Michel Dupuy

[Seagram, May 2nd, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I have contacts with all players in the Canadian film industry, whether they are in distribution, production, post-production or movie-theatre chains. So it is entirely normal I should have contacts with Cineplex Odeon, one of the big chains. However, at no time during my contacts with Cineplex Odeon did I discuss what was happening, in other words, the acquisition of MCA by Seagram's.

[Seagram, May 2nd, 1995]

If any details are required, here they are. We had chicken and ice tea.

I met representatives of major U.S. studios located in the Los Angeles area. I was never even remotely involved in any aspect of a transaction between Seagram's and MCA. I said it before and I say it again, I was there to defend Canadian interests, the interests of an industry that is important to Canada-the film industry-and I would expect the opposition to support these efforts to defend and promote the interests of an industry that is Canadian and located in Quebec as well.

[Seagram, May 2nd, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, it is true I had lunch in the cafeteria or just outside the cafeteria at MCA.

[Volunteer Work, May 1st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I have yet to announce the amounts that will go to volunteer organizations. I support their work because it is eminently commendable and because it furthers the development of Canadian society.

[Seagram, May 1st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, not surprisingly, our colleague is not listening to me. Of course, rumours had been going around for a few days and I am on record in Hansard as saying on April 28 that I had heard a rumour to that effect a couple of days prior to the takeover.

So, the hon. member's story shows not only that he does not listen but that he does not read Hansard . Only a wizard could have predicted exactly when the transaction would take place. In order to know, I would have had to be informed of what was going on. I did not learn about the transaction on the day it took place because, as I have been telling you repeatedly, no one kept me fully informed of this whole matter.

[Seagram, May 1st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, such trips, this one in particular, are carefully planned. As I told the House before, I had taken the time to consult with several representatives of the Canadian film industry. That qualifies as preparation.

Second, to keep travel expenses to a minimum, I do not travel abroad with an entourage of government officials unless I have to, and I dare anyone to come out and disprove it. I would also point out to our colleagues opposite that the our consul general in Los Angeles was with me at every meeting I attended. So, every single one of the allegations we have heard over the past few days is false.

[Telecommunications, May 1st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, before asking about Canadian cultural policy, our colleague should know about Canadian culture.

The hon. member seems to have been fighting to bring American culture here by supporting some American interest in the Country Music Network rather than supporting Canadian interests. It is no wonder that through a lot of accusations which have nothing to do with policy she gets a wonderful quote in the Globe and Mail . The Saturday editorial in the Globe and Mail said: ``The public has a pretty good nose for a rat and this time it is not on government benches''.

[Telecommunications, May 1st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, we are making policy and this is what seems to be so irritating to the opposition. It is important to make policy for the information highway and the bottom line of it is Canadian content. The bottom line of Canadian content is the production of Canadian content. This is what we are doing.

We are bringing the policy before the House through the direction. There will be opportunity for members of both opposition parties to express their views. This is also the reason why I have been investing time in the film industry, in order to make sure there is Canadian content.

[Seagram, April 28th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, no meeting took place and therefore the response to the second part of the question is no.

[Seagram, April 28th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of a Seagram's file in my department. The issues are related to Investment Canada, not to Heritage Canada. Therefore, there is no reason our colleague should be so concerned.