Herb Gray

[Regional Development, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Quebecois constantly talks about the need to co-operate with the provinces. The high speed train is a project we are looking at closely with the governments of Quebec and Ontario, and this is why these studies are necessary. Consequently, if we are to follow the advice of the Bloc, we should wait for the results of the studies and review these very carefully. As the member for Windsor, I can assure you that I have a real interest in this issue.

[Young Offenders, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I have already indicated to the House and to the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs that I intend to bring forward legislation very soon to update the parole system and the correction system in light of a number of public concerns.

In that connection I want to confirm what I have already said: The priority will continue to be the protection of the public.

[Patent Drugs, April 28th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I must point out that it is impossible for the Minister of Foreign Affairs to answer questions on matters that do not fall under his administrative responsibility. He could easily provide an appropriate answer, but the Standing Orders of this House do not allow him to respond.

I could add that the three ministers referred to by the opposition leader have demonstrated that they have obviously been working and will continue to work in the best interests of Quebecers and Canadians in general. And this work will continue to be positive and to promote the interests of Quebecers and Canadians. That has been clearly demonstrated, and the opposition's questions are not disproving anything.

[First Nations, April 27th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I am answering the question in my capacity as House leader. I point out to the hon. member that a committee chairman is not a member of the government. Therefore the concerns which underlie the hon. member's question do not apply.

Furthermore, I think we have reached the time in our society when spouses can be considered independent of members of Parliament and have their own careers.

[Hiv Testing Program, April 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, it is my recollection that in response to the report Correctional Service is augmenting its testing program so that more is being done in that regard.

[Hiv Testing Program, April 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I hope the hon. member will not mind if I answer his question. This is a matter pertaining to Correctional Service Canada.

Recently a blue ribbon committee outside of government studied the matter and made recommendations. The government through Correctional Service Canada announced it was accepting most of the recommendations, including measures to step up dealing with the problem of AIDS.

I invite the hon. member to look at that report and the response of Correctional Service. I hope he will get some satisfaction from it.

[Electoral Boundaries Readjustment, April 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I think it is considered to be improper to question motives in this House. The hon. member should know this by now.

Questions have been raised about the suitability of the redistribution process in terms of its recognition of such things as community of interest, geography and so on, in many corners of the House and in many provinces.

Again I want to say I look forward to discussing the bill with members of the other place. When it comes to Ontario Liberal members, they showed in the last election they can do pretty well on their own.

[Electoral Boundaries Readjustment, April 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, we are satisfied the bill is constitutional. It has received the support of the House. I look forward to discussing the bill with members of the other place.

[Royal Canadian Mounted Police, April 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I certainly understand the hon. member's concern about this troubling matter.

I looked at the committee transcript. I note that at the committee, Commissioner Inkster did say that "we all regret what occurred". He also said he would take the matter "under consideration".

In view of the concerns expressed today in the question by the hon. member and which were also expressed to me by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, I will be speaking further to the commissioner about it.

[Correctional Service Canada, April 22nd, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the point the hon. member has raised is being taken into account in the planning of the institution.

There will be the proper facilities and staff to deal with the fact that some people in it will be of maximum security nature. Certainly the approach we are taking makes more sense than that of the hon. member who would have the prisoners go into the institution before the staff is even hired.