Martin Cauchon

[Young Offenders, April 17th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the problem with the Bloc Quebecois, ever since it first came here, is that it refuses to work here—

[Young Offenders, April 17th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate to see that, once again, the Bloc Quebecois is continuing its misinformation campaign in Quebec.

Bill C-7 on young offenders meets the aspirations of Quebec and reflects the techniques and approach developed in Quebec.

As for the constitution, it includes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which has been widely used across the country and in a flexible manner. The charter has proven very useful to Quebec regarding many issues, including language and signs.

[Justice, April 16th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for this very important question.

We know that cannabis cultivation is a significant problem in communities across Canada. As well, as attorney general being responsible for the prosecution of those offences in most parts of Canada, it is of concern. We will keep working with local authorities in order to enforce the law, prepare cases and make sure that we bring those cases to court.

[Terrorism, April 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows very well that I cannot comment on any operations of the RCMP. We are not commenting on any specific group but, generally speaking, we know that within Canada there are people involved in terrorism just as there are anywhere else in the world. It is a global problem within a global context.

However we have to bear in mind that over the past two years the government has provided the RCMP with an additional $2 billion to fulfill its requirements. It has also been provided with additional tools such as Bill C-36 and is doing everything in its power to bring those people to justice.

[G-8 Summit, April 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, of course if there is an organization that is seen not only in Canada but all over the world as expert in that field, it is by far the RCMP. As Canadians, we are very proud of the work done by the RCMP.

I said as well, and the member knows full well, that we are not getting involved in the operations of the RCMP, but let me say it has all the tools necessary in order to proceed with fantastic services and with good risk assessment. We have to bear in mind that over the past two years the government has provided the RCMP, CSIS and all police forces with an additional $2 billion in order to fulfil their duties and their work.

We are proud. It is going to be a success and that is why they do not like--

[G-8 Summit, April 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, once again, the hon. member should not question the work of the RCMP. As I said, it is very professional.

Second, we all know, and the hon. member knows as well, that we are not getting involved in the operations of the RCMP.

Third, the RCMP is working on a risk assessment basis and of course we do know that its members are professional, they are flexible, they will react based on the threat and they have a very good operation plan in place. We do trust the work of the RCMP. This summit will be a huge success.

[G-8 Summit, April 12th, 2002]

First, Mr. Speaker, there are so many questions involved in the question that I do not know exactly which one I should answer.

One thing I know is that we are proud as Canadians to have the G-8 taking place in June in Kananaskis. It is going to be a wonderful event indeed. Of course we do know that the RCMP is a fantastic police force. Its reputation is well known all over the world. We are proud of the work it is doing.

As I said, they are professionals and they did proceed with a good risk assessment. We are not getting involved in their operations but I know that they are doing wonderful work and we are going to have a great G-8 summit meeting.

[G-8 Summit, April 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the right hon. member should know from the experience that he has that we cannot get involved in the operations of the RCMP.

With regard to the question of the G-8 and the site as well, we do know that each and every time we have such an operation the RCMP, for example as a parallel with the customs department, are working based on a risk assessment basis. They did proceed with a good risk assessment. They have an operations plan in place, and of course depending on the threat and the risk assessment, they are flexible.

[Justice, April 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the government has been very active with regard to the issue of sexual exploitation, as we all know.

We know the section within the criminal code with regard to the age of consent. As I said, it was the subject of an extensive discussion at our last federal, provincial and territorial meeting and there are consultations under way.

[Justice, April 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, that issue was raised during our last federal, provincial and territorial meeting. It was part of a discussion. As well, as we all know, consultations are taking place at this point in time, so let the consultations proceed.