Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. I will take it under advisement and report back to him.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 47% of the vote.
Export Development Corporation November 20th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. I will take it under advisement and report back to him.
International Trade November 20th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, in thanking the hon. member for her question I should report to the House that she was part of a history making event, the first female entrepreneur trade mission in the history of the country.
I am also pleased to report to the House that the minister announced a women's trade summit would be held in Toronto in 1999. Women are making a great contribution to the economy of the country.
Trade November 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question. It shows great insight into this issue.
Canada does not intend to allow a U.S. delay in the fast tracking process to interfere with Canada's own progress in this matter. There is a tremendous growth in the region with a population of over 500 million people and a gross domestic product of over $2 trillion. We are pursuing it with vigour.
Criminal Code November 6th, 1997
Madam Speaker, as the House will recall, an act to regulate the interprovincial trade and importation for commercial purposes of certain manganese based substances, Bill C-29, received royal assent on April 25, 1997. The act came into force June 24.
On April 14, Ethyl Corporation, the sole North American producer of MMT, filed a claim for damages under the investor stated dispute settlement provisions in chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The arbitration will be conducted pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Rules which provide that one arbiter be appointed by each of the disputing parties and a third appointee appointed by agreement of the disputing parties.
Three highly respected international arbiters have been appointed to the tribunal. Ethyl Corporation has named Charles Brower, a lawyer practising in international arbitration in Washington, and the Government of Canada has appointed the Hon. Marc Lalonde, a lawyer in Montreal also practising international arbitration. Mr. Karl-Heinz Bockstiegel of Germany has agreed to serve as the presiding arbiter.
On October 2 the parties met with the tribunal to discuss procedural issues. At the meeting the schedule for the coming months was set. The first oral hearing will be February 24 and February 25, 1998.
The rules and procedures governing NAFTA dispute settlement were developed with a view to ensuring a just and cost effective resolution of disputes.
As this matter is currently before the tribunal it would be inappropriate for me to express any opinion on the merits of the case. That is for the competent tribunal to decide.
Trade November 4th, 1997
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
One of the reasons for pursuing MAI is to strengthen Canada's position in world trade. We are going to go to the bargaining table in January and we will not back away and fight for those things that the hon. member is most concerned about. MAI has a great future, if we can get 29 countries together singing from the same hymn book.
International Trade October 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the government is very much aware of and giving serious consideration to this very new thing called butter oil which has been put on the market.
I assure the hon. member the government is committed to maintaining an effective supply management system for the dairy industry, one which is consistent and continues to be consistent with our international trade obligations.
Green-A-Thon October 23rd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, cleaning up our environment and making a difference in our community is not only on the minds of our leaders but is important to Canada's youth as well.
On Friday, October 24, 1997 McKenzie-Smith Bennett public school, Robert Little public school and St. Joseph's separate school, all of Acton, Ontario in my riding of Halton, will be holding a Green-A-Thon.
Some 1,300 students will participate in this event along with teachers and supervisors. The Credit Valley conservation authority has also been working very closely with the schools in planning the activities. The children will be raking leaves for seniors and the town churches in addition to cleaning up creeks as well as school property.
I commend the efforts made by all the teachers and students in making this event possible. I wish them much success in this endeavour.
Canada Co-Operatives Act October 22nd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, if Canada has learned any lesson in the last 10 years, it is that having rules for trade and for interactions between countries have been to Canada's benefit. I should point out that the free trade agreement with the United States, which is 10 years old this year, has actually resulted in a doubling of trade with the United States.
One of the advantages when we have ground rules is that we have dispute settling mechanisms. It is true that not every transaction is 100% and entirely smooth, but to have rules in place has proven to be a benefit to the country, perhaps because of our smaller size and that we do not have to participate in the jungle of international trade.
The government has been very forward in trying to put together an international multilateral agreement on investment. The negotiations have been taking place for the last three or four years. However it must go on record that negotiators are still at the point where they are negotiating what it is they want to negotiate. Those negotiations will not begin until next January.
The government has put in place a very comprehensive consultative process committed to ensuring the opportunity for full public discussion on the proposed MAI. It was initiated at the same time that MAI negotiations commenced in 1995.
Provincial officials are now consulted through regular meetings. There are conference calls. The consultation process is intensifying and will continue to do so until an agreement is reached.
Liberal Party Of Canada October 3rd, 1997
Say that outside.
Speech From The Throne October 2nd, 1997
Mr. Speaker, foreign direct investment currently accounts for one in ten jobs in Canada. It is estimated that each additional $1 billion in foreign direct investment helps to create 45,000 new jobs over five years. Encouraging more investment in Canada is one of the best ways to create jobs. Is that not the goal of the NDP?
The government has in place a comprehensive, consultative process and is committed to ensuring the opportunity for full public discussion on the proposed MAI. The member opposite has already been provided with a personal briefing on the MAI, as were all critics. In addition to a general media briefing, all members of Parliament and senators have been sent two copies of an information package on the MAI.
The minister will also be writing to the chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade to arrange his appearance before the committee.
Provincial officials are consulted through conference calls and negotiated debriefings. They have full access to working documents.
The business groups that have been consulted to date include the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Council of International Business and the Business Council for National Issues. Consultations have also taken place with groups representing specific sectors of the Canadian economy, including culture, energy, mining, telecommunications and agrifood.
With respect to non-governmental organizations, the government has to date, consulted with the Canadian Labour Congress, the Canadian Auto Workers and has been in contact with the World Wildlife Fund.
As the negotiations approach the deadline for completion in the coming year, the scope of consultations will be broadened to include additional NGOs, especially those concerned with labour and environment issues.