John Manley

[Copyright, April 29th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I think the minister responsible for this issue should answer the question.

On the committee I set up to advise my department are representatives of the cultural industries. What the hon. member just said is not true. We have on this committee some very important Quebecers, who contributed a lot to the overall cultural industry, such as Mr. Chagnon, of Vidéotron, who implemented in the Chicoutimi area a very important pilot project for the building of the information highway, as well as Mr. Bureau, former chairman of the CRTC, and many more.

I do not know why the Bloc member would think that these people do not understand cultural issues.

[Grain Transport, April 29th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Transport I will take the member's question under advisement and undertake to get a reply to him as soon as possible.

[Patent Drugs, April 29th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, if the Bloc is genuinely concerned about assurances on these things perhaps it could listen to the assurances I can offer.

This is Astra Canada: "I understand there has been some indication that an unnamed pharmaceutical firm has indicated that their $50 million investment has now been cancelled. I have had some calls inquiring as to whether or not that company is Astra. Please be assured that we remain fully committed to the establishment of our basic drug discovery facility in the city of St. Laurent. This is a very significant investment involving about $33 million in building and equipment and an annual investment of over $10 million in research".

It is the Bloc Quebecois that wants to create instability by pursuing its political goal of separation for Quebec.

[Patent Drugs, April 29th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I already indicated in the House yesterday that we intend to conduct a review, as the Prime Minister promised during the election campaign, but as the Prime Minister just said, the proposed review is not what is causing uncertainty. I can tell the hon. member that I have two press releases here, the first from Merck Frosst, issued yesterday, announcing that they have completed their engineering study and have begun the design work for the plant in question, and I quote: "We will honour our commitment because we are sure that the Canadian government will honour its commitment".

Also, I have a letter from Astra Canada.

Excuse me, Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is having-

[Privilege, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to give a short response.

There are many traditions in this House. You, Mr. Speaker, are the master of the rules of this House and you rule. I do not think this is a point of privilege but perhaps a point of order that is being made.

Surely we deprive this House of a great deal if it becomes inappropriate for a member of Parliament to recall a famous quotation from the Bard himself in response to a situation that arises.

[Mil Davie Shipyards, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, we are extremely aware of how important MIL Davie shipyards are to the Quebec region.

As the hon. member knows full well, both the federal government and the Quebec government have received a business plan and we are prepared to consider it as part of a long-term plan for the commercial viability of MIL Davie.

However, I have no doubt that the hon. member agrees with the following statement: "I hope that this policy, which calls for the rationalization of shipyards, will adhere to the fundamental principle which the government has always defended, that is the principle of free enterprise. Any other approach would only lead to lame duck solutions, and this would be to the detriment of a shipyard that already enjoys a competitive position".

These words were spoken by his colleague, the hon. member for Richelieu.

[Regional Development, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, this is a continuing campaign of confusion and obfuscation by the Official Opposition. The member's question implies that this issue simply divides along the Ottawa River. This is simply not correct.

The brand name pharmaceutical industry is as important in the province of Ontario as it is in the province of Quebec. In addition the generic industry exists in the province of Quebec as it does in the province of Ontario.

Furthermore, Canadians in all parts of the country are profoundly concerned that governments look to the companies involved in this industry, first of all to live up to the obligations that they entered into. Second, Canadians in all parts of the country are concerned about the impact of drug prices on our health care system.

If members of the Bloc Quebecois are not interested in these things, that is for them to say. However, as to the commitment of the government to an innovative economy, that is clear and will be pursued by this government with vigour and determination across Canada.

[Regional Development, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, they are not interested, and they are not even listening to the answers. Maybe that is why they do not understand.

[Regional Development, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, Bloc members are having a hard time understanding the answers to the questions. As I just said, first of all, we are very much aware of our commitments under GATT and NAFTA. Second, it is very important for us to review the performance of companies on the basis of their commitment to invest in research and development, and we also have to-

[Patent Drugs, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, every time I hear a question from the hon. member for Roberval it calls to mind the words from Macbeth : ``a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing''.