House of Commons photo

Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word was well.

Last in Parliament May 2004, as Liberal MP for Outremont (Québec)

Lost his last election, in 2011, with 24% of the vote.

Statements in the House

National Security October 4th, 2001

Mr. Speaker, first of all, allow me, once again, to congratulate the customs officers who have done a remarkable job and who have been working round the clock since September 11. We have reason to be proud of them.

Second, both prior to September 11 and since then, I have had the opportunity to meet with the business community to discuss the approach we need to take towards customs. Business people are fully aware that there are two requirements: to ensure the smooth flow of trade and also to ensure the safety of Canadians.

It is my view that Bill S-23 strikes the right balance.

Trade October 3rd, 2001

Mr. Speaker, as a matter of fact the government started work on the question of customs and the volume it faced within a global area a long time ago. Back in 1995 the government signed a shared border agreement with the United States in order to ensure that we keep that land border open for trade.

As a matter of fact a year and a half ago the government tabled a brand new reform which brings a brand new vision to customs, Bill S-23. I will be present at the finance committee tonight in order to ensure that vision, which is a balanced approach to offering Canadian society security as well as keeping trade open on the land border. This is what the government wants to do.

Terrorism October 2nd, 2001

Mr. Speaker, one should be proud that Canada customs started to reform the question of borders a year and a half ago. As a matter of fact, we have a plan in place. It is Bill S-23 which is a fantastic step ahead in the future, making sure that we will better manage the risk at the border, making sure as well that the border will remain open for trade between the two countries.

I would ask the hon. member to get involved with the team and to keep working together to ensure that we have one of the best customs systems in the world for trade, as well as for the safety of both our communities.

National Security September 28th, 2001

Mr. Speaker, it is true that Canada Customs hires students during the summer and all year long. They are receiving good training. It is part of the government's youth strategy.

As I said, they receive good training, they work under supervision and they are doing a very good job.

Firearms Registry September 28th, 2001

Mr. Speaker, when people cross the border, they have to go through the standard screening.

We have talked many times about the question of risk management. We are using different tools that we have at our disposal at the border, especially at the American border.

We are managing as well the question of the registration of firearms. However, we on this side of the House have made a choice as a society to make sure that having firearms in Canada is seen as an exception. It is not a right in Canada.

We on this side of the House want to make sure that we have a good and safe society. Canadians support that.

National Security September 28th, 2001

Mr. Speaker, one should be proud of the work done by Canada Customs since September 11, but of course one should be proud as well of Canada Customs as a whole in the sense that if there is one customs system in the world leading in regard to the brand new challenges ahead for customs systems, it is Canada Customs.

We have started to reform the whole system. As I have said many times, I met with the U.S. ambassador this week and it seems that there is really a meeting of the minds.

Talking about additional money to proceed with our Canadian reforms, we have been allocated an additional $100 million in order to put these reforms in place to keep our society safe.

National Security September 27th, 2001

Mr. Speaker, we do recognize that we have to pay attention to trade. Eighty-five per cent of our exports go to the Unites States.

However, we have to recognize as well that we started the reform the customs system a year and a half ago with Bill S-23. We are working in co-operation with the U.S. We have put in place some pilot projects, such as Canpass. We have a joint pilot project. We have to make sure that within the global marketplace, because of the volume with which we must deal, that the border works for our trade, for our business community and for our travellers. The goal of the two countries is to work hard to make sure that it does work because we do not--

National Security September 27th, 2001

Mr. Speaker, as I said, following the meeting last night there was no doubt in my mind that it was a meeting of the minds in the sense that we were moving in the very same direction.

We recognize that change on both sides of the border for the two countries is important and that with trade being the cornerstone of our economic development, we have to make sure that the border works.

In order to make sure the border works, facing the volume that we have, we came to the conclusion that Bill S-23 is a good start and that we have to keep using innovation in our human resources in a more efficient manner.

National Security September 27th, 2001

Mr. Speaker, if members on the other side of the House were at all interested in the customs system, they would know that there was something announced last June with regard to the ports and airports across Canada requesting additional resources and involving additional resources.

I want to tell the member that on this side of the House the government is very proud of our customs system. We have been working to ensure that fantastic reforms will be put in place. The problem with those members is that they did not pay attention to Canadian security or to customs. Last night I was proud to say that we are the leader--

National Security September 27th, 2001

Mr. Speaker, I first want to pay tribute to all customs officers who have been working very hard over the past few days. They have rendered wonderful services to our Canadian society and deserve a big round of applause.

Second, I requested a meeting with the U.S. ambassador and the meeting took place last night. We had a meeting of the minds in the sense that we share exactly the same vision. We both want to protect our communities by working in co-operation with each other. That is the key to success.