Roy MacLaren

[Trade, June 13th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, this matter first came up when the so-called Helms bill came before the U.S. Congress.

At that time, we made our objections clearly known to the United States government. Since then the administration has questioned the terms of the bill in such a way as to suggest it will not go forward in the way that was first anticipated.

On the more specific question the member raises, I have asked our embassy in Washington to inform us of the details of the U.S. treasury's proposed action. We do not have all the details yet. However, I can assure the member opposite we will do everything to make certain Canadian companies have the full opportunity to participate, as they are now doing, in the Cuban economy.

[Trade, June 9th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister some months ago raised the question of closer economic ties between Europe and North America, including the possibility of an eventual free trade agreement. He did so because on this side of the House we recognize that in the post cold war period, the era of the cold war having past, the security emphasis is no longer so central to our

relationship and should be further underpinned by closer economic ties.

In addition, we are a government that recognizes the possibilities of going beyond the commitments we made in the World Trade Organization to reduce trade barriers. We believe that initiative could be embodied in a freer trade agreement with Europe, as we have already committed to over a longer period with Asia Pacific and the western hemisphere.

[International Trade, May 19th, 1995]

The report to which the hon. member for Hillsborough refers substantiates the conclusions of similar studies in the recent past that have emphasized Canada's highly competitive position in the global marketplace. Thanks to a number of

measures that have been taken, including such factors as payroll and benefits, material and energy inputs, taxes, research and development costs, and distribution costs, as the report notes, Canada has become increasingly competitive.

I would want to emphasize that in creating jobs through such international competitiveness, the principal factor that is going to play in the future is the excellent budget the Minister of Finance brought down, which will increase further Canada's competitiveness.

[Cultural Policy, May 18th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I can confirm for the hon. member that I did indeed receive a letter from the United States trade representative that indicates the intention to embark on a section 301 action against Canada if in the time immediately ahead it is not possible for us to reach agreement on the issues the hon. member has raised.

[Fur Industry, May 17th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, earlier indications from the European Union had been that the proposed regulation would be delayed beyond January 1, 1996.

Because of the more recent indications of the European Union's likelihood of moving on the issue, we are pursuing on an urgent basis with the European Union, with the United States and Russia, with other countries directly involved in the issue, to design and agree on what is called a more humane trap so that we can resolve the issue during the current calendar year.

However, I acknowledge to the member opposite that time is short. We shall need to consider as a fallback position, if the European Union does act, whether we would seek one of the various forms of trade remedies that are open to us.

[Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act, May 1st, 1995]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-87, an act to implement the convention on the prohibition of the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and on their destruction.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)

[Trade, April 25th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, clearly Canadian interests would be adversely affected if the bill were to be implemented as it is currently drafted. For example, if enacted the provisions of the bill would violate the obligations on the United States in both the NAFTA and the new World Trade Organization. We have, therefore, protested most strongly to the United States.

As my colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has made abundantly clear, we have no intention of accepting the United States' attempts to impose on third countries its embargo on Cuba.

Finally, Canada, along with countries of the European Union and in the western hemisphere, have protested most strongly to the United States, to the state department, to the administration, and in my own case to the U.S. trade representative, to register our strong opposition to the present bill.

[Trade, March 27th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the question of sugar is being negotiated alone.

[Trade, March 27th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the discussions that were held on March 16 were part of an ongoing process of consultation with the United States. When we have had a chance to review further the United States information and material given to us on March 16, we will again be consulting the United States.

[Maintenance Of Railway Operations Act, 1995, March 25th, 1995]

It is evident to everyone, as one of my colleagues reminds me, that Team Canada must have as an underpinning the assurance of an efficient and reliable transport system. Team Canada is the combined efforts of the provinces and of the federal government to ensure that there is a concerted effort, that all the energies of Canadians provincial and federal are directed toward the achievement of our export goals. Nowhere is this more evident than in our combined efforts to ensure that small and medium size businesses are fully involved in the export successes that have marked the Canadian economy over past years.

Our efforts to promote small and medium size enterprises in the export world, including our vigorous efforts to ensure that small businesses in Quebec also enjoy those opportunities, can only be hindered by the absence of a reliable and efficient rail system. It is for that reason we oppose the amendments that have been brought forward this morning and look for an early resolution of the rail strike that is causing such disruption to our export trade.