House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1993, with 52% of the vote.
Laser Weapon Systems December 13th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform this House that Canada has never produced or even used these laser weapons. Canada and other countries addressed this issue as part of the UN discussions on the use of conventional arms in order to provide clarification and ban the use of laser weapons. I can assure this House that Canada supports the measures being taken to prevent the use of these weapons.
Wei Jingsheng December 12th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I assure the hon. member we will investigate this situation. Our official in Beijing will act according to the spirit of Canada which has been never to hesitate to speak out on behalf of human rights, particularly in China.
Land Mines November 21st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, as I have said on several occasions, the objective of the Government of Canada is to eventually completely eliminate the manufacture, export and use of land mines. There are, of course, a number of countries doing this. This is why discussions are under way in the UN to gain acceptance of this objective by all countries.
Canada has already taken part in some meetings and will play an extremely active role in the next, to be held in Geneva early this coming January, in order to gain worldwide acceptance of the objective we are pursuing.
Diplomats November 21st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the hon. member did not like the answer he was given. As a matter of fact, he has just confirmed having received an answer. He may not like it, but he must understand that arrangements between government employees and Treasury Board are made under the applicable collective agreements, which are honoured by the government.
Should we exceed our powers and not comply with the terms of these arrangements, the hon. member would be the first one to complain that we are not respecting collective agreements.
Diplomats November 21st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is not up to date. Had he attended the foreign affairs standing committee's meetings, his question would have already been answered, because this issue was raised and an answer provided in committee.
Foreign Affairs November 21st, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I see that the hon. member has been reading some press articles which have motivated him to ask questions in the House.
I want to assure him that the system is fully operative. It is working to the satisfaction of the government and to the people who are using it.
Development Aid November 7th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I hope a lot of Canadians will see the film. I certainly appreciate the question of the hon. member that highlighted one aspect of the foreign aid program, the development assistance program that helped tremendously to resolve the problem of poverty in the world.
Foreign Affairs November 7th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I would like to suggest to the hon. member that if he has evidence in this regard and if he is serious with his allegation, he should go outside, make that accusation, stand for it, explain it, and give all the details.
Middle East Peace Process November 6th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, indeed we are saddened by the tragic and senseless death of Prime Minister Rabin. It is a tremendous loss for the peace process of a man who dedicated his life to his country and gave tremendous impetus to the peace process.
Canada has been a full supporter of the peace process and is playing an important role as chair of the refugee working group. Canada believes there will not be full peace in the region until the question of refugees is totally resolved. Canada will continue its efforts in this regard.
We hope that despite this great loss and tragedy the work engaged in and started by Prime Minister Rabin will be pursued and that all of Israel's neighbours will sign and agree to lasting peace in the region.
Quebec Referendum October 24th, 1995
Mr. Speaker, I looked at the transcript of President Chirac's remarks yesterday.
At the outset I want to say it was far from the endorsement the hon. member for Verchères was pretending at the beginning of question period.
President Chirac said: "If the referendum is positive the government will recognize the fact". In other words, the French authorities will arrive at the same conclusion as everybody else, that they obtained the majority. That is all.
President Chirac's policy on Canada and Quebec is one of non-indifference and of non-interference, as has always been the case with him and with the French authorities.