Yvan Bernier

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 12th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, of course, people speculate when they see that the members opposite are taking too much time to react.

By setting aside a mere $550 million to replace TAGS, the Minister of Human Resources Development is only deferring the problem, since it will take just six months to go through this money.

Does the government realize that, with only 25% of the budget of the previous program, it will be unable to take proactive measures to reorient the fish workers and will only point them towards civil disobedience?

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 12th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, this morning, we read in the papers that the government is about to announce a $550 million program to replace TAGS.

This paltry measure represents only 25% of the previous program and is considered definitely insufficient by angry fishing communities.

Is the deputy prime minister aware that a mere $550 million to replace the Altantic Groundfish Strategy will not nearly be enough to placate the angry and dispirited fishers from the Magdalen Islands, from the Gaspé area and—

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, ordinary measures and ordinary insensitivity as well.

Does the minister realize that at stake here is not just families' survival, but the preservation of the future of these maritime communities and their way of life? Does he realize that, if he does not help these people, they will have no choice but to leave?

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 11th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the anger and impatience of the victims in the fishery crisis mount daily in Newfoundland, the Magdalen Islands, the Gaspé, all over.

All of this is happening because this government, which is responsible for the mess in the fisheries, has yet to announce substantial and fair measures to follow the TAGS program.

Does the minister, who is trying to cover his inaction with a flood of fine words, realize the explosiveness of the social situation in the maritimes and eastern Quebec, because the people—

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 10th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, not only do we have ordinary measures, we have an ordinary minister.

Does the minister realize that his technocratic attitude is responsible not only for the mess the people are in but, more importantly, for all of the current social unrest in eastern Canada?

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 10th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, again, a human tragedy is unfolding in eastern Canada.

In Newfoundland, in the maritimes, on the Magdalen Islands and in the Gaspé, people are vocalizing their dissatisfaction as the Atlantic groundfish strategy comes to an end.

Since the problem of the victims of the fishery disaster is of unprecedented scope and calls for exceptional measures, how can the minister say to us, as he did again last week, that the only plan he has in mind to help fishery workers is to draw on his government's ordinary programs?

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 9th, 1998]

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

A big demonstration in favour of a new groundfish strategy is under way as we speak in the Magdalen Islands.

We have been requesting such a strategy and the government has been thinking about it for quite some time now. What is the government waiting for to give an answer to these people who are expressing their dismay and crying out for help, especially since the premiers of the five provinces concerned are asking the federal government to take its responsibilities?

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 8th, 1998]

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

At this very moment, on the Magdalen Islands, 300 people are demonstrating in favour of substantial support measures for fishers and fishery workers when TAGS comes to an end.

Will the minister admit that this demonstration is a further indication that fishery workers are very worried about what awaits them and that they want from the federal government a response to all their demands as quickly as possible?

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 5th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, Newfoundland appears to be dissatisfied with what the minister is preparing to announce. That is a bad sign.

Given the real needs of the fishery workers, what does the minister have to reply to Newfoundland Premier Brian Tobin, who is calling for between $800 million and $1 billion to cover the four elements I spoke of yesterday?

[Atlantic Groundfish Strategy, June 5th, 1998]

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

Yesterday, the minister stated that he is preparing to make public the measures to assist fishers after the expiry of TAGS. He also said “we are working in partnership with the provinces in an effort to address the situation”.

What answer does the minister have for Minister Beaton Tulk of Newfoundland, who last Wednesday stated that the federal government had gone there to announce its intentions, not to consult him? Is this what the minister means by partnership?