Herb Gray

[Organized Crime, February 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I discussed the matter with the Commissioner of the RCMP this morning. He informed me that the RCMP enforces the law throughout the country and that it had no knowledge of a drug warehouse on an aboriginal reserve in the Montreal area.

I may add that we must take very seriously the information I was given by the RCMP commissioner, who is one of the world's leading police officials.

[Kahnawake Reserve, February 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, it is never wise to comment on investigations in progress or on matters related to police operations. If the hon. member wants an action leading to convictions in criminal court, he should be careful in the way he formulates his questions. I do not suppose he wants to create a situation which would prevent the police from presenting enough incriminating evidence in court.

[Kahnawake Reserve, February 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I cannot confirm Mr. Vastel's article, and that is why I asked the RCMP commissioner to give me a full report as soon as possible, because these are very serious allegations.

[Kahnawake Reserve, February 14th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I have asked the RCMP commissioner for a full report on the article in question, and I expect to receive a report very shortly. The Leader of the Opposition has asked me a question on a very serious matter, and that is why I asked the commissioner for a report as soon as possible.

[Business Of The House, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, today, as we know, is an opposition day with a motion proposed by the Bloc Quebecois. Tomorrow there will be an opposition day with a motion proposed by the Reform Party.

On Monday we will deal with Bill C-9 and the amendments to the Income Tax Act. If second reading of that bill is completed we will begin second reading of Bill C-8, dealing with the right of peace officers to use a deadly force.

On Tuesday we will call the resolution regarding the Northumberland Strait Crossing. Wednesday will be another opposition day.

With respect to Thursday, I understand that if the Minister of National Defence proposes a motion to refer a review of defence policy to a special joint committee of the House and the other place, there would be a disposition in the House that the motion would pass after one day of debate. If that is the case I will be happy to have the debate take place Thursday of next week.

[Justice, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, it is the policy that somebody convicted of an offence should serve the sentence imposed by law.

If my hon. friend's proposal was followed we would be doing the convicted foreigner a favour by getting him out of the country before he paid the penalty required by Canadian law. I do not know why the Reform Party would want that to happen if its members are interested in law and order.

[Justice, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I have asked Correctional Service Canada to give me a full report on this matter. It is one I am concerned about, as is the hon. member. The police are continuing to investigate the escape. I will be happy to provide the hon. member with further information in due course.

[Royal Canadian Mounted Police, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I cannot speak for the Mohawk leaders, but I can speak for myself and for the government. I stated clearly to the Mohawk leaders and to the media that the RCMP was not planning to carry out any massive, military style raids. I did, however, say very clearly that if the RCMP felt such action was necessary, it would step in and investigate to ensure that the law is obeyed everywhere in this country.

[Royal Canadian Mounted Police, February 10th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my answer is very clear. Yes, I did.

[Tobacco Smuggling, February 9th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the government has been in place for only three months.

I can say that during this period the only guidelines I am aware of is that the RCMP should do its duty, as it always has, and enforce the laws of Canada everywhere in the country. This is what it is doing.