No, Mr. Speaker.
Lost his last election, in 1997, with 38% of the vote.
Agusta May 10th, 1995
No, Mr. Speaker.
Government Contracts May 9th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I do not have all the details available about which the hon. member has asked.
I want to inform the House that the government embarked upon a policy of closing down a good number of ministerial
regional offices across the country. In fact, 11 MROs have been closed at a saving of some $3.5 million to the taxpayers.
The facility in Newfoundland will not only be utilized by the minister responsible for fisheries and oceans, but will also be utilized by all ministers of the crown. It will be utilized by various ministers of state as well as other government representatives who are doing business in a province in which we believe it is very important that we get some economic activity taking place.
Government Contracts May 9th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question. The answer is no.
Harbourfront May 1st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I am happy that the Reform Party has raised this issue. It underlines its fundamental support for cultural activities in this country.
I am rather surprised that Reform members would be against Harbourfront receiving moneys in order that it can carry on its activities and contribute substantially to tourism in the province of Ontario.
The hon. member should also know that the money which has been allotted to Harbourfront is not new money. It is a reallocation of moneys from the existing department, which goes a long way to providing much needed jobs in the city of Toronto.
Harbourfront Centre April 27th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will know that in the past the Government of Canada has made contributions to this important cultural and tourism facility in the city of Toronto.
As a result of our fiscal situation and as a result of the financial pressures the group at Harbourfront is facing, I invited both parties to get together to see whether or not discussions could take place to see if we could find solutions to the problems.
Metro Toronto members of Parliament have been very helpful in providing suggestions and directions as to the ways in which we may proceed to find solutions to a very difficult situation.
I report to the hon. member that I am reasonably confident, as I stand here today and negotiations proceed, we will be able to find some common ground between ourselves and Harbourfront to ensure the facility and, most important, the Today's Japan Festival will be able to continue in the weeks ahead.
Questions On The Order Paper April 24th, 1995
In so far as Public Works and Government Services Canada is concerned:
(c) It is estimated that this relocation will result in savings of $1.4 million to 1.7 million per year for 10 years, based on an estimated net reduction of some 7,050 square metres at a market range of between $200-$250 per square metre.
The tender for this requirement closed on January 26, 1995.
Public Works and Government Services' analysis concluded that none of the six bids submitted met the technical requirements set out in the lease tender call. The financial envelopes were returned to the bidders unopended.
On March 3, 1995, I announced that the tender for this relocation would undergo a third party review before the project proceeds further.
Question No. 159-
Immigration And Refugee Board March 27th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I will have to take notice of the hon. member's question and get him an answer as soon as possible.
Canada Post March 20th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I can well understand the desire of the hon. member to try to raise some public attention.
I want to share with him that the Auditor General, in March 1994, in a special examination of the Canada Post Real Estate Group said he "was satisfied with the decision making process throughout the project. The process provided for many counter checks of information, ensuring that cost effective alternatives were well identified and documented".
Furthermore the Auditor General went on to note: "Therefore it was found that the facility planning process as it affects cost controls issues for the corporation-(were) based on sound information and realistic market assumptions".
I will provide the information to him at the most appropriate time but I would hope that the hon. member could allow this litigation process to come to a conclusion.
Canada Post March 20th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the hon. member that I am monitoring the situation and reviewing a number of allegations that have been made.
This event occurred well before our mandate commenced. It was back in 1991. It is the subject of litigation. A number of accusations have been made by a variety of different parties. In fact the CBC had made an allegation against two of the individuals.
For the benefit of all members, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read the retraction which was published: "Last week the CBC broadcast a story which implied payments had been made to Senator Pierre DeBane and to Canada Post Corporation President, Georges Clermont, in connection with the awarding of a contract for construction by Perez Construction of the new headquarters building of Canada Post in Ottawa. On investigation, CBC has determined that that story was false and unjustified. CBC retracts the story and apologizes to Senator DeBané, Georges Clermont, José Perez and the Canada Post Corporation for any embarrassment caused by the erroneous report".
I anticipate that additional allegations will come forward. Until such time as the litigation comes to a close, we will continue to monitor the situation.
Questions On The Order Paper March 14th, 1995
The following is the amount spent on or committed to advertising for the period April 1, 1994 to November 1, 1994 by departments and agencies through the Advertising Management Group (AMG).
If a department or agency is not listed, it is because there was no advertising activity undertaken for them by AMG in the stated period. Previously, departments were required to submit advertising plans to AMG annually. However, this was not the case for fiscal year 1994/95.
On May 11, 1994, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) released new guidelines for advertising and public opinion research contracting. AMG retains contracting authority for these services, as well as responsibility for providing advice and services to departments to ensure consistency with overall government priorities. The new system is being developed and will be implemented in fiscal year 1995/96.