John Manley

[Iraq, February 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I think that Canada's role is based on our history, which involves supporting the UN process. I think that by asking the Security Council to pass a very strong resolution, we have followed Canada's traditional instinct, which is to help the world find peaceful solutions. However, there are problems that have to be resolved according to the process adopted by the Security Council.

[Iraq, February 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we can promote the inspection process but the Security Council resolution must be respected in Iraq. If the inspectors do not have access to locations where weapons may be concealed, they cannot carry out the inspection the Security Council had in mind. This is why the outcome really depends on the decision of Saddam Hussein.

[Iraq, February 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we certainly have the same objective, namely the disarmament of Iraq. I believe the Government of Iraq must respect the resolution adopted by the Security Council. This is the best way to avoid conflict in Iraq.

[Border Security, February 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to advise the hon. member at his convenience of the work that has been done under the thirty point smart border action plan that we have pursued essentially since September 11, but which was signed in December 2001, and of the establishment of the NEXUS and FAST programs that ensure rapid access across the border by shippers and frequent travellers in both directions. These are innovative new measures that make the Canada-U.S border one of the most intelligent borders in the world.

[Iraq, February 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's position on Iraq is clear and it is expressed in resolution 1441 of the United Nations Security Council. If the Alliance Party would prefer to follow other rules of engagement, other than those that are established by the international community, let it explain what those rules would be.

[Iraq, February 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure why the member feels that there is some uncertainty about looking to the United Nations in order to establish the legal authority for very serious military action in another region of the world.

We have asked for a resolution. Resolution 1441 was given. It clearly provides for a intrusive inspection regime. That has been and is being carried out. We should see what Mr. Blix has to say to the Security Council on February 14.

[Health, February 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I am stunned that he would raise this, because I know that the former deputy prime minister holds the member in such high regard.

The first ministers are still meeting. We are not at the point of determining today who is on or who is chairing such a council.

[Financial Institutions, February 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, if the finance committee so recommends, I will certainly consider it. I should also point out that anything to do with competition is a matter that needs to be addressed by the Commissioner of Competition.

[Financial Institutions, February 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I raised this matter not only in the Senate committee but also in the House committee, because I want to have their opinions. I will be delighted to examine their report carefully once it is ready.

Second, House committees are always entitled to examine any matter they wish.

[Health, February 5th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, is access to primary care fringe, or is it not a core requirement of the medical system? Is the fact that sometimes the cost of pharmaceuticals becomes catastrophic for some individuals not an important element?

What we are looking for is better results for Canadians, and this is what we have heard from Canadians from one end of the country to the other. This is what they want. This is what they expect. This is what they are seeking to achieve.