House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 24% of the vote.
Gaspé Region March 30th, 2001
Give me a few minutes to answer the opposition.
While the people in the Gaspé were effectively having economic development problems, while the people were represented by a Bloc member, the members on this side of the House met the people of the Gaspé in order to develop specific projects.
Together with the people, we invested in a special $35 million fund. We, the Liberals on this side of the House, opened an office in the Gaspé. At the moment, Mr. Speaker, it is important that—
Gaspé Region March 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, first, I did not refuse to take part in a program. I could not take part in the program, that is a different matter.
Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean March 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. I also thank him for the excellent work he is doing throughout the lovely Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region.
As is known, Canada Economic Development is taking action to help all regions, particularly the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region. Since 1996, 748 projects have been funded by Canada Economic Development out of its total programming, to the tune of $50 million, for a total of over $170 million in investments, not including the Institut de recherche sur l'aluminium. Right now, my colleague and I are working on a very important project, which we are in fact rethinking with our stakeholders at the Zoo de Saint-Félicien.
Health March 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, it is a very important question indeed. As has been said by my colleague, we are working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as well as with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
We have made sure that over the past few weeks all the necessary measures have been put into place. The mandate of Canada Customs is both economic development and the safety of our community. Since there is a risk we have taken all the necessary measures to protect our society as well as our farms.
Canadian Job Creation Fund March 23rd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the funds will soon be transferred to the various agencies according to Treasury Board guidelines. Everything is proceeding normally.
But, right now, I am wondering about the position of the opposition member, who does not believe at all in regional development. Recently, I travelled throughout Quebec to announce funding of $103 million for the community futures development corporations.
The member said that, in her region, this funding was pointless, that it was too little, too late. Yet it is extremely beneficial for her entire region in terms of job creation and economic redeployment throughout her region. We on this side of the House believe in regional development.
Canadian Job Creation Fund March 23rd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, indeed, it was in June of last year that my colleague, the Minister of Human Resources Development announced that the Canada jobs fund was wrapping up and that the regional development agencies would essentially be taking over.
Since then, Human Resources Development Canada has finished analysing the final files remaining in the Canada jobs fund. We are in the process of identifying the areas to receive these additional funds, which will soon be given out.
What I can say is that this government has always tried very hard to contribute to the regional development of the regions, notwithstanding the position taken on several occasions by numerous opposition members. We will continue to develop—
National Revenue March 22nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as I said, we will reply in due course.
With respect to the hon. member stating that we should be encouraging investments, I ask him to look at what we have done over the past six or seven years: the budgets, the zero deficit, the investments we have made in order to help science and technology, and the investments in all regions across Canada.
We will keep working with businesses in order to create jobs, even though that party does not want us to do that.
National Revenue March 22nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we have received the letter and we will reply in due course.
Ethics Counsellor March 22nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the right hon. member should know the Income Tax Act much better than that.
The cornerstone of the act is the question of confidentiality. Each and every time we refer to a specific question on a specific taxpayer, a corporation or an individual, section 241 applies. He should know much better than that.
Economic Development March 12th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for her question.
This is indeed a matter of very great importance and one which demonstrates the good will of the Government of Canada to develop all regions of Canada, and of course of Quebec as far as I am concerned, my mandate being for Quebec.
Last week was a time of celebration for the CFDCs. We announced the 20th anniversary of the network as well as the renewal of the agreement for five years. We will be injecting $103 million in additional funding over the next five years. This amount is for the 56 CFDCs which have had a hand in the past three years in maintaining or creating over 19,000 jobs. Our aim for the regions is to continue to build.