John Manley

[Booksellers, November 24th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, let me advise the member clearly of what the existing book policy is of the government.

The policy prohibits the establishment of a new retail book selling business by non-Canadians. Non-Canadians may only engage in book retailing as minority investors in Canadian controlled joint ventures. Any proposed joint venture that may be brought forward will be carefully examined under the existing powers under the Investment Canada Act to ensure that control in fact is exercised by the Canadian investors.

We do not contemplate in any way softening or weakening that policy in favour of any proposed investment. I believe the interests of the Canadian booksellers will thereby be truly protected.

[Canadian Pacific Railways, November 21st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, the decision by CP Rail was one taken by a private company. I have no knowledge of nor reason to believe that the company or any of its directors either consulted or gave information to the government in advance of that decision.

I point out that it is always regrettable when jobs are lost in any community. However, if we are going to address the ability of the private sector throughout Canada to create jobs we are going to need to do it in a way that enhances and enables the private sector to invest and thereby stimulate growth and jobs.

It would seem to me that it would be very advantageous for the city of Montreal if the kind of co-operation that was offered by the Government of Quebec was such that companies potentially investing or staying in Quebec could feel that they were doing so in an atmosphere of political stability and where they could have confidence in seeing their investments grow and improve.

[Indian Affairs, November 8th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the efficiency of the administration and the appropriateness of the conduct of the organization, the member is right that we have concerns about it. That is why I indicated to interviewers that we would be investigating it.

Not only has there been no additional federal money given to the organization, not only has the agreement with the organization terminated, but we are continuing to work with them to correct the administrative conduct if necessary. If necessary we will take whatever action is required to recover funds that were previously given to the organization.

There are two files at issue here. One is the allegation the member referred to earlier, which could lead to criminal charges. The other issue is with respect to the administration of the organization. He imputes to me powers I do not have, that of appointing the president of the organization.

[Indian Affairs, November 8th, 1995]

I did say that yesterday. I am sorry you were not listening.

Mr. Speaker, I realize that due process is sometimes seen by the Reform Party to be a bit of an inconvenience, but in this case I suggest it let the police do their work.

[Indian Affairs, November 8th, 1995]

Another member suggests that I fund it. The fact is that no funds have been advanced to that organization since 1991. The facts that are alleged to be improper on the part of the hon. member have been given to the RCMP for investigation.

[Indian Affairs, November 8th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the member implies that I run the aboriginal capital corporation in question, which is not the case.

[The Crtc, November 7th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, my personal opinion is not of importance in this matter. What will be important is that we will review the decision of the CRTC that was taken after the receipt of considerable evidence, as well as argument made by counsel. We will consider any petitions that may be received by the governor in council in response to the CRTC's decision. With that information before us, we will endeavour to make a decision that is in the best interests of the people of Canada.

[The Crtc, November 7th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, it would be premature to give a substantive response to the hon. member's question. She will know that there is a period for petitions to be received by the governor in council in response to the CRTC decision. Those may be made by any interested citizen, including the hon. member if she has specific views on what should be the response to the decision of the CRTC.

We will take all these petitions into consideration before cabinet makes any determination, if one in fact is called for by petition.

[Indian Affairs, November 7th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member describes this as a serious matter and he is right. He should treat it as such and let the police do their work.

[Indian Affairs, November 7th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, as I explained earlier, if there is evidence of the allegations that were made by the member posing the question previously, the action will be taken by the appropriate law enforcement officers. I am not going to comment on the status of investigations bearing on criminal matters.

With respect to the program itself, the hon. member will know that the incident arose under the aboriginal capital corporations part of the aboriginal business program, an area which has not received additional funding since the 1994 budget.