Robert Bertrand

[Mining, May 14th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, Quebec has been involved in mining and mineral development for over 150 years. One of the first placer gold finds in Canada took place near the Chaudière River in the Eastern Townships, and although this find would now be regarded as minor, it led to the production of thousands of ounces of gold between 1862 and 1886.

Quebec is not only the second largest mineral producer in Canada, but it has also spent the most on mining since 1992.

All this work was not done in vain. Development of the gold mine in Louvicourt started last year, and several other mines will open in the future. The Grevet zinc and copper mine will open in June 1996, the Troilus gold mine early next year, and the Raglan nickel and copper mine in 1998.

Between 1995 and 1998, $1 billion will be invested in mining in Quebec. Thanks to these new mines, the mining industry will remain a major contributor to the economy of Quebec and Canada. Mining Week-

[Laval Space Camp, May 9th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State responsible for the Federal Office of Regional Development-Quebec.

In recent weeks, the federal government has been criticized repeatedly in the press for taking funds out of the national infrastructure program budget to finance the space camp in Laval. In non equivocal terms, is the federal government contemplating dipping directly into the national infrastructure program budget to finance the space camp, yes or no?

[The Environment, May 6th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, in my opinion it is our duty as Canadian members of

Parliament to pay special honour to our country's lead role in environmental protection and promotion.

In 1992, Canada was one of the first industrialized countries to ratify the United Nations convention on biodiversity. Later, the provincial and federal governments joined forces to draw up a Canadian strategy on biodiversity. This was a fine example of federal-provincial collaboration, and one which illustrates how well Canadian federalism works.

Finally, let us recall how proud we all were as Canadians when Montreal was selected, at the second meeting of the signatories of the UN convention on biodiversity on November 13, 1995, to be the site of the permanent secretariat.

For us, the opening of that secretariat is concrete evidence of the great importance Canada assigns to universal environmental challenges.

[International Workers Day, May 2nd, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, May 1, we celebrated International Workers Day. On this occasion, we must take a moment to reflect on the situation of workers on the eve of the 21st century.

Production methods, as well as the nature and conditions of work, have changed considerably over the past century.

Still today, over 90 per cent of the population consider work the primary activity of human beings.

The challenge facing us over the next decade is to give all men and women who so wish a chance to perform a function in our society that will allow them to realize fully their abilities and that will encourage their autonomy and self development.

Hats off to workers everywhere.

[Richard Le Hir, May 1st, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Quebec's former minister responsible for restructuring, Richard Le Hir, resigned from the PQ caucus.

In his letter of resignation, which his leader, Lucien Bouchard, apparently did not have the time to read, Mr. Le Hir said, and I quote: "Quebecers must understand that sovereignty has hung like a cloud over the province for 30 years now-It is high time to begin thinking about the billions spent pursuing it, on the tax revenues that did not come our way and that could perhaps help us to hold on to what we already have".

Quebec's separatists must realize that though they may get rid of the messenger, his message still remains. Lucien Bouchard should take the time to read the important message sent him by Mr. Le Hir and recognize that it is time that the threat of sovereignty stopped weakening Quebec's economy.

[National Day Of Mourning, April 29th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, through the concerted efforts of employers, employees and various levels of government, the number of work related injuries, accidents and deaths in Canada has dropped substantially over the past ten years.

Much still remains to be done, but we are convinced that the climate of co-operation that exists between our partners, and the various prevention initiatives will help eliminate this perennial problem, which has terrible human consequences for our country.

Beyond the annual cost of work related accidents with respect to health and social services, it is the human dimension that most concerns us and that we are commemorating today.

Mr. Speaker, certain ceremonies-

[Harmonization Of Sales Tax, April 24th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's important announcement made by the Minister of Finance regarding the harmonization of the GST was well received in Quebec.

The Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance of the PQ government said: "This is very good. It sets a VAT all around us. Ours has the advantage of being the lowest one, thus putting us in a competitive position. This is good for trade and it harmonizes the economic space".

With this reaction, the PQ government proved wrong the gloomsters who keep saying that no agreement is possible between the governments of Quebec and Canada. Now that these people have been proven wrong, let us hope that the Bloc Quebecois will take note and will stop obstructing any attempt to bring the two governments closer to each other.

[Telecommunications, April 22nd, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Industry.

My constituents informed me of their frustrations with the services they are getting from the signal providers for their dish antenna systems.

Could the Minister assure my constituents that the problem with satellite dishes will be solved without them having to pay a lot more money?

[National Unity, April 19th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, over 600 federalist residents of the Outaouais met last night in the small town of Low to reiterate their deep attachment to Quebec and Canada.

Many such rallies have been held across Canada since the October 30 referendum. Citizens from all over the country are mobilizing to help resolve the constitutional crisis fuelled by Quebec separatists.

All these groups are sending a clear message. They want a united Canada and fervently hope that Quebec will remain part of it.

I commend the initiative taken by all these people seeking peaceful, unifying solutions and I can assure them that my government will do all it can to meet their legitimate expectations.

[Raw Milk Products, April 15th, 1996]

Mr. Speaker, during their discussions this past weekend, the members of the general council of the Liberal party of Canada in Quebec decided to support the claims of those who promote the consumption of raw milk products.

Moreover, the LPCQ is asking the federal government to withdraw its proposed regulations to prohibit the import and export of raw milk products. These products represent a new and very promising market for Quebec's agricultural sector.

It would be a pity not to let Quebec producers of raw milk products develop their full potential merely because of fear. This is why I join the militant wing of the LPCQ in asking the withdrawal of these draft regulations.