatever means are necessary, that the internal processes are of the highest standard when it comes to controlling the operations of the offices.

[Science and Technology, September 23rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the member obviously gets his exercise by jumping to conclusions. What he ought to do is be responsible about this. He has already said that IRAP is an important and successful program for small and medium sized businesses throughout the country.

Rather than leaping to those conclusions, let the investigation go forward and let it run its course. We will make the details available when they are available and when it is appropriate to do so.

[Science and Technology, September 23rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I was informed yesterday by Dr. Carty that an investigation is ongoing.

I will provide the member and the House with additional details when that is proper and when they are available.

[BioChem Pharma, September 18th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I intend to do my job, which is to ensure that all commitments made by Shire at the time of the takeover are honoured.

[Highway Infrastructure, September 16th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, this road needs to be improved. We will soon be announcing, under the infrastructure fund, a strategic investment by the Government of Canada to ensure that happens, to protect the lives of those who travel this road, to ensure that Banff National Park is accessible, and to upgrade the infrastructure in that park.

[BioChem Pharma, September 16th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, as I have already stated, my concern is to ensure that all commitments are honoured. If there is a way to save the company, I am sure that private enterprise will find it. To my knowledge, the people in Montreal involved in this matter are working to see that all possibilities are examined.

[BioChem Pharma, September 16th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I invite the hon. member to examine the federal law on this matter. It is clear that the commitments are confidential for now. We cannot disclose them.

At the same time, we have certain rights and powers under the law. We intend to use them to ensure that the company honours all its commitments.

[Question No. 244, September 15th, 2003]

STATISTICS CANADA

With respect to (a), the funding earmarked for the CCHS was $28.4 million over four fiscal years to conduct the first two cycles of the survey, cycle 1.1 in 2000-01 and cycle 1.2 in 2002).

With respect to (b), for the 2000-2001 survey, 84.7% of contacted Canadians agreed to participate in the survey. The rate for the 2002 survey was 77.0%.

With respect to (c), it cost approximately $5,000 for sending second notices.