Martin Cauchon

[Canada Customs And Revenue Agency, March 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, first, let us get this straight. We are talking about letters and parcels weighing more than 30 grams, which customs officials are permitted to open. Personal mail weighing less than 30 grams may not be opened without the consent of the person who sent it or the person to whom it is addressed.

In any event, the results speak for themselves: 293 drug seizures in 2000, for a total value of $23.3 million. At Canada Customs, we are doing our job.

[Canada Customs And Revenue Agency, March 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, the customs component of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is responsible for the safety of all our communities. We must ensure that all goods entering Canada comply with Canadian laws.

We also know that customs officials proceed by evaluating risk. They also do a random check. They are authorized to do what they do by section 99 of the Customs Act, which is very clear. Their results now show that they deserve praise.

[Customs And Revenue Agency, March 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, here we are talking about mail and parcels weighing 30 grams or more. Each and every time that we proceed on a random check basis there is a question of risk assessment. After we open something, a box for example, we put a stamp on it making sure that the recipient is aware that that box has been opened by Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

When we talk about personal letters, we cannot open a personal letter weighing under 30 grams without the consent of the sender or the recipient. I must tell the House that our attitude with regard to random checks has been very profitable to the Canadian—

[Customs And Revenue Agency, March 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians understand that the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, on the customs side, has a dual mandate. Part of this mandate is to make sure that we keep the communities we serve safe. As well, part of this mandate is to make sure that all goods coming into Canada respect Canadian law.

Customs, as we all know, does perform risk assessments. It also performs random checks. When we are referring here to mail and goods crossing the border, we are also talking about international mail and goods. However, we are talking about mail more than 30 grams. Personal letters are not touched at all.

[Canada Jobs Fund, February 28th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the answer to the first part of the question is that the funds have not yet been transferred to Canada Economic Development. They will be as of April.

Canada Economic Development takes initiatives to support the development of all regions of Quebec, under certain criteria that are closely monitored by Treasury Board. We work under a system of refundable contributions.

The funds that will be added to base A, that is the regular budget of Canada Economic Development, will be managed by the government so as to maximize regional development and job creation.

[Fundraising, February 22nd, 2001]

Could I be allowed to answer, please. It is within the mandate of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. We have a fair process and we all know the process.

All the organizations that are registered as charity organizations have legitimate activities. If there are any that do not have legitimate activities like terrorist organizations, for example, the solicitor general and I are working on something to ensure that those organizations will not discredit those that are acting in a good manner.

[Fundraising, February 22nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we all know with regard to charity registrations—

[Cinar, February 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, generally speaking we look at the Income Tax Act.

There are indeed cases which may involve legal proceedings. Then there are other ones that may involve voluntary disclosure. There are a number of ways to deal with a file. Each case must be examined on its own merit. We must look at the global picture. Again, I would refer people, and particularly members of parliament, to the Income Tax Act.

[Cinar, February 8th, 2001]

I would like to be able to finish answering the question.

Section 241 is very clear on that. The second important element, which I have mentioned several times, is that the Minister of National Revenue must not get involved in any of the investigations that may be conducted by the department.

Third, there are indeed various ways used by the investigations branch to settle all the issues. It goes without saying that a number of investigations must be conducted. The hon. member of the opposition should look up the Income Tax Act.

[Cinar, February 8th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, there are two important factors here. First, I cannot comment on any file—