House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 54% of the vote.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 5th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I think it is well known that the law prevents anybody from talking about whether somebody is connected with or working with CSIS.
It has not been confirmed that Mr. Bristow is in fact linked with CSIS. I think this is a matter we should leave to the Security Intelligence Review Committee, especially since it deals with matters well before this government took office and I became minister.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 5th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have already pointed out that the allegations, and so far they are simply allegations, refer to matters that took place years before I became minister and years before this government took office. That is why I am very pleased that the arm's length independent Security Intelligence Review Committee, using the wide powers it has under the law, is looking into the matter.
I do not think it is fair or reasonable to pass judgment on the quality of that work before it is available. Once it is available, as I have said, I am ready to take any corrective action that is found necessary in the light of definite findings of problems that need to be dealt with.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 5th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the chairman of the committee is bound by the law passed by Parliament. He is in no position to ignore it unless and until Parliament amends the law.
The Security Intelligence Review Committee informs me that it is looking into all the allegations contained in the CBC report of yesterday evening. I do not think it is fair or reasonable to pass judgment on the work of SIRC in this matter until we have the report. At that time we will be in a better position to pass judgment on its work.
So far I think we should let the committee finish its work. It wants to make a report this month. I look forward to receiving it so that, if any corrective action is necessary in the light of factual findings showing definite problems, I will be able to take that action.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 5th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, we are dealing with allegations about matters that took place years before this government took office and before I became minister, but I will try to be helpful to my hon. friend.
I did not see the program. I am informed there is a reference in it to a matter reported on in the public report of the Security Intelligence Review Committee in its 1991-92 report. That was tabled in Parliament. It is a matter of public record and it speaks for itself.
Furthermore, Mr. Courtois is the head of a committee operating at arm's length from the department and the government. I think he is in a better position to explain his answers.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 4th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I think the allegations of the hon. member relate to earlier statements by the chairman. What we are talking about are reports of stories on CBC television last night, which I am informed by the Security Intelligence Review Committee will be looked into by them.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service October 4th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, CSIS denies categorically attempting to infiltrate the postal workers union.
However, I am informed that the Security Intelligence Review Committee will be reviewing the most recent allegations made on television last night on this matter.
Department Of External Affairs Act October 4th, 1994
moved that Bill C-47, an act to amend the Department of External Affairs Act and to make related amendments to other acts, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
1-900 Numbers October 3rd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I will check to see if the prison officials monitor all those outgoing calls.
In the meantime, perhaps on another occasion the hon. member can tell me why he is so fascinated by this subject.
Justice October 3rd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has raised a serious point. The decision has concerned many Canadians. I will bring her question to the attention of the Minister of Justice. I am sure he has this matter under review.
Business Of The House September 29th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, this afternoon we will continue with the Bloc opposition day. Tomorrow we will begin by returning to the debate on Bill C-22 regarding Pearson airport, followed by second reading of Bill C-52, the government services and public works reorganization bill.
On Monday we will begin with second reading of Bill C-53, the Canadian heritage reorganization bill, followed by Bill C-52 if that was not completed on Friday. We will follow this with Bill C-42, the miscellaneous amendments to the Criminal Code.
On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week the business will be in the following order. We will begin with second reading of Bill C-51, the Canada Grains Act, followed by second reading of Bill C-47, the foreign affairs reorganization bill.
If the House has not already completed Bills C-52 and C-42 we will then turn to them in the order mentioned. We will then return to other debates already begun but not completed in an order that we will consult on with the other parties.
On Thursday and Friday of next week we are proposing that a take note debate on the initiative of the government be held on the discussion paper on social security reform which is to be tabled, I believe, next Wednesday. This is to enable members to make their views known in this important, ongoing national discussion.