John Manley

[Oerlikon Aerospace, April 12th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I understand full well that the hon. member, like the member who earlier raised questions on the same subject, is very concerned about this company's problems. Oerlikon is working on a number of contracts. In fact, it recently received a contract worth $15 million.

Our goal is to find ways to help companies grow, not just in the field of military equipment, but in others areas of research and development, in keeping with the new economic climate.

We are prepared to work with Oerlikon, just as we are prepared to work with other firms.

[Military Industries, April 12th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the member seems to be quite mistaken about what programs actually do exist.

The government's program is set out not just in the red book which he referred to but also in the speech from the throne, the budget, and in many discussions we have had in which the member has participated. We have reinforced the importance of the conversion to a knowledge based, scientific innovation economy. That is the plan of the government. That is the direction we are going.

I hope he will get on board and help us to go in that direction.

[Military Industries, April 12th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, we are quite aware of the situation at Oerlikon, but as the member knows perfectly well, it will be several years before this company closes its doors. We already have assistance programs in place and military industries in Quebec such as Pratt & Whitney and Canadair are already receiving a lot of support from the federal government. I would suggest that the member take the time to review the situation at Oerlikon.

[Hyundai Plant In Bromont, April 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, obviously discussions have taken place between the Minister for International Trade and Quebec's Industry Minister, Mr. Tremblay. He did visit Hyundai and rather frank discussions took place. Clearly, Hyundai is having trouble finding a product to manufacture in Bromont. Our government and the Quebec government want to help Hyundai, if at all possible, to find some way to get the Bromont plant back in operation as soon as possible.

[Electronic Highway, March 17th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I think the member misunderstands what we are trying to do here.

We have formed an advisory committee. Everyone in the country is not on it. Therefore by its very nature some people are going to be excluded. The process is multifaceted. There are many ways for people to express their points of view.

With respect to the advisory committee itself, as we explained yesterday the committee will be receiving submissions from people as they wish. Reports as they become available will be made open to the public. For that matter, if the chairman and members of the committee wish to hold public hearings as far as I am concerned they are most welcome to do so.

We want a process that is both functional and inexpensive to get us to the conclusion of this part of our policy development process as expeditiously as possible and as I am sure the member would like us to do.

[Electronic Highway, March 17th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, we decided to have a consultative process with a committee, a fairly open process. All those with opinions to express can inform us if they wish; we even have an Internet address for submissions to help us prepare our policy on the electronic highway.

I do not understand why the hon. member thinks that a committee must open all its business to the public. Perhaps when the Bloc wants to open the doors to its caucus discussions, we can consider it.

[Walmart, March 17th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I can and I do give that assurance.

I can also assure the hon. member that we have obtained from Walmart very specific undertakings with respect to the development and maintenance of a Canadian supplier network, as well as an undertaking to increase the acquisition and sale of Canadian books, magazines and other cultural products in their stores.

I took the undertakings seriously enough that I felt they warranted a direct call to Mr. Walton. He gave me his personal assurance of the importance of the undertakings to us and to him.

I would like to quote the CEO of Walmart who was quoted in the Financial Post in February as saying: ``It is our intention to run a Canadian company with Canadian people, fitting in as best as we can with the Canadian culture''. I suggest that is probably the best formula for success that Walmart could follow in coming into Canada.

[Information Highway, March 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, we have Quebec's interests very much at heart. In fact, last week I met with Mr. Chagnon from Vidéotron, a company that has already unveiled a project to provide service to consumers in the Chicoutimi region. The interests of all provinces are important to this information highway project.

This is one of the means of bringing the new economy into reality in Canada in the very near future.

[Information Highway, March 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development, Mr. Gerrard, gave a speech in Toronto several weeks ago in which he clarified our interests in the information highway project. I believe that I will be in a position next week to provide the hon. member with the information he is requesting.

[Publishing Industry, March 9th, 1994]

The commitment we make is quite clear, Mr. Speaker. We are committed to ensuring that any transaction reviewable by Investment Canada is of net benefit to Canada.