Robert Bertrand

[Job Creation, December 3rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, this morning, spectacular economic news was revealed by Statistics Canada on the country's job situation.

The unemployment rate has dropped by .3% to 6.9% nationally, the lowest rate in 18 years.

What is more, over half of the new jobs created are in Quebec. The strong growth in employment has resulted in a drop in the unemployment rate to 8.4% there, the lowest level in Quebec since April 1976.

Finally, climate of business in the private sector seems even better, since the number of employees increased by 42,000 in business in November.

Such encouraging results lead me to ask a clear question: Should Quebec separate with such good results? Certainly not.

[Canadian Forces, December 2nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, as my hon. colleague knows, the matter has been under study for a number of years and remains so. Once a report has been prepared, we will release it.

[National Defence, December 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am really surprised by the hon. member's question.

The minister appeared before the committee the other day and he made it very clear that the new helicopters will become operational around the year 2005, if I am not mistaken. This is what the minister said. Until then, we will rely on the Sea King helicopters.

[National Defence, December 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the maritime helicopter project is our top priority in terms of equipment, and we are in the process of developing a procurement strategy.

This project is based on a statement of requirements, but several other issues must be examined and other departments must be consulted. The government will make an announcement when these issues have been resolved.

[Liberal Party Of Canada, November 30th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, during the convention held last weekend by the Quebec wing of the Liberal Party of Canada, the grassroots people paid particular attention to social issues in Canada.

They urged the federal government to raise family allowances. They also proposed that the government give higher tax credits to retirees, based on their income and their age.

Another resolution passed by Liberal militants urges the government to initiate new programs that would have a direct impact on the improvement of our education system and the fight against poverty.

This is the kind of concern that women and men from all regions of Quebec discussed at our last convention.

[National Defence, November 26th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, as the minister has said many times, the Canadian military is facing major funding challenges.

The Speech from the Throne stated that the government will continue to ensure that the Canadian forces have the capacity to support Canada's role in building a more secure world and will further develop the capacity of Canadians to help ensure peace and security in foreign lands.

We are looking at creative and innovative ways to ensure the way ahead. Hard decisions and choices are being made to ensure that we can reinvest in the future in key areas, in our people and in the equipment they need to do their jobs.

[National Defence, November 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, on November 18, as a safety measure, a flight restriction was imposed on the Aurora fleet restricting the aircraft to non-pressurized flights under 10,000 feet. This precautionary measure was taken as a result of the discovery, during a regular overhaul, of corrosion on the external skin of one of the aircraft which could potentially lead to an in-flight depressurization.

Given that the Aurora's surveillance role requires the aircraft to patrol at low altitudes, below 10,000 feet, the impact of the Aurora's operation is minimal and the aircraft will continue to fly on its regular missions.

[National Defence, November 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I have answered this question several times, as has the minister.

The minister has said repeatedly that the health and safety of our members is paramount and that no Sea King will be permitted to fly if it puts our soldiers' lives at risk.

[National Defence, November 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I would point out to the member that the health and safety of Canadian armed forces personnel is of paramount importance to us.

As I said earlier, and I repeat, a decision is in the works. It is on the minister's desk, and it is up to him to make a decision. I expect it will be made shortly.

[National Defence, November 23rd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, to answer my colleague, members know that we have started to replace the search and rescue helicopters.

Regarding the replacement of the Sea Kings, the process has begun, and the minister will make a decision shortly.