House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 51% of the vote.
Ethics October 21st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the notion of the hon. member trying limbo now is intriguing to think of, to say the least, but I am sure he will recover soon.
I think it is fair to say that the Prime Minister ought to have the time to review the report that Mr. Wilson is preparing.
Ethics October 21st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister will review the report that Mr. Wilson has been working on and give it full consideration.
Resignation of Member October 11th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, members of the House and Canadians had the opportunity to witness in the last few moments an act of personal courage that perhaps few, other than the member's own family in the gallery, appreciate fully.
The hon. member has served the House with distinction since 1993, but that was only the last phase, the most recent phase of his public service. He is known as someone who has dedicated his life to the service of the public and to public duty, as a teacher and educator as well as a member of Canada's armed forces in which he rose to the rank of brigadier general. That distinction with which he has served Canadians should be his lasting legacy as we look to him with confidence and hope that as he goes on from here, his life will continue to be one which is enriched by the love of his friends and his family and the support that he receives from them as it continues.
Quebec's Delegations Abroad October 11th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I think that the reality in modern-day Quebec is that they have seen enough disputes between the levels of government. There are projects that we have to implement together, including in health.
It would not help much to agree to give one level of government all the sources of revenues, only to then have to cut spending at another level of government. We should work together. I hope the hon. member will realize this soon enough.
Quebec's Delegations Abroad October 11th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, one can see, for example, that Quebec spends about six times more than Ontario. The point here is that all provinces and all levels of government have the authority to make their own decisions.
Therefore, if Quebec wants to spend money, that is its own decision. However, we do not want Quebec to ask us for money, to ask us to pay so that it can spend in this fashion. Quebec has the authority to levy taxes.
Persons with Disabilities October 9th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I will take that to mean that he does not know what changes he wants.
These are issues that I have worked on for a lot of years, everything from the support for assistive devices that we have created in a program in Industry Canada, through to the most recent initiatives that involve the Speech from the Throne.
I suspect the he may be concerned that some taxpayers are being asked to verify that they still qualify. Surely he would agree that the resources should be made available to those who are most in need. On that we surely can agree.
Persons with Disabilities October 9th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I would be very happy to listen to any suggestions the hon. member has on what he would like to see changed specifically.
As we pointed out yesterday, since 1996 there has been about a 70% increase in the amount of benefits being made available to disabled people in Canada. In addition, there is an indication in the Speech from the Throne that we intend to deepen and broaden that support.
What is it that he wishes to have changed?
Airline Industry October 9th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the truth is that a number of factors have been buffeting the air industry in every country in the world, particularly since September 11.
I think for a thoughtful member of Parliament to suggest that the only factor affecting services in Canada is the charge for additional security measures is really a little disingenuous. He knows that passenger levels are down, not only in Canada but elsewhere as well. Those factors all have to be taken into account when we levy a charge to ensure that people getting on an aircraft are confident that they will be safe.
Airline Industry October 9th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I do not think we disagree between parties on the requirement for increased security measures. What we disagree on is whether the user should pay for them. If that is not to be the case, I presume the Alliance is suggesting that the funds should be taken from general revenues, in other words, tax increases or a reduction in spending in other worthwhile things.
I think the principle that the user should pay is a sound one. What we are reviewing is whether the level of the charge should be reduced to make it roughly revenue neutral with the expenditures.
Ontario Hydro October 8th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question. I will endeavour to obtain an answer for him and provide it to him in writing in due course.