House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1997, with 47% of the vote.
Points Of Order December 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, a book entitled “Le pari de la franchise” was recently published. I think that following the announcement by the federal government of the tabling of a bill denying the fundamental rights of Quebecers, it might be useful to members of the House to take a look at a part of this book.
Consequently, I ask for the unanimous consent of the House to table this document.
An Act To Give Effect To The Requirement For Clarity As Set Out In The Opinion Of The Supreme Court Of Canada In The Quebec Secession Reference December 14th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank my colleague from the Progressive Conservative Party for supporting us in the debate on this legislation.
I would like his opinion on this: When the government speaks of self-determination, what does that mean for him? Does it mean the same thing for him as for the Liberal Party?
The Liberal Party says “Quebec has full entitlement to self-determination”, except that the Canadian government wants to tell Quebec how self-determination is to be achieved.
Even before the process is under way, the Canadian government, through the Liberal Party, will tell Quebecers how they must move toward self-determination to be recognized by the Canadian government. We know very well that, no matter how clear the question, the Liberal government will never recognize it.
In the 1993 election campaign the Liberals promised the taxpayers “If we are elected, we will scrap the GST, we will put an end to the GST, we will tear up NAFTA.” Could something be clearer than that? People believed them and elected them, but they never kept their promises.
Can we believe them when they say “If the question is clear, we will be ready to negotiate”? In their minds, clarity has nothing to do with the facts. They will go on doing as they please.
Does my colleague agree with me? I would like his comments on this.
Points Of Order December 14th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Before the House begins consideration of the bill, I would like to table in the House a study released by the Library of Parliament on the basic rights of Canadians and Quebecers. The study was carried out in 1984 and revised in—
Points Of Order December 13th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I found in my documentation a document entitled “Quebec and its Territory”, which explains why Quebec borders will be guaranteed after Quebec becomes sovereign.
Since this document will surely enlighten the House, I ask its unanimous consent to table it.
President Of The Treasury Board December 13th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, we read in the weekend newspapers that the President of the Treasury Board said she was delighted with her government's bill to fetter the Government of Quebec.
But, on November 27, 1991, the President of the Treasury Board, then a member of Quebec's National Assembly, voted in favour of a motion that the National Assembly call on the federal government to respect the process set in motion by Bill 150 and reaffirm the right of Quebecers to take responsibility for their own destiny and determine their own political and constitutional status.
Such an about-face should not surprise us. In 1995, as the minister responsible for the UNITY operation, she spent the $4.8 million her government gave Option Canada, in contravention of Quebec's referendum legislation.
Clearly, when it came to choosing between the Canadian limousine and the rights of Quebec, the member for Westmount—Ville-Marie went for the limousine.
National Defence November 26th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, before pumping more money into improving the quality of life of Canadian troops, should the minister not clearly redefine the role and priorities of his department?
National Defence November 26th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, this week, General Baril said that the effects of repeated budget cuts and the high operational level to which its forces have been subjected in recent years are being felt.
How does the minister intend to provide financial support to the army's operational level while also supporting Canada's foreign policy on human security?
Canadian Security Intelligence Service November 19th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, Paule Gauthier, the Chair of SIRC, said that the antics of CSIS have created a serious credibility problem for Canada internationally.
Does the solicitor general realize that, from the beginning of this affair, his attitude and his pat answers about how very concerned he was have done nothing to improve Canada's credibility?
Youth Criminal Justice Act November 18th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I submit the following for your consideration: could you ask for unanimous consent to continue the debate until 5.30 p.m., before disposing of the suggestion made by my colleague?
Youth Criminal Justice Act November 18th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I do not know exactly which procedure to use, but I suggest to the House that instead of pretending it is already 5.30 p.m., we have 15 more minutes to continue the debate on Bill C-3. This way, members who have not had the chance to speak could do so until 5.30 p.m., since we have the time. And when 5.30 p.m. comes, we will not have to fib, it will be the truth.