Raymond Lavigne

[Referendum On Quebec Sovereignty, February 24th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, in the past few days, contradictions and divisions within the separatist camp in Quebec have increased at an alarming rate.

The only thing separatist mouthpieces seem to agree on is the fact that their strategy is not working. The clever referendum process which was supposed to drive Quebecers to mobilize and unite in favour of sovereignty is not producing the expected results.

Instead of continuing to look for gimmicks, Premier Parizeau should hold without further delay a referendum on an unequivocal question about Quebec separation and let the people decide.

[Francophones Outside Quebec, February 16th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, on January 19, the PQ government decided to close Quebec's office in Edmonton, thus forcing francophones in the three Prairie Provinces and the Northwest Territories to turn to the Vancouver and Toronto offices for assistance.

On May 27, 1994, the leader of the Bloc Quebecois unveiled a policy on francophone and Acadian communities, claiming that after achieving sovereignty, Quebec would strengthen the role of its offices across Canada in promoting Quebec's co-operation programs.

Who is right? The leader of the Bloc Quebecois who wants to make more assistance available or the separatist PQ government which closes offices and cuts services to francophones outside Quebec?

[Douglas Warnock, February 7th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, we may be living in a selfish world, but a ray of hope shone over my riding of Verdun-Saint-Paul during the Christmas recess.

I refer to a local hero, Douglas Warnock, and I do not use the term lightly. On January 8, Mr. Warnock dove into the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River to haul a young mother and her daughter back to safety. When he got out of the water, he was told about another young girl, unconscious and floating downstream. He dove back in and brought her to shore.

Shivering and freezing, Mr. Warnock went back to the Verdun yacht club to warm up, leaving the victims to be cared for by others in the crowd that had gathered. Today, that mother, her daughter and her friend are alive thanks to this man's bravery.

I ask all Canadians to join me in thanking Mr. Warnock for giving us hope by demonstrating that there are still people who care enough for others.

[The Economy, December 5th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Human Resources Development.

Most of my constituents are very pleased with the numerous signs of economic recovery, including the slide in the unemployment rate. Many, however, especially young people and women, remain concerned about their future. What steps does the minister intend to take to ensure that the benefits of this recovery are enjoyed equally by all Canadians.

[Road Safety, December 1st, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I would like draw the attention of the House to two important events connected with road safety. Today marks the beginning of Road Safety Week, sponsored by the Canada Safety Council. This year's theme reminds us of the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and stresses the fact that the lives of thousands of Canadians are affected each year by this

problem. Concerning another aspect of road safety, five years ago, the federal government announced that all new motor vehicles sold in Canada were to be equipped with daytime running lights.

This morning, the Minister of Transport released a study that found that daytime running lights had prevented thousands of collisions, so that our roads are now much safer.

[Petitions, December 1st, 1994]

Madam Speaker, allow me to submit to you this petition from the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada.

[James Bay Cree, November 29th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this House that the Government of Canada has recently signed with the James Bay Cree and the Province of Quebec a significant tripartite agreement regarding policing services. It provides for current resources to double, thereby enabling the police service to better protect the members of the nine Cree communities covered by this agreement.

This First Nation administered police service will be better suited and more sensitive to the culture and the needs of the Cree people. This three-year agreement faithfully reflects the major thrusts of the First Nations Policing Policy. This policy provides for costs to be shared by the Government of Canada and the provincial government on a 52-48 basis.

I am sure, hon. colleagues, that you will want to join me in congratulating the Solicitor General of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the James Bay Cree on the signing of such a major agreement.

[Social Program Reform, November 16th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, six weeks have gone by since the green paper on social reform was published. Canadians are fully involved in the debate.

The Department of Human Resources Development has received 12,000 telephone inquiries. One hundred and fourteen thousand copies of the green book, including 33,000 in French, and 210,000 summaries have been distributed. Since late October, 190 members of Parliament have held public consultations in their ridings and 80 national organizations have appeared before the parliamentary committee.

Canadians know that changes are needed. They want to get involved and they want to debate ideas. The government is ready to listen to all Canadians.

[Petitions, October 26th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table in this House a petition signed by more than 2,000 of my constituents, who are asking the government to provide assistance so that construction work can start right away on subsidized housing in the riding of Verdun-Saint-Paul.

The disappearance of local industries has led to an unusually severe job shortage, so that residents cannot all afford decent housing.

Mr. Speaker, I agree completely with this petition which I now present to you.

[Verdun Optimist Club, October 5th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and thank Mr. and Mrs. Bérubé, presidents of the Verdun optimist club, as well as all of the club's past presidents, for the excellent work they have done.

The Verdun optimist club provides assistance to many young people in need of help in the riding of Verdun-Saint Paul.

I would also like to congratulate Mr. Pierre Lamarre on his recent appointment as president. I wish him much success in his new functions and look forward to working with him to help our young people.