Herb Gray

[National Parole Board, May 4th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the cases the hon. member has been referring to took place, if I am not mistaken, three to five years ago. I am very concerned about these cases. I want to work and I am working to try to ensure that these kinds of cases are not repeated.

The parole board is an independent judicial tribunal, something akin to a court, operating under legislation passed by the House. I want to see what authority I have to make sure that the parole board functions properly.

However I think the hon. member should rethink his suggestion because it implies a course of action that may impede the protection of the public in the long run rather than help it.

[National Parole Board, May 4th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the information in question is something that concerns me greatly.

I am proceeding to get all the facts surrounding the individual's participation in these decisions. Once I have these facts I will be discussing the matter further with cabinet colleagues.

I want to add, as I have informed members of the House, that it is my intention on behalf of the government to bring forward before too long legislation to create an accountability system for members of the parole board.

[Correctional Service, May 3rd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the RCMP and the Correctional Service of Canada are currently investigating this matter very thoroughly. When additional information becomes available, I will be happy to convey it to the hon. member.

[Correctional Service, May 3rd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that an investigation is under way, but I cannot provide the House with any additional information at this time.

[Mohawks From Kanesatake, May 3rd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the administration of justice is a provincial matter, and complaints, if these matters come under the Criminal Code, are handled by the Attorney General for the Province of Quebec.

If the hon. member is talking about possible breaches of the Criminal Code then this is a matter strictly for the Attorney General of the province of Quebec and I would be happy to draw his attention to the concerns that have been reported in the press.

[Mohawks From Kanesatake, May 3rd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, as I just said, maintaining law and order comes under the provincial government, and the RCMP has no role to play in this kind of situation.

[Mohawks From Kanesatake, May 3rd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the reports are disturbing but these particular incidents are a matter for provincial jurisdiction. The Kanesatake area is not an Indian reserve and, as I said, these incidents are a matter for the province and should be brought to the attention of the Sûreté du Québec or the Government of Quebec.

[Justice, May 2nd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I will ask the Minister of Justice to look into that.

I ask the hon. member and other members of this House to consider the cost to the Canadian economy and to the Canadian population generally if it is possible for wealthy groups to influence the election unduly and not be under the same kinds of constraints as political parties. This is an issue that deserves to be considered.

I do not know why the hon. member does not want to have that done if he is concerned about democracy in this country.

[Justice, May 2nd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I am replying as government House leader.

This issue is an important one and because it is important I think it deserves to be tested in the courts.

I understand the hon. member's concerns. I will review this matter with the Minister of Justice but I continue to believe there is an important issue to be dealt with.

[Business Of The House, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, in giving the weekly business statement I want to assure all colleagues and you that I will not say a word about the subject of culture.

Tomorrow the House will resume consideration of second reading of Bill C-22 regarding Pearson airport. If that is completed we will continue with second reading of Bill C-16 respecting the Sahtu agreement.

If on Friday we have completed second reading of Bill C-22 and C-16, only then on Monday will we consider second reading stages of Bill C-23 regarding the Migratory Birds Act, Bill C-24 respecting the Wildlife Act and Bill C-12 regarding the Canada Business Corporations Act.

Tuesday, May 3 and Thursday, May 5 shall be opposition days. On Wednesday the House will resume debates that have already been commenced. I want to consult with my colleagues opposite about this business at our regular weekly meeting of House leaders next week.

This concludes my statement.