No doubt about it.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1993, with 66% of the vote.
Nuclear Industry November 1st, 1996
No doubt about it.
The Canadian Armed Forces October 30th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I wonder if I should start naming all the outstanding individuals who have ever held senior positions in the Canadian forces, in order to refute the allegations made by the hon. member.
I can tell him that today about 27 per cent of the people in the Canadian forces are francophones. I acknowledge the hon. member's concerns, and I want to give him the assurance that we are making progress with our recruitment both for the regular forces and for the officers corps, even after the closing of the military college in the province of Quebec.
Young Canadians who want to be part of the Canadian forces are very conscious of the challenge they are facing if they come from a francophone region in Canada. This has been going on for a long time, but it is improving. I am delighted to see that the hon. member is still interested in the future of the Canadian forces.
The Canadian Armed Forces October 30th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that in a number of sectors, it has always been a challenge to ensure adequate representation of francophones, and that is the case in the armed forces. The historian in question mentioned a situation which, as the hon. member pointed out, is common knowledge.
We are trying to remedy the situation, and I can inform the hon. member that it has certainly improved. If we look at all the reports made over a certain period of time, there has been an improvement but, as in many other sectors, much remains to be done, and we will try to do it to the best of our ability.
Federal Investments October 29th, 1996
There are gaps in his memory.
Federal Investments October 28th, 1996
It is blackmail.
Federal Investments October 28th, 1996
It would interesting to discuss this at the economic summit. For one thing, they like to get federal money.
Federal Investments October 28th, 1996
Maybe he could explain that at the economic summit.
The Canadian Armed Forces October 23rd, 1996
Mr. Speaker, as I told him yesterday, I hope my hon. colleague understands that the rules are the same for everyone. Not only for General Boyle, but for every public servant, every member of the military, or anyone else working for the Government of Canada.
The settlements reached with General Boyle are within the rules established by Treasury Board. If the hon. member wants to find out more, he knows what he must do, because we in Canada have laws on the protection of personal information, which, I hope, will be respected in both Canada and Quebec.
The Canadian Armed Forces October 22nd, 1996
Mr. Speaker, it is very unfortunate that the hon. member does not wish to respond to the suggestion that I made to him.
If he is suggesting that in every case where taxpayers' money is used to arrive at settlements with people who are leaving the public service or leaving the military, that it should be made public, then let us not zero in just on General Boyle, let us make sure that it is a rule across the board. In that case I would be prepared to entertain the suggestion of the hon. member.
He said in his second question that this was the rule in Quebec. For the Quebec army?
The Canadian Armed Forces October 22nd, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I am sure my hon. colleague would agree that some rules apply, whatever the circumstances.
General Boyle did resign. People who reach an agreement at the end of their careers, just like General Boyle did, are entitled to have their settlements respected and kept confidential. If the hon. member believes that all the settlements agreed upon with every employee leaving the civil service or the army should be divulged, he should tell the House that this is the policy of his party.