John Manley

[Small Business, June 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I certainly noticed the survey that the leader of the Reform Party mentioned. It did indicate, although clearly according to the polls that were included in the survey this was not, you might say, our natural constituency, we were gaining in support even among that constituency in every part of the country, save for one province. That indicates that the program the government has put in place is winning support among the small business community.

It might be helpful to the Reform Party to understand that we do understand exactly the point that removing burdens from small business will help them succeed. That is why in the February budget the Minister of Finance announced that we will be reducing the payroll tax on unemployment insurance premiums. That is a key way to help small business create jobs.

[Mil Davie, June 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, essentially the member is asking about the application of the rationalization of shipbuilding policy which was effected by the previous government and supported of course by the current leader of the Bloc Quebecois.

This policy has seen the rationalization of shipyards not only in Quebec-and I see he is agreeing with that-but also in British Columbia, and in the recent announcement of a closing in Pictou. We are seeing that the rationalization policy has its impact throughout Canada. There is a continuing need for it. It is unfair of the member to suggest that the effect of that policy has fallen on only one province.

It is difficult for Canadian shipbuilders to compete in a very competitive international environment where they face significant subsidy challenges from other countries. It is in dealing with those challenges that we are trying to arrive at the best possible solution for MIL Davie as well as for the Canadian shipbuilding industry.

[Canada Wildlife Act, June 13th, 1994]

moved that the bill be read the third time and passed.

[Canada Wildlife Act, June 13th, 1994]

moved that the bill be concurred in.

(Motion agreed to.)

[Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, June 13th, 1994]

moved that the bill be read the third time and passed

[Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, June 13th, 1994]

moved that the bill, as amended, be concurred in.

(Motion agreed to.)

[Mil Davie, June 13th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, again, the smart ship was proposed but there are other interests involved and the Minister of Defence has still not decided whether it is needed.

I am a little confused by the Bloc Quebecois's attitude. Let me explain, Mr. Speaker. According to the Bloc member for Richelieu, contracts should be awarded on the basis of free competition and therefore on capitalism's basic principle of the right to make offers.

I am not sure if the Bloc supports the position of the hon. member for Richelieu or if they are asking the government to award non-competitive contracts to MIL Davie. What is their position?

[Mil Davie, June 13th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows full well, we now have a business plan for MIL Davie that has not yet been approved by the unions. A real business plan that will be the basis for MIL Davie's future must first be approved by the shareholders and the unions before we can say what MIL Davie's future will be like.

However, it must be noted that, with respect to the ferry issue, which my colleague, the Minister of Transport, has addressed on several occasions, we first have to decide whether or not a new ferry is really needed. After that decision is made, we will be in a position to answer the other questions.

[Social Sciences And Humanities Research Council, June 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, as I say, it is indeed open to all members of the House, particularly members of that committee, to raise questions such as those the member has raised with the council when they come before the committee.

I think that would be well worthwhile. It is unfortunate Reform Party members perhaps did not do their research before the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council appeared before them. That was their chance. Perhaps they will do it next year.

[Social Sciences And Humanities Research Council, June 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, yes, indeed it is.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council appeared before the industry committee on May 24. There was an opportunity at that time for members of all parties to ask questions. Certainly the member for Okanagan Centre, who is on that committee, asked among other things: "Why is the SSHRC funded so much less than the other councils?". He also said: "I am not debating the merits of your research. All of you have made an excellent case for the humanities and social sciences. I would not debate that the need is there. There is absolutely no question about that".

I am very pleased to note that the Reform Party supports the work that is being done by this granting council.