House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Sports And Cultural Events December 9th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we made a commitment, we are working to fulfil it and we will do so, but it is a complex issue. Some legal considerations must be taken into account, and we must comply with the Constitution.
We will take action when we are ready to do so, not when instructed by tobacco companies.
Tobacco Act December 8th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is a little behind the times. This government introduced and this House adopted some months ago the toughest tobacco legislation in the western world. We are miles ahead of other countries. We have done things which the Europeans are planning to do in several years.
In so far as sponsorship is concerned, the amendment we will make will fulfil our commitment. We will do it when we are ready, not when the tobacco companies say.
Tobacco Act December 8th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, that is precisely what we are doing. We want the tobacco companies to know that we are not the least impressed by their pressure tactics of last week, their blackmail of withdrawing sponsorship from these groups.
We committed some time ago to an amendment to the tobacco act in relation to sponsorship and that commitment remains.
We are preparing that amendment with respect to the complexity from which it arises and we shall act when we are ready. We shall not be influenced nor shall we be intimidated by the pressure tactics of the tobacco companies.
Social Programs December 8th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member wants to know that we are prepared to reinvest more money but does not want to hear that we are reinvesting more money, if I understand his position.
We have a plan. This is the party that introduced medicare. We have no lessons to learn from the New Democratic Party. Rather than engaging in flights of rhetoric and self-righteous allegations, what we are doing is acting. We are reinvesting over $4 billion over the next four years in medicare. Canadians know that is a strong signal that we are committed to maintaining the strength of medicare.
Social Programs December 8th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, it is odd that the hon. Leader of the Opposition would raise this issue on the very day on which we are introducing the amendment to increase the transfers to provinces next year.
As of next year, indeed as of this fiscal year, we will be transferring the cash portion of $12.5 billion to provinces, an increase over what had been intended because this government puts a priority on health care. It puts a priority on preserving and strengthening medicare in this country.
Tobacco Act December 5th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, with the close attention the hon. member pays to the activities of lawyers, I know he will be aware that this government is in court at the moment vigorously defending the Tobacco Act.
The Tobacco Act is under attack by tobacco companies. They claim it is unconstitutional. We say it is entirely valid. The court will decide. One thing is clear. The Tobacco Act puts Canada in a position of leadership throughout the world for vigorous and effective steps to reduce the incidence of tobacco use among its citizens and of that we are very proud.
Health December 4th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has been reading science fiction again. He really should stick to the facts. The facts of this matter are very clear.
This is the minister and this is the government which have been signalling for months that hepatitis C victims should not have to spend a lifetime in court in order to get some kind of redress. Mr. Justice Krever's recommendation helps in that regard. The development in Quebec is very welcome.
As the hon. member knows, I will be meeting with my counterparts in the next little while to discuss where we go from here in the face of that recommendation.
Tainted Blood December 3rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the whole question of victims' compensation will be discussed among provincial, territorial and federal ministers. As I said, I hope discussions will be held soon.
Tainted Blood December 3rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that the National Assembly has now adopted the position I myself had taken upon receiving Justice Krever's report, which is that it is better to avoid spending a decade in court over these issues. It is better to hold, with the provinces and territories, consultations to deal with the recommendation made by Justice Krever.
I hope therefore to soon have the opportunity of having discussions with Mr. Rochon and the other ministers.
National Aids Strategy December 2nd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I did in fact announce yesterday in Toronto that the government will be keeping its commitment to renew the national strategy on HIV and AIDS. We will spend $211 million during the next five years.
As for co-ordination of these initiatives, I have consulted the community groups concerned and I created a ministerial council to ensure representation of those involved in this issue.