Herb Gray

[Ethics Counsellor, February 13th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the leader's assertion is completely wrong. Mr. Wilson made some comments about hypothetical situations but he continued to reiterate that he had looked into the matter fully and he found that the Prime Minister had acted totally properly and within the rules, and that he did not own shares at any relevant time.

I suggest, therefore, that the Leader of the Opposition withdraw his assertion because he is only sinking deeper into the mud every time he opens his mouth about this topic.

[Health, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is mistaken in her choice of language. As I understand it, the officials in question were not working in the branch that responded to the recommendation of the food inspection agency on banning beef from Brazil.

They had no direct connection or responsibility in the area. I think it is quite proper for questions to be asked of them by their superiors as to why they were taking a position on some matter for which they were not responsible.

In that connection, I repeat, the officials in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found that there was a case for banning the import of that beef. They recommended that to the minister.

[Trade, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should listen to what he is saying. When he read from his policy he talked about foreign aid. What is the position on trade? Does he want to tell western Canadians that we should not sell wheat and other grains to China?

We are able to pursue human rights and trade at the same time. The Prime Minister is leading a vigorous dialogue in support of human rights in China and will continue to do so during his trip. He will also pursue the interest of western Canadians and all Canadians in more trade with China.

[Reproductive Technologies, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has raised a very interesting question, but one that requires a detailed answer. I will therefore take it under consideration.

[Gun Control, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, although the member's assertion about privatization is inaccurate, it is very interesting that the Alliance Party is in desperation now opposing privatization.

What will it be abandoning next? I thought it was in favour of privatization, even though this is not our position with respect to the gun control system.

[International Trade, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we have made our position available on the Internet. It is a public position. Obviously, the Bloc Quebecois does not have the same position as its Parti Quebecois masters in Quebec, who obviously want to participate fully in these negotiations and are in favour of such an agreement. This is a major difference of opinion.

[Human Rights, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the assertions of the hon. member in his premise are absolutely wrong. The Prime Minister has spoken out vigorously on human rights in China during his current visit in his meetings with the Chinese premier. He will continue to do so and maintain this dialogue throughout his visit.

I am sure that we will hear more strong words from the Prime Minister during the course of his visit. His dialogue and assertions have been confirmed by NDP Premier Dosanjh of British Columbia.

[Ethics Counsellor, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I will very carefully follow the admonition of Mr. Speaker. I hope that the Leader of the Opposition will do the same and withdraw his false assertion.

[Ethics Counsellor, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, there is no real or apparent conflict of interest. This is what was found by the ethics counsellor and this is what he confirmed on Friday. The assertion that the Prime Minister owned the shares at the relevant time is totally not accurate.

[Ethics Counsellor, February 12th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the brokers were carrying out their work pursuant to a program administered by the Quebec government. In any event, neither the Prime Minister nor the federal government have played any role in the flow of funds and where they went.