House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 51% of the vote.
Petitions October 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I have two petitions to present today. These petitions are signed by grandparents who following the death, separation or divorce of their children no longer have access to their grandchildren. They request parliament to amend the Divorce Act so that they will therefore from now on have access to or custody of their grandchildren.
Industry October 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, recently the Minister of Industry opened a new $6.4 million industry partnership facility at the National Research Council in Ottawa to support the start-up of the high tech industry.
What is the government doing to ensure that the work of the National Research Council of Canada is of direct benefit to communities across Canada?
Centres Of Excellence October 21st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development.
Last week, an important announcement was made regarding the networks of centres of excellence. Could the secretary of state tell this House what economic spin-offs this investment will have?
Electronic Commerce October 7th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, Canada and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development are hosting this week in Ottawa a ministerial level conference on electronic commerce entitled “A Borderless World: Realizing the Potential of Global Electronic Commerce”.
Electronic commerce makes goods and services from around the world or around the corner available, literally at the click of a mouse. It allows people to connect with each other. It facilitates the improvement and delivery of government services, reaching citizens where they live.
This leads to the growth of new industries, while meeting market requirements in a more timely and effective way.
Once again, Canada, like many countries, knows that it must play a leadership role in E-commerce.
The Late Paul Tardif September 29th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Paul Tardif, who died on August 2 at Ottawa, at the age of 90.
When he was the federal member for Russell, that riding ran from Ottawa to east of the present riding of Glengarry—Prescott—Russell.
Paul Tardif was elected four consecutive times to the House of Commons, and sat from 1959 to 1968. In all, he devoted 31 years of his life to politics, first as a school board member, then as a City of Ottawa alderman and councillor, and finally as an MP. He went on from there to become a citizenship court judge.
Mr. Tardif had a charming, colourful and gregarious personality. He was a master of grassroots politics and a master communicator. The media loved him. His constituents adored him. Those who knew Mr. Paul Tardif were always proud to be associated with him.
Cultural Diversity September 24th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, at the invitation of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, the ministers of culture of 19 countries met in Ottawa on June 29 and 30 to take part in a forum on the importance of supporting national culture at this time of globalization and of promoting co-operation to this end.
Among other things the meeting led to the formation of an international ministerial network to promote and protect cultural diversity and the establishment of a co-ordinating group comprising Sweden, Mexico, Greece and Canada.
The 10 initiatives approved include one requesting the leaders in broadcasting to promote television's cultural diversity and co-operation with the Organization of American States in order to develop a cultural plan.
The Canadian Conference on the Arts held a parallel forum on culture and co-operation, with over 60 organizations in the arts, culture and development sector participating. This shows clearly—
Petitions September 22nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I have a petition signed by many Canadians requesting that the Divorce Act be amended.
They are concerned about grandparents, who are often cut off from their grandchildren after a divorce, death or separation.
National Capital Commission June 9th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the chairman of the National Capital Commission unveiled his vision of a elegant capital for the new millennium. His vision for Canada's capital region is a challenge to us for the new millennium.
Marcel Beaudry's vision would see the opening of the waterways on both sides of the Ottawa River for all Canadians to enjoy.
A half century after visionary planner Jacques Gréber produced a master plan for Canada's capital, we now would see a new vista open up on to Parliament Hill. A world class boulevard would be developed in the core of the capital, creating a spectacular view of the Peace Tower.
I applaud this vision proposed to us by the NCC for a National Capital Region we can be even more proud of.
Year 2000 Computer Bug May 27th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there are grounds for concern about the disastrous consequences that may occur worldwide when we reach the year 2000.
Canada is not yet ready for the year 2000 and could face power grid disruptions and breakdowns in the business, health and communications sectors.
Would the Prime Minister tell all Canadians in the public and private sector of the importance of becoming year 2000 ready?
Status Of Women April 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, April 23 marks the 70th anniversary of one of the most important decisions made by the Supreme Court of Canada, namely the recognition of women as legal persons.
Prior to that decision, women had practically no rights. They could not acquire property without the signature of a legal entity. We could list many rights that women did not have.
Today, women can give their full measure in every sphere of activity. Let us hope that they will continue to take their place in our society, particularly in third world countries.