House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 71% of the vote.
Biotechnology Research March 18th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the research foundation in Israel has produced tremendous results in terms of promotion of trade and investment opportunities both in Israel and in Canada. It is creating thousands of jobs for Canadians.
That is the trade and opportunity that have arisen out of the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement I helped to present. There is absolutely no connection with the other matter, but I am greatly honoured by the Technion Institute's offer.
Biotechnology Research March 18th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I was very honoured by the Technion Institute's gesture which I think is a recognition of Canada's involvement in helping to support that fine institute.
The Canada-Israel Industrial Research Development Foundation is a totally separate matter. It is a totally separate fund that was established some three to four years ago to help promote a matchmaking between Israeli firms and Canadian firms for research and development in high technology co-operative areas.
That has produced a great deal of jobs in both Israel and Canada. It is a very solid and a very good program. It is in no way connected to the great honour that the Technion Institute bestowed upon me and upon this country.
Kidnappings March 11th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, Egyptian authorities apparently have only recently confirmed that Madam Tremblay's son is in Egypt.
Moving on this matter the courts have granted her access. We are certainly pressing the case as much as we possibly can to bring about its successful resolution as quickly as possibly to unite son and mother.
Kidnappings March 11th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, there is absolutely no sensitivity in terms of dealing with this case. We are very sensitive to the situation that exists. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with the mother and we continue to make representations to the Egyptian government.
We will be sending an official of our department to Cairo within the next week to continue that dialogue to try to bring a successful resolution to the matter.
I also understand the matter is due to be coming before the Egyptian courts later this year.
Ultramar March 6th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I have sympathy for the position that many people in Nova Scotia have expressed with respect to the closing of this refinery. But it was to be closed some three years ago. It is no longer producing jobs for the people of Nova Scotia.
The package that the Export Development Corporation is looking into is much broader than that one refinery. It is looking at a package that will involve some 700 person years of employment for Canadians and some 150 person years of employment for Nova Scotians.
Notwithstanding all that, the matter will be examined at the next board meeting of the Export Development Corporation.
Prescription Drugs March 5th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, our reading of section 1709(2) of the NAFTA and the WTO intellectual property clauses is that there are very limited provisions in terms of changing our present laws in any respect. It covers very urgent types of circumstances and does not allow for us to return to the pre-1993 compulsory licensing provisions.
U.S. Helms-Burton Law March 5th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, with respect to the matter concerning Wal-Mart, it is being looked at by justice officials. We expect that Canadian companies will abide by Canadian law. That was the intention of our amendments under the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act.
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs has indicated, we are continuing in our opposition to the Helms-Burton law and its extraterritorial application of American law. We believe it is fundamentally wrong in terms of international trading law.
Tobacco Act March 4th, 1997
moved that the bill, as amended, be concurred in.
Tobacco Act March 4th, 1997
moved:
Motion No. 6
That Bill C-71, in Clause 18, be amended by replacing lines 18 to 20 on page 7 with the following: c ) a promotion by a tobacco grower or a manufacturer that is directed at tobacco growers, manufacturers, persons who distribute tobacco products or retailers but not, either directly or indirectly, at consumers.''
Motion No. 17
That Bill C-71, in Clause 24, be amended by replacing lines 30 and 31 on page 9 with the following:
"readership of not less than eighty-five per cent;"
Motion No. 33
That Bill C-71 be amended by adding, after line 23 on page 22, the following:
"Coming into Force
- Subsections 24(2) and (3) come into force one year after the day this Act is assented to."
Trade March 4th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we believe that international obligations should be respected and we intend to respect them, whether they are with the WTO or with the NAFTA.
We have, in fact, secured provisions that are relevant to the protection of the health care system and relevant to the protection of culture as well.
We intend to continue to follow those rules. We expect the United States to also meet its obligations with respect to the WTO.