House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 43% of the vote.
Technology Partnerships Canada January 31st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we are doing the review and we will make it available as soon as we are satisfied that we have it right.
We have said continuously that the technology partnerships program is based on long term recovery of investments in technology; as much as 20 years. It will not happen in five years. We are not a chartered bank. We are not out there to make profits off small companies. We are out there to incent the adoption of technologies.
Technology Partnerships Canada January 31st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I think every research study that has been done by independent, arm's length research organizations indicate that we have a technology deficit in Canada. We are not doing enough research and development in Canada. Technology Partnerships Canada is a way to encourage small and medium size firms.
Incidentally, 88% of TPC contributions go to small and medium size companies. That is the way to ensure the Canadian economy maximizes its potential.
Aerospace Industry December 14th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we are well along in the development of a national aerospace policy. Bombardier has been having troubles that are a fallout from the crisis in the airline industry. It has been going on for several years.
Paul Tellier has done a great job. I would like to pay tribute to the good work he has done. We look forward to a stronger, healthier aerospace industry going forward, and a healthier, stronger Bombardier. We will be there to support the industry.
Commercial Bankruptcies December 14th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Labour and Housing and I are working on Canada's bankruptcy and insolvency laws. We will have some changes to propose in the new year.
Patent Act December 13th, 2004
moved that Bill C-29, an act to amend the Patent Act, be read the second time and referred to a committee.
Telecommunications Act December 13th, 2004
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-37, An Act to amend the Telecommunications Act.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Industry December 13th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the registrar of lobbyists has complete independence from my office. He does not seek advice on any issue that comes before him. Therefore, he conducts his investigations with complete independence, and he will continue to do that.
The bill will be strengthened with regulations that will be gazetted in the next few weeks, and will be implemented early in 2005.
Textile and Clothing Industry December 10th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the textile and apparel industry, like many other industries in the country, is going through a very substantial transformation.
The government has spent over $100 million in the last few years helping the industry to adjust. We are developing a program that will help with the adjustment in the textile and apparel industry going forward. We are very pleased with the progress that we are making and the consultations we are having with the industry.
Industry December 9th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member's question is completely hypothetical. We have no transaction in front of us whereby the government of China is seeking to acquire any company. Until we do, the question is hypothetical. Our human rights record is second to none in the world. I do not know why the hon. member would make such an insinuation.
Aerospace Industry December 9th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, people should know that the aerospace industry employs about 78,800 people in the country. More than half of the employees in the aerospace industry are outside the province of Quebec. The C Series project will be very important to launch Bombardier and the aerospace industry on another chapter of evolution in that industry.
The Government of Canada is working closely with the industry and with Bombardier to ensure that happens.