Alfonso Gagliano

[Government Advertising, March 5th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, as the Government of Canada, we take part in all Canadian activities and festivals. Celebrations are held throughout the country, and we have a presence there, whether for Canada Day, Labour Day, or some other event.

[Government Advertising, March 5th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is not involved with any propaganda.

We do inform Canadians from coast to coast on what the government is doing. All programs are created for the benefit of Canadians. In Quebec, as in the other provinces, our information programs are equitable.

[Housing, March 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, right now before the House we have Bill C-66 which once passed will enable CMHC to promote Canadian housing exports across the world. This will mean job creation for Canadians and growth for the housing industry in Canada.

In 1998, for example, we had a trade mission to Chile that resulted in $14 million worth of sales. CMHC is organizing other missions right now in Germany, China, Japan, Korea and more. The government believes in and supports the housing industry in Canada.

[Homelessness, March 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, we are concerned with the problem. We are working with some provincial governments. Some provincial governments are not working with us. For example, perhaps the NDP leader should talk to the NDP government in British Columbia which does not participate in the RRAP program. If the Government of British Columbia participated in the RRAP program, it would have more money for the homeless.

In the meantime, last year we created 2,800 affordable units and this year we expect to have 3,000. Also, $12 million from RRAP will be targeted for—

[Public Works, February 15th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, this issue has been debated in the House. There have been different meetings between the premier of Alberta and the Prime Minister. Canada lands is looking at the issue. There are Treasury Board guidelines for transfer of land between the federal government and the provinces. If the province wants the land for its college and it is ready to apply the Treasury Board guidelines, we will be pleased to give it.

[Social Housing, February 12th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation did not wait for the member's request to invest the savings it made through good management.

In January 1998, as I mentioned earlier, $250 million was invested in the RRAP program, from which Quebec is benefiting fully. Moreover, I announced a further $50 million in December.

I would also like to inform the House that we are working with various levels of government and the private sector to build affordable housing; 2,800 affordable units were built in 1998 and—

[Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation, February 12th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, in January 1998 the Canadian government announced $250 million in funds for RRAP. Furthermore, I announced in December an additional $50 million for this year ending March 31. The money will go toward programs for the homeless and persons with disabilities, the home ownership program, home adaptation for seniors, emergency repair programs and services for aboriginals.

Thanks to RRAP extended by the government, 7,500 Canadians have been helped with their homes. If the province of Ontario would have participated in RRAP we would have had more.

[Social Housing, February 11th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that we are working in co-operation with the provinces.

Take for example the RRAP program in Quebec, where the member comes from and which takes full advantage of the program. More than 30% of the RRAP budget is spent in Quebec, and other provinces benefit as well.

We are working on convincing those provinces that do not participate in the program to change their minds, so that all Canadians can benefit from this federal program.

[Canada Post, February 11th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I have no knowledge of the incident the hon. member just referred to. I will inquire and report back.

[National Housing Act, February 11th, 1999]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-66, an act to amend the National Housing Act and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act and to make a consequential amendment to another act.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)