Mr. Speaker, from what I understand, Quebec is signing its Agriculture Policy Framework implementation agreement today.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell us what this means for Quebec's farmers?
Lost his last election, in 2008, with 21% of the vote.
Agriculture October 9th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, from what I understand, Quebec is signing its Agriculture Policy Framework implementation agreement today.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell us what this means for Quebec's farmers?
National Co-Op Week October 9th, 2003
Madam Speaker, National Co-Op Week will be celebrated from October 12 to 18. This is an occasion for us to reflect on the importance of cooperatives in Canada.
The Canadian government believes that the cooperative movement has a role to play in the social and economic development of our country. Co-ops create employment for over 150,000 people and represent combined assets of over $160 billion.
The federal government recently announced the establishment of the Co-operative Development Initiative, which is intended to promote the development of co-ops, carry out research, and test innovative ways of using the cooperative model to respond to today's social and economic challenges.
The Government of Canada is working with the Conseil canadien de la coopération and the Canadian Co-operative Association, which will provide advisory services to groups wishing to develop cooperatives.
Truck Rodeo of Notre-Dame-du-Nord October 7th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this House to pay tribute to the approximately 500 volunteers and organizers involved in the truck rodeo of Notre-Dame-du-Nord.
These volunteers have turned their truck rodeo into a major international tourist attraction. This event began 20 years ago and attracts over 60,000 visitors annually to this small community of 1,200. The rodeo generates economic spinoffs of over $5 million.
The truck rodeo of Notre-Dame-du-Nord recorded a $200,000 profit this year. This profit has been redistributed in the immediate and neighbouring areas to support worthwhile community projects.
My sincere thanks go to these volunteers and my warm wishes to the organizers of this truck rodeo in my riding of Témiscamingue.
World Forestry Congress October 3rd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, Natural Resources Canada is proud to have been the lead federal department hosting the UN-FAO 12th World Forestry Congress last week in Quebec City.
The Congress is much more than a forum for Canada to demonstrate its leadership in sustainable forest management.
For some 4,000 delegates from all parts of the globe, who travelled to Quebec City for the Congress, it was an opportunity to form new partnerships, share information, and learn about the advances being made here and elsewhere in forest practices and research. Some dynamic highlights of Canada's progress were on display at the visually striking and interactive Canada Pavilion.
Canadians can be proud of our leadership in sustainable forest management which has been readily apparent to World Forestry Congress delegates. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about Canada's leadership in sustainable—
Wilfrid Lemoine September 30th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we learned this weekend of the death of Wilfrid Lemoine, one of Quebec's finest reporters. Mr. Lemoine passed away Saturday night, at the hospital centre in Granby. He was 76.
A culture buff, Wilfrid Lemoine had taken on the mission, so to speak, of bringing the big names of his generation into the homes of millions of Canadians. He interviewed such illustrious people as Salvador Dali, Simone Signoret, Georges Simenon and Juliette Gréco.
He is considered by many as the inventor of the television interview in Canada. His secret was to keep in the background, giving the interviewee the prominent place he or she deserved. In fact, his style remains as influential as always.
I take this opportunity to extend my most sincere condolences to Mr. Lemoine's family and loved ones.
Riding of Témiscamingue September 17th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I rise to speak as a newly elected member of this House, representing the riding of Témiscamingue. This week, I am experiencing a number of firsts.
It is an honour for me to take my place in this House to represent the people of my riding. I would like to thank the voters who contributed to my victory on June 16, my Liberal colleagues who gave me their confidence and support, and, finally the dedicated volunteers who encouraged me, supported me and made the campaign a success, not only for me, but for the Liberal party, making a comeback in the riding after more than 20 years.
I am proud to be the voice of the people of the riding of Témiscamingue in the House of Commons and have no doubt that we will actively seek to bring about the fair and equitable evolution of society for the benefit of all our fellow citizens.