Martin Cauchon

[Canadian Firearms Program, February 12th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the HLB report entitled “Canadian Firearms Program Review”.

[Firearms Registry, February 12th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the member is talking about costs; therefore, he is talking about Bill C-10A.

Bill C-10A indeed talks about cost reductions with regard to the gun control program. It is a shame to see that the official opposition is trying to block that bill, which would save taxpayers money. That bill would be able to streamline the process. I look forward to the support of all members of the House.

[Firearms Registry, February 12th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, one more time, this is a cheap political comment. Mr. Hession is a highly respected business person with 40 years of experience.

Second, if they would read Mr. Hession's report, they would discover a fantastic piece of work, with 16 recommendations. Those recommendations will help the government produce a good plan of action.

What they do not like is that the government is heading in the right direction. We will keep gun control on behalf of public safety and to protect Canadians

[Firearms Registry, February 12th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, they are getting lower and lower on that file. This is an important file for Canadians.

Mr. Hession is a highly respected business person. He is highly respected as well in the public sector, since he was a deputy minister. If the hon. member would read the report of Mr. Hession, in his 16 recommendations he recommended to move away from the EDS system.

[Firearms Registry, February 11th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, up until the approval of the supplementary estimates, we were moving with what we call cash management. We said that before Christmas. The program is running at minimum cost but we are able to fulfill our duty.

Of course it is a short term solution and we are sure that the House will support gun control and will support public safety when we vote on the supplementary estimates.

[Air India, February 11th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, it is a tragedy and our hearts go out to the families of the victims of that tragedy.

The attorney general of British Columbia is responsible for the prosecution of that case. Since the case is still before the court the House and the Canadian public as a whole will understand that we cannot comment on such a case.

[Air India, February 11th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the question of Air India is, of course, a tragedy. The prosecution of that case is made by the attorney general of British Columbia. Since the case is still before the court the House and the Canadian population will understand that we cannot comment.

[Child Pornography, February 10th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, first the hon. member should have a look at Bill C-20.

Let us start with Bill C-15A, which now of course actually is the legislation in Canada that we have been using. We are talking about Internet luring. The hon. member as well should recognize that in this country we have one of the toughest laws in the world. With Bill C-20, we are going to be even more effective and more efficient.

What the hon. member should do first is read the bill and, second, support the bill so it can become law in Canada as quickly as we can do it.

[Marijuana, February 10th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I fully understand the hon. member's eagerness, but I simply want to point out that the current legislation is essentially the one that is applicable.

As for the decision made by the Supreme Court before the holiday season, hon. members realize of course that I cannot comment on it.

However, I already said on a number of occasions that the government will very soon go ahead with a policy that reflects all Canadian values. We will also move forward with a policy that will allow us to achieve a balanced approach based on these Canadian values.

[Marijuana, February 10th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, a number of discussions have taken place in recent months regarding the use of cannabis in Canada.

The Senate report, which was tabled in August or September, favoured legalizing the drug.

Then, the report tabled before Christmas by the House committee advocated decriminalization, which is not to be confused with legalization.

At the time, I made it clear that the government would examine both reports and table, at the earliest opportunity, a balanced policy reflecting the values of all Canadians.