Martin Cauchon

[Amateur Sport, November 21st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, let us do a bit of history here. If my memory serves me right, before a provincial election campaign, the Quebec government announced that more than $10 million would be earmarked for the Petite-Rivière-Saint-François ski centre. As usual, that commitment was conditional on the participation of the Canadian government.

When we looked at the issue, we realized that not half of the studies had been conducted properly. We worked seriously and took action at the appropriate time. This is what we will do in this case.

[Amateur Sport, November 21st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as is often the case, the Quebec government is making announcements without necessarily having thoroughly examined the issues, leaving it to the Canadian government to later properly assess the situation.

The issue is being examined by both Canada Economic Development and the department responsible for amateur sport. We are reviewing the issue in the global context of Quebec's economic development.

In recent years, we have invested massively to put Quebec in a sound position as regards the new economy, research and development, and job creation.

We will have an answer as soon as the review of this issue is completed.

[Taxation, November 20th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I just do not know why the hon. member wants to score cheap political points with this issue.

We do understand that across Canada we have one of the best tax systems in the world. The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is doing wonderful work. We do have to proceed with periodic reviews of some accounts of course to ensure that the self-assessment system in place is protected. We are in touch with the associations in order to make sure we are doing a good job. We are working with the people to ensure the integrity of the system.

[Taxation, November 20th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency of course conducts periodic reviews of accounts to ensure the integrity of the self-assessment system we have in place. In regard to the matter raised by the hon. member, we do understand the sensitivity of the review. We have been in touch with different associations across Canada. We are conducting this review in the appropriate manner.

[St. Hubert Technobase, November 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the documents requested are subject to the Access to Information Act. I would simply suggest that the hon. member use that route.

[The Economy, November 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank the hon. member for his excellent question.

Indeed, the hon. member and I had the pleasure of attending the “Signé Portneuf” economic forum. This initiative, which reflects the dynamism of all the business people and residents of this great and beautiful region, helped create new partnerships, while allowing the whole region to target and prioritize certain issues.

When I delivered my closing speech, I had the pleasure of announcing that the Rural Enterprise program would be part of the regional strategic initiative and apply more specifically to this great and dynamic region.

Congratulations to the people of Portneuf.

[Charitable Organizations, November 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, first, giving a member such permission does not release me from my duty of confidentiality under the Income Tax Act.

Second, the act also provides for procedures, including a judicial review procedure. In this case, one may apply to the federal court for a judicial review within 30 days. This is not a hard and fast number. In addition, the organization may re-apply for charitable organization status.

[Charitable Organizations, November 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I have already confirmed in the House that the organization to which the member is referring had its charitable organization status withdrawn this past June.

Second, the rules on what constitutes a charitable organization are contained in the Income Tax Act. Any specific information concerning this organization is therefore confidential in nature, and I may not comment.

[Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, November 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the first annual report of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency for the year ending March 31, 2001.

[Saint-Hubert Airport, November 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, after September 11, service was indeed suspended, as it was at a number of airports. We are gradually resuming it, according to the amount of traffic at individual airports.

I am pleased to report that services were restored this morning to a number of airports, Saint-Hubert among them.