Mr. Speaker, I would like to state, essentially, that this service was restored today.
House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 24% of the vote.
Saint-Hubert Airport November 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I would like to state, essentially, that this service was restored today.
St. Hubert Technobase November 2nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the board of directors of Technobase which, at the risk of repeating myself, is an independent corporation, is made up of a number of elected officials from the region, in this case mayors.
It is a corporation which, in my opinion, has done an excellent job for the entire St. Hubert region and for the greater south shore of Montreal.
At the present time, over $3 million has been invested from the Canada Economic Development fund, which has made it possible to diversify the economy and also to create many jobs. We are especially proud of the work done by this corporation.
St. Hubert Technobase November 2nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, when the St. Hubert military base was closed down and those who generated a certain amount of economic activity left, we set up an independent corporation to redeploy and revitalize the region's economy.
Basically, two funds were created: a $1 million fund, designed as a last resort fund, and which took the form of risk capital and loan guarantees; and a $6 million Economic Development Canada fund to promote technological development, in line with the niche identified by Industry Canada.
I would remind the House that when one looks—
National Security November 2nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I would like to report that yesterday I was down in Washington, D.C., to discuss the customs organization as well as future co-operation with the United States. The meeting was very positive for both our organizations.
As well, we will make sure that within the next 10 days a meeting of the steering committee on the shared border agreement which we signed in 1995 will take place to seek ways of co-operation.
I was pleased yesterday to tell those representatives that with Bill S-23 we will be able to put in place a framework.
St. Hubert Technobase October 31st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should be glad to have had the opportunity to have such a dynamic team which has enabled us to create employment in her riding.
As I said, there were two funds created, a backup fund with a guarantee in the form of risk capital or loan guarantee and a $6 million fund for technological development.
As we speak, $3.7 million of the $6 million fund have been invested, have generated investments of over $27 million and have created or maintained more than 600 jobs.
Moreover, I should point out that a study by an independent firm last year recommended that we carry on, and that is what we will do.
St. Hubert Technobase October 31st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the St. Hubert Military Base Corporation was created in 1997.
Its purpose was to rediversify ensure that an economic safety net was created to provide sustained employment in the region.
Two funds were set up, one of $1 million, designed as a backup fund, and another of $6 million for technological development.
I must point out that large numbers of jobs were generated by these funds, particularly the technological development assistance fund, which created or maintained 600 jobs in the region.
National Security October 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, customs officers have been well trained. Lately customs officers have been given official powers as well as very good training. They have been provided with the additional tools to fulfill their duties. They are doing a wonderful job for our Canadian society. They all know in the field that they do not need sidearms to protect our Canadian society. That is not our vision of Canada.
National Security October 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, what I said about customs officers, I would like to be more precise. I forgot to mention the “not” which is very important indeed. We are not going to give sidearms to the customs officers as far as I am concerned.
National Security October 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we all know that, with regard to the customs organization, of course the safety and security of our employees is very important indeed. We have been discussing that question, which has been raised on numerous occasions by the union. Lately, I also met with the president of the union to discuss that. In my mind there is no question that the customs officers will be receiving sidearms.
Notwithstanding that fact, I would like to tell the House that there is a risk assessment analysis taking place at the present time. However, as far as I am concerned, with the risk assessment I have seen, there is no question we will give sidearms to the customs officers.
National Security October 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, obviously the hon. member does not know what the customs action plan is all about.
As I have said many times, we are dealing with big volumes on a daily and yearly basis. In order to make sure we are able to fulfill our dual mandate, which is the protection of Canadian society and keeping the border open for trade, we need to use more technology. Using more technology will give us a safer society. We will also make sure businesses keep growing in this country.