Gilles Bernier

[Reform Of Federalism, November 8th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, if our political leaders in Canada have not grasped the very clear message sent by Quebecers on October 30, they will have to live with the consequences. Quebec wishes to regain its proper place within the Canadian context. Rather than being purely symbolic, the proposed changes should respond to the legitimate and traditional demands of Quebec.

People of Canada, the steps that are taken must be in harmony with what has been said in recent weeks. Let us put an end to double talk. Federalism as we know it must be reshaped; moreover, Quebec is not the only one calling for federal withdrawal from areas of provincial jurisdiction. More than ever, we must demonstrate a desire to make the changes necessary for national unity, while respecting our differences.

[Taxation, September 27th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, as the country faces a deficit and a spiralling debt, a study by the University of Quebec in Montreal reveals that we are losing billions of dollars in tax revenue because our tax laws are so generous toward large Canadian corporations. This study, in which Professor Léo-Paul Lauzon participated, looked at 767 large corporations established

in Canada and showed that our tax laws allow many businesses to pay no taxes at all despite substantial profits.

As we are about to carry out a reform of social security, we should make fewer cuts to essential services and a few more cuts to tax loopholes of all kinds, including deferred taxes. It is high time to institute a minimum corporate tax. I hope that all levels of government will have the strength and courage to make the right decisions.

[Health Care, June 20th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the provinces are increasingly asking for greater latitude in the financing of health care. For example, they would like to be allowed to impose user fees. Yet, studies show that such fees would not help control health expenditures and could result in underuse of services by those who are really sick.

However, costs can be reduced by improving the efficiency of health care services. We all know that, all over the country, there are drug consumers, as well as some health care professionals, who abuse the system.

I hope that the government will launch an awareness campaign to ensure that Canadians are responsible consumers of the health services provided to them. Our health care system is the most generous in the world, but some profiteers make it extremely costly to the state. Moderation is the solution.

[Gun Control, May 3rd, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the people of Beauce are living a nightmarish week in the wake of a horrible and incomprehensible tragedy. A disturbed father killed his daughter and Sainte-Marie de Beauce's chief of police before killing himself. The people of Beauce, who always stand by each other, have extended their support and compassion to the families directly affected.

In this ever-changing world, which causes some people to become despondent and perturbed, we all hold great power, the power to choose: choosing to love instead of hating; choosing to heal others instead of hurting them; choosing to create instead of destroying.

In Sainte-Marie de Beauce, after the initial shock and consternation, the time for consoling and forgiveness has come. One of the things we can learn from this tragedy and the many others preceding it is that we must review the way we control guns and bring in measures to manage them wisely.

[Beauce-Franco-Manitoban Meetings, April 3rd, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, Franco-Manitobans and the citizens of Beauce want to build a better Canada where everyone is accepted and feels he belongs. This is why they have decided to set up a partnership between the stakeholders in the political institutions and business communities of both regions.

Last week, Franco-Manitobans hosted a delegation from Beauce interested in exploring possible exchanges in the economic and cultural sectors that would promote better mutual understanding.

I would like to commend this initiative, which corresponds with the wish of French Canadians to draw closer to one another, to live in harmony and to work together to create instruments of growth and development. Such an association can only help to create strong bonds of friendship among all Canadians.

[Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96, March 28th, 1995]

Agreed.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

[Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, 1995, March 28th, 1995]

I say yea, Mr. Speaker.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

[Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, March 21st, 1995]

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

[Supply, March 21st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the independent member for the riding of Beauce will vote against this motion.

[Rail Transport, March 21st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, everyone in Canada is seriously affected by the rail strike. It has already taken its toll on the country's economy, with disastrous repercussions. Production losses in many sectors have been brought to our attention.

It is never desirable for the government to force people back to work with special legislation, but in this case, this exceptional measure is warranted. Let us hope that the major changes which are necessary can be made to rail transportation in a way that helps management reach all of its goals while helping unions protect workers' rights as much as possible.

The government should also update the Labour Code and propose mechanisms which ensure that essential services will always be provided while leaving room for management and workers to work out their differences.

It is certainly possible to negotiate in good faith after back to work legislation, and I encourage the government to introduce its bill as soon as possible.