Sheila Copps

[The Lieutenant Governor Of Quebec, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, many people do things in their youth they regret later. For example, the new member for Laurier-Sainte-Marie used to belong to the Marxist-Leninist Workers' Communist Party.

When asked, he said that it had lain heavy on his conscience for several years, that he wore it like a wound. Certainly, when people are young, they do things they may regret later. What is important today is to think about Jean-Louis Roux's 50 years of public work against fascism.

Since no one is holding what the hon. member for Laurier-Sainte-Marie did in his youth against him, I hope he will have the same consideration for the lieutenant governor.

[Ethics, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, the Secretary of State for Youth and Training has voluntarily furnished everything that has been asked for here in the House.

I would refer to a statement made by the member for Beaver River last Thursday when she came into the House upon the presentation of the statement by the hon. member. She said: "She admitted today in the House of Commons that it was a mistake and we appreciate that".

The member involved has admitted that she made a mistake. She has tabled all the documents. It has not cost the taxpayers of Canada a penny. If the member is truly serious about pursuing this issue, maybe she should ask her leader to be as forthcoming about his expenses in Hawaii and the other trips that he has taken at the taxpayers' expense.

[Ethics, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, the deposition of the Secretary of State for Youth and Training last week answered all these questions.

[Lieutenant-Governor Of Quebec, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, if the lieutenant-governor took part in a public demonstration when he was a student, it was certainly not a secret.

[Lieutenant-Governor Of Quebec, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, this gesture by the lieutenant-governor as a young man was a reflection of what other people were doing. His participation in an anti-conscription demonstration was a democratic act that was supported by most Quebecers.

That being said, if we want to judge the actions of Jean-Louis Roux, a man who for almost half a century of his life has fought for truth and democracy, and against fascism, we should judge the person he has become 50 years later.

[Ethics, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has always said that the person who is accountable for the integrity of his ministers is the Prime Minister himself. The Prime Minister is the person who names the ministers. He is also capable of removing the ministers.

If we were to ask the Canadian people whose integrity they have confidence in right now, the Prime Minister or the third party, I think the exodus of members from the third party speaks for itself.

[Ethics, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, I believe the Secretary of State for Youth answered the questions in the House and furnished all the documentation. She put forth the proof through the Speaker to the deputy leader of the third party. I believe last Thursday the member for Beaver River said that she would take the hon. member at her word.

[Ethics, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, I think these questions were answered by the Prime Minister, by the minister herself and by the President of the Treasury Board. I believe only three days ago the acting leader of the third party accepted her explanation.

[Lieutenant-Governor Of Quebec, November 4th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to consolidate the facts.

I would like to see the Leader of the Opposition, instead of playing politics, accept the fact that the claims he has just made in this House are false.

Mr. Jean-Louis Roux was never involved in vandalism. Yes, he did take part in demonstrations against conscription, but these were supported by the majority of Quebecers during the 1940s. He never took part in any vandalism, however, and when the Leader of the Opposition makes comments like this in the House, he ought to apologize.

[Lieutenant-Governor Of Quebec, November 4th, 1996]

It is certain that the Lieutenant Governor took part in demonstrations against conscription when he was young, and it is also certain that he was not involved in any vandalism.

What we need to do now is to reflect on Jean-Louis Roux' half century-long career in which he has always fought, and continues to fight, against fascism, regardless of its form.