House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Floating Casinos February 18th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, it is very important that we see this consultation process through. As I told this House, the interests involved are many and varied. I would rather wait and see what comes out of this consultation before stating a position.
Floating Casinos February 18th, 1997
No, Mr. Speaker. As I told this House a few months ago, we have received a proposal from the Province of Quebec concerning floating casinos.
As the hon. member knows, this requires an amendment to the Criminal Code. The justice department has initiated consultations with the provinces, the territories, the aboriginal peoples, the industry and all other interested parties.
We are now discussing every aspect of this issue with those concerned. In the months to come, I am confident that we will be able to state our position.
Airbus February 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, it is remarkable how the hon. member seems prepared, indeed enthusiastic, about interpreting a contract he very likely has never seen which contains terms with which he is entirely unfamiliar and is using amounts he has picked up from the odd television report. It is remarkable how enthusiastic the member is.
The member will know because his question was already asked and answered, much more capably I might add. The amounts at issue were paid over legislative advice with respect to legislative initiatives and all services that were rendered were entirely within those contemplated properly by the contract.
Department Of Justice February 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, it is all in the eyes of the beholder. I can only imagine what my hon. friend must see from his distant perspective back there. But whatever it is, let me assure the hon. member and the House that everything in this matter was done entirely in accordance with appropriate government practice.
Department Of Justice February 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, if there is one thing for which the hon. member for Crowfoot can be relied on, it is to get the facts wrong. Once again he has done just that.
In keeping with ordinary government practice, the Department of Justice entered into the usual competitive process and awarded a contract to an outside consultant in 1995. The usual rates were provided for in the contract. The contract was extended for a year and the services were used for a variety of legislative purposes, all in keeping with standard government practice.
It is true to say there was advice with respect to Airbus but that was one of the smallest aspects of the contract. The reality is this was the usual kind of advice provided to government departments and was well within accepted guidelines and practice.
Penitentiaries February 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as I reported to the House, everything is being done to restore order to the prison and to assure the safety and security of staff and inmates.
As the authorities look at solutions to these difficulties, I doubt very much that they will be attracted by the simple minded, medieval and repressive approaches advocated by the hon. member.
Penitentiaries February 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I understand that earlier this week
my hon. colleague, the solicitor general, met with the acting commissioner of corrections to ensure that the matter was fully reported to the solicitor general.
She informed my colleague that she and the director general of security would be at the institution this week to ensure that order is being maintained and that Correctional Service Canada has and is putting in place a plan to ensure the security of the staff as well as the inmates.
Bill C-46 February 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I undertake to do everything within my power to ensure that the bill is passed as quickly as possible.
Bill C-46 February 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member said, Bill C-46 was introduced in June to resolve all issues relating to personal records for complainants in criminal matters before the courts.
Last Tuesday, we began debate at second reading of this bill. I hope that in the coming days and weeks we will complete debate at second reading and be able to send the bill to committee.
Airbus February 5th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I am the first to acknowledge because I am the minister responsible that the procedure put in place 11 years ago had its shortcomings. It has now been fixed.
The hon. member refers to accountability and responsibility. I want to remind the hon. member that he and his colleagues in the Reform Party are accountable as well. They are required to act responsibly.
Earlier today in question period the leader of the Reform Party in a question to the Prime Minister referred to my use of the justice department for a political witch hunt. I want the hon. member and his leader to know that if they know anything, if they have any allegation against me to justify the assertion that I used the justice department in a political witch hunt then they should put it on the record. They are accountable and if they use that kind of irresponsible language without something to show for it, they will be held responsible when we go to the people.
In vernacular I hope the hon. member will understand, on that account he ought to put up or shut up.