Robert Bertrand

[Aluminum Industry, February 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State responsible for the Economic Development Agency for the Regions of Quebec.

For several days there have been reports in the Quebec daily newspapers of major investments in the aluminum industry in Saguenay—Lac-St. Jean, with reference even to an international strategy.

My question to the minister is this: What is the agency doing to support efforts to develop activities in the aluminum industry in this region?

[Armed Forces, February 25th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to our soldiers in Afghanistan. I am sure that the opposition will be pleased to hear what I have to say.

We had a report that on Thursday night Canadian troops came to the rescue of U.S. soldiers stranded with their two Chinook helicopters that were forced down in hostile territory by poor visibility and a dwindling fuel supply during a sandstorm.

Our Canadian military led a nighttime mission across a heavily mined desert near Kandahar in their high tech armoured vehicles. The six troopers from the Lord Strathcona's Horse regiment of Edmonton, using their nighttime vision equipment, located and rescued the Americans. The rescue mission by our Canadian soldiers is proof of the expertise of our military personnel and the capabilities of their equipment.

I am sure that members of the opposition will join us in sending our best wishes to our Canadian troops who are doing an excellent job in their mission in Afghanistan. This kind of mission proves once again that the Canadian armed forces have never been more combat ready.

[The Budget, December 11th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the budget presented yesterday by the Minister of Finance is characterized by its balance.

Thanks to the efforts of all Canadians, and the prudent financial management of their government, Canada is in a good position to cope with the slowdown being experienced by the world economy.

Since we became the government, we have put public finances on a healthy footing. We have put an end to 28 years of deficit, and created a budget surplus four years in a row. The resulting savings have enabled us to invest $2.5 billion in other initiatives.

The 2001 budget contains a $7.7 billion investment in national security in Canada, as well as measures to bolster our economy and maintain tax cuts. Additional tax credits for health were also included.

With this budget, the Government of Canada once again is showing that it can be trusted. There is a safe and prosperous future in store for Canadians.

[Impaired Driving, December 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, impaired driving is a serious problem in Quebec and across Canada. Too many people die tragically and pointlessly every year.

Does the Minister of Justice plan on introducing new initiatives to respond more effectively to the problem of driving under the influence of alcohol?

[Volunteers, December 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the President of Treasury Board. Today is International Volunteer Day, the closing day of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers

What has the Government of Canada done to fulfill its commitments made in the 1999 Speech from the Throne to improve relations with volunteers and the community sector?

[Anti-terrorism Act, November 27th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I believe the member for Renfrew--Nipissing--Pembroke voted twice on this motion.

[Highway Infrastructure, November 21st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, this week we learned that an agreement has been reached on the matter of Highway 50 in the Outaouais region.

The Government of Quebec and the Union des producteurs agricoles have reached agreement on the route the highway will take between Montée Laurin, at Lochaber, and Montebello. This new route will preserve the environment of the region and its arable land, as the farmers' union had demanded.

This is a step in the right direction for the development of the economy and tourism in the Outaouais area. I would remind hon. members that the federal government has invested $100 million in Highway 50 over the past 30 years. I cannot wait to see this project completed.

I hope that the outcome of this issue will lead to the completion of other highway projects in Quebec.

[Multiculturalism, November 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, this year is the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. The purpose is to seek ways in which different cultures and civilizations can communicate more effectively with one another. This cross-cultural understanding leads to acceptance and co-operation and is fundamental in the achievement of peace in our increasingly global society.

The goal is to go beyond mere knowledge of one another and encourage true interaction between civilizations. This is particularly important in conflict regions around the world but resonates everywhere. We all share the quest for a world in which cultural diversity is celebrated. A respect for human rights and freedoms is fundamental to achieving intercultural understanding.

I encourage all Canadians to take a moment to reflect on the ways in which we can encourage sharing between cultures, religions and ethnicities. It is vital particularly at this time that we seek understanding and acceptance of people from different communities both at a national level and in our personal lives.

[Lumber Industry, October 30th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the Vancouver Sun reported today that the Government of Canada will be providing up to $5.3 million to encourage Canadian lumber exports to China.

Could the Minister of Natural Resources tell the House why the government is focusing on China and how this money will be spent?

[Government Services, October 24th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the President of the Treasury Board.

We all know that more and more Canadians want to have online access to government information and services.

Therefore, could the minister tell us about the progress of the Government On-Line initiative?