House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1993, with 52% of the vote.
War In Bosnia February 16th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure this House that the procedures put in place to allow Dutch troops to relieve Canadian peacekeepers are moving slowly but surely. Over 15 Dutch soldiers and representatives are already in Srebrenica. The military equipment needed by the troops is already in Split and we think that, in the next few days or weeks, the troops will be relieved as agreed between the parties.
War In Bosnia February 16th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the hon. member that NATO's proposals will be carried out. There is, of course, some resistance from soldiers unwilling to follow the directives of political representatives, but the Serb, Muslim and Croatian authorities have assured us of the desire to reach a negotiated peace. We hope that political will prevail over the stubbornness of a few soldiers in the field.
Museum Of Industrial History February 15th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, let me remind the hon. member that this contribution is part of a number of other contributions from the private sector. The private sector is investing three times the amount the federal government is investing in this project.
It will create employment for hundreds in the region and will serve the interests not only of the riding of the Prime Minister but the entire region.
I assure the hon. member that if he visits the area he will be proud to see that this region is benefiting from the overall expenditures of the Canadian government.
Museum Of Industrial History February 15th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, let me tell the hon. member that this project was asked for many months ago by the local authorities. In fact, the municipal government, the provincial government and all the political parties in the province of Quebec unanimously support this initiative. It is sad the hon. member's party did not run a candidate in Quebec because I suspect that party would have supported the project also.
The contribution of the federal government is modest compared with the contributions coming from the private sector and the provincial government. It will allow the creation of employment. It will be a centre of tourism. It will generate and spin off a number of financial consequences which will benefit the entire region and not exclusively the riding of the Prime Minister.
Bosnia-Hercegovina February 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his suggestion. I think he based his question on the premise that the efforts of the UN and NATO will not be successful.
Obviously we are hoping the decision taken yesterday will lead to a peaceful solution, but if it fails I certainly will consider very carefully the element of le traité de Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Bosnia February 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to tell the hon. member that, according to the latest information we have, the plan put forward and approved at yesterday's NATO meeting is being honoured by all parties. We have every reason to believe that this initiative will lead to a lasting peace, as everyone hopes.
International Lesbian And Gay Association February 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, it is important to realize that the goal of the ILGA in seeking consultative status at the UN was to raise the issue of human rights abuses against lesbians and gay men.
Irrespective of the affiliations of which we were not aware, we believed it was important that corrective measures be taken and this was done to our satisfaction. I also understand it is to the satisfaction of other countries who supported the same resolution.
International Lesbian And Gay Association February 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for giving me notice of his question. I want to tell him that when Canada, the United States and western European countries voted in favour of giving consultative status to the ILGA, they were not aware the North American Man-Boy Love Association was affiliated with the International Lesbian and Gay Association.
I am now informed that corrective action has been taken.
International Development Assistance February 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I assure the hon. member that this issue remains a priority for our government. It is one of several aspects which the Canadian government must consider in its diplomatic relations throughout the world. Of course we must raise this issue whenever we can, but isolating countries which do not share our views will not necessarily help our position with their leaders.
International Development Assistance February 9th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I must say that the hon. member's question is premature. He has every reason to support the initiatives of non-governmental organizations, which are making exemplary contributions throughout the world. I can assure him that we will do our very best not only to maintain, but perhaps even to increase the percentage going through NGOs.
However, I cannot be more specific today. Like everybody else, we have to wait to see the budget of the Minister of Finance. In this regard, all Canadians will certainly be concerned by the fact that the government must, while being just and fair, curtail the budgets of all its departments and agencies, including the Canadian International Development Agency.