Marcel Massé

[Project 2000, October 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the auditor general is quite right to indicate the seriousness of this problem because both private industry and the public sector have been dealing with it.

In terms of the public sector, we have a Treasury Board project 2000 that is at present assessing the various systems and is helping the departments to put into place the measures necessary to be able to meet that deadline.

[Rcmp Investigations, October 20th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, once again, the RCMP has stated that it has fully investigated the matter.

After a full investigation, including that aspect, it has come up with only one charge. That was against Mr. Corbeil. The RCMP has indicated that that was part of the whole case that will come out to be judged before the courts. I am sure that my hon. friend does not want to prejudice the rights of the accused or the right to a fair trial.

[Rcmp Investigations, October 20th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the RCMP has concluded its investigation. Only one person was charged, and it was clearly indicated that no more charges would be laid.

Responding to the same question in a press conference, the RCMP Inspector said: “This is covered in the report we have forwarded to the crown counsel”.

Since this will be addressed in a case —going to court, I think it is sub judice. We should not—

[Public Works, October 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the government welcomes the auditor general's report on this issue. The report also mentions there is no significant amount of damage or loss at the present time but there is certainly room to strengthen the framework and the controls.

In November 1997 the Treasury Board will issue the best practices guide for departments about acquisition cards.

[Human Resources Development, October 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the government deeply cares about people with disabilities. It is part of our various plans to try to increase their numbers in the public service.

In the last report we indicated that we increased the number of various visible minorities, but unfortunately in the area of the handicapped we have to make even greater efforts in future years.

[Rcmp Investigations, October 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, can the member come clean and tell us how he had information that was supposed to be confidential?

[Rcmp Investigations, October 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the real question is how did the member know. I learned about it from him in the House. The Conservative member mentioned at the same time that there was, which I do not know. The member also mentioned the number of the search warrant which I do not know.

The real question here is how did he know the information about there being a search warrant?

[Rcmp Investigations, October 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I am saying that what is important to know is how the Conservative member, who disclosed the information in the House, had found out? That is the real question.

[Rcmp Investigations, October 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I have already given a very clear answer to this question. One of my employees phoned the regional office in Montreal and was told that no search warrant had been executed. This information was then relayed to my legislative assistant, who mentioned to me that no search warrant had been executed. That is how it happened. It is quite simple.

Perhaps it is worth repeating that allegations were made by the opposition regarding one of my employees, and Radio-Canada had to retract yesterday. I think I should warn opposition members that the same could happen to them.

[Rcmp Investigations, October 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I already answered the question. But it is a very good question, since I learned of the existence of a warrant when a Conservative member told us.

The real question is: How did the Conservative member know that a warrant had been issued, and also knew its number, since he mentioned it in the House?