Yvon Charbonneau

[Middle East, March 15th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, March 14, was a day of solidarity with southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa Valley, and especially the people there.

This day of solidarity is a reminder of the eight day invasion of these areas by Israel 21 years ago. It also marks the security council's adoption, on March 19, 1987, of Resolution 425 proposed by the American representative calling for respect of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from that country.

Unfortunately invasions and acts of aggression have continued—in 1982, 1993, 1996 and right up to today.

A few days ago hundreds of unarmed students pushed back Israeli forces that had annexed the village of Arnoun.

Just a few days ago, even Ariel Sharon said he supported the unilateral withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

Only the implementation of Resolution 425 will bring about a just and lasting peace and security for all in this troubled area of the Middle East.

[Snow Geese, March 11th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Fisheries and Oceans.

Every year the crops of farmers in the St. Lawrence valley are ravaged by snow geese in their spring migration.

Could the secretary of state tell us what the Government of Canada intends to do to reduce the damage?

[Canada-Palestine Relations, March 8th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of International Trade.

The minister is just back from a mission to the Middle East, during which he spent some time in the territories under administration by the Palestinian Authority.

Could the minister share his impressions with us and tell us what Canada intends to do to enhance its relationship with the Palestinians?

[Semaine Internationale De La Francophonie, March 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, during the Semaine internationale de la francophonie, which will be held from March 14 to 20, some 75 organizations and associations promoting and protecting the French language will be involved in many activities.

Performances, exhibitions, literary competitions, discussions, organized events and socio-cultural conferences will go to make up an exciting program promoting French, a jewel requiring our constant protection in this very particular North American context.

These activities will take place in various regions in Quebec, and the festivities will be organized under the auspices of the honourary president, Gilbert Lacasse, the publisher of La Presse .

We therefore wish every success to the organizers of the Semaine internationale de la francophonie and thank them for contributing to the increasing awareness of one of our riches, the French language.

[Water, February 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, according to the experts who met last week under UN auspices, nearly one billion people will be threatened with a water crisis if emergency measures are not adopted by all countries, both rich and poor.

There is no doubt that this alert needs to be taken seriously. The verdict is a direct and harsh one: by the year 2025, 970 million people could be facing a serious shortage of water. What is more, according to the same experts, up to one-third of humanity is liable to experience problems. The scientific community also acknowledges these problems, so it is vital for all governments to remain vigilant and to act as promptly as possible in order to avoid this crisis, which is becoming a constantly greater source of concern.

Why not deal with the matter immediately, instead of waiting for a full-blown crisis?

[International Assistance, February 15th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, to cool things off a bit, I have a question on a rather different topic.

We read in today's newspapers that 80,000 inhabitants of Russia's far north are facing starvation. Here in Canada, we understand the challenges and difficulties faced by isolated northern communities in such situations in winter.

Would the Minister for International Co-operation tell us what the Government of Canada is going to do to help our northern neighbours during this crisis?

[International Development Week, February 4th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, this year's international development week has as its theme the celebration of Canada's actions in the world.

This is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians' contribution here and abroad to international development in co-operation with CIDA and its partners.

The main artisans of this sort of co-operation are the non governmental organizations, private sector groups, professional associations, colleges, universities and many others.

This movement for solidarity with the international community is especially important because it expresses the commitment of both the people and the Government of Canada to international development in the spirit of sharing, respect and co-operation.

In short, the Liberal government's vision clearly reflects the Canadian public's spirit of sharing and co-operation.

[Tourist Industry, December 2nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to tell you about another initiative of our government in developing our natural heritage.

On November 12, the hon. secretary of state responsible for Canada's economic development announced a $1.6 million investment to develop the recreational and tourist potential of the Saguenay fjord. Through a partnership agreement between Fisheries and Oceans, Economic Development and Heritage Canada, the pier at Anse-Saint-Jean will be redeveloped.

In addition to restoring the site's beauty, the work will help support the region's tourist industry.

The Government of Canada is proud to be associated with a project based on partnership. This initiative will promote tourism, which is a major industry in our economy.

[Election Campaign In Quebec, November 18th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, two days ago I was wondering which Lucien Bouchard would be turning up at the leaders' debate, which was held last evening.

Now we know. We were treated to a Lucien Bouchard who repeated his commitment to a referendum, provided he would win. First ambiguity.

We were also treated to a Lucien Bouchard who did not dare remind people that his party's reason for being is sovereignty and independence. Not a word on that. Second ambiguity.

We were treated to an ambiguous Bouchard, one who was on the defensive and, if re-elected, promises another period of political uncertainty and unproductive confrontation.

On the other hand, we saw very clearly that a vote for the Liberal Party is a vote for a strong Quebec, one that is open to the world, a Quebec which believes that the best way to develop fully is within Canada.

[Canada-France Interparliamentary Association, November 17th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Canadian branch of the Canada-France Inter-parliamentary Association, it is my pleasure to draw your attention to the presence in this chamber of a delegation of the French branch of our inter-parliamentary association.

The French delegation is led by French branch chairman François Loncle, the member for l'Eure, who is accompanied by fellow member François Deluga and Senator Jean-Marie Poirier.

The purpose of the meeting our association's standing committee is currently holding in Ottawa is to establish our schedule for the coming year and come to an agreement on the next steps to be taken in strengthening both the parliamentary and governmental partnership and co-operation between our two countries.