House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1997, with 54% of the vote.
Federal Public Service February 13th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, once again, the Treasury Board must clearly implement all laws that apply to its operations.
In the matter at hand, if my hon. colleague believes an impropriety has occurred, I would ask her to send me all the facts so I can see whether the legislation needs to be tightened.
Federal Public Service February 13th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there is absolutely no discussion on that point: the Treasury Board must comply with all of Canada's statutes, including the charter. This is what it tries to do at all times.
The Economy February 12th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I am surprised that a party that is supposed to be based on market principles would refuse to recognize that the top executives in the public service are absolutely necessary to the nation. We need the highest possible quality.
When a lot of them are now going to the private sector because the salaries are higher, I am surprised the Reform Party would lack the foresight to be able to pay senior public servants that we need the price they deserve in the market.
Pay Equity February 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to answer my colleague's question, especially since we have offered the union a settlement of up to $1.3 billion with respect to pay equity.
We have asked the union to submit this offer to its members because we are confident the members will accept such a generous offer.
Unfortunately, the union has thus far refused to go to its members and, therefore, we can only wait for the court to decide. But we still favour a negotiated settlement.
Federal Disaster Relief Program February 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague knows full well that his statement is incorrect. The rule was changed in 1988. It was changed by a Conservative government in which the current premier of Quebec was a minister, so he is aware of the rule.
Again, as I said, since 1988, we have denied Newfoundland, Manitoba and Quebec funding for hydro companies. The precedent is clear, the rule is clear and there have been no exceptions.
Federal Disaster Relief Program February 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, since the current rule came into force in 1988, the requests made by Newfoundland in 1994, Manitoba in 1996 and Quebec in 1996 to compensate hydro companies have been turned down.
This rule has been followed consistently since 1988, and Quebec knew this and still does.
Federal Disaster Relief Program February 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Bloc Quebecois would have done better to check his sources with Quebec's Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Brassard.
I have here a letter from Mr. Brassard replying to my offer to share costs on a 90-10 basis in which the minister tells me that such a percentage, using the criteria of the Alberta programs, would not be equitable under the circumstances.
He writes: “I suggest there be an ad hoc agreement for compensation of up to $50 million with costs borne equally by both our governments and managed jointly”.
Federal Disaster Relief Program February 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there are two programs: the usual disaster relief fund, which is the one we apply to all provinces, including Quebec.
In the case of the Saguenay, we decided to introduce an additional program for expenses not covered under financial assistance agreements. In that case, at the request of Minister Brassard himself, the costs were shared 50-50.
This was the same cost-sharing formula used in Manitoba, and it is the one we are now offering to the governments of Quebec and Ontario.
Ice Storm February 9th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, these are reasons that are often given, but they do not stand up. Large corporations such as Alcan and Bell Canada were not compensated, nor will they be.
Since the 1988 directive, electric companies in Newfoundland and Manitoba have not been compensated. Speaking of $29 billion, the Bloc Quebecois and the Parti Quebecois always forget to mention that, while Quebec paid $29 billion in taxes in 1993-94, transfer payments to that province in the same year were $41.9 billion. That is where we really come up $12 billion short.
Ice Storm February 9th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, it is true that Newfoundland received $1,750,000 in compensation in 1984, but in a situation that was completely different from the one we are now talking about.
In 1988, the directives indicated very clearly that there would not be compensation for public utilities, and it is clear that Hydro-Québec is a large company. It is a company that clearly has the ability to raise money itself. It is a company that may borrow, on international markets if need be, and it is a company that will—