Bev Oda

[Health, February 9th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that it is not 13 years. It is less than 13 months that we have been power. We have at least gone forward with pilot projects. We are working on wait times guarantees, rather than making empty promises and not moving anything forward on behalf of Canadians and their health.

[Health, February 9th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that the government is acting on wait times guarantees. In fact, the minister is meeting today to make further progress with his provincial and territorial counterparts. We have announced four pilot projects for wait times guarantees for first nations people, diabetes, pre-natal care and pediatric care.

The government added money to the health care transfer, not slashed $2.5 billion from those transfers.

[Broadcasting and Telecommunications, February 8th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, I want to ensure that we have the information. I have met with every sector. I have met with the distributors. I have met with the artists. I have met with the producers. I have met with the writers. I have met with the broadcasters and I have also met with the Canadian Television Fund. We all understand the gravity of the situation and I know that the commission will also take on its responsibility.

[Broadcasting and Telecommunications, February 8th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize the responsibilities of the CRTC and we also understand the gravity of the situation.

I am certain that the CRTC will act on behalf of all Canadians and for the government. At the same time, we also intend to assume our responsibilities.

[Broadcasting and Telecommunications, February 8th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, we have an independent organization that is responsible for regulating and monitoring the broadcasting and production industries. The CRTC is aware of the regulations. I am certain that the CRTC will act on behalf of all Canadians and the government.

If I might add, I spent 30 years understanding the cycle of production and broadcasting.

[Broadcasting and Telecommunications, February 8th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, the CRTC regulations require a contribution. I am certain that the CRTC will enforce the regulations.

We understand the seriousness of the situation. That is why the government has announced a grant of $200 million over two years. In response, the production industry said that the announcement sends a clear message to the industry and all Canadians that the government feels that Canadian production—

[Points of Order, February 7th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday in response to a question from the member for Saint-Lambert in the House I made reference to a 2005 report from the heritage committee. I would like to now correct the record and acknowledge that there was in fact a dissenting report from the Bloc. I ask the House to accept my correction on the record. I regret the error.

[Canadian Television Fund, February 7th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, the government has demonstrated in many areas that it knows that just words and talking is not enough. That is why we did act. We announced $200 million over two years which is the first time the production industry has ever received a commitment beyond 12 months.

[Canadian Television Fund, February 7th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, the government understands. There is a serious situation. We are working diligently. However, we have created, as a government, an independent agency that looks over a regulatory and supervisory role on behalf of Canadians. The CRTC regulations are outlined and the CRTC has a responsibility. As I said, I am confident that it will exercise its authority as necessary.

[Canadian Television Fund, February 7th, 2007]

Mr. Speaker, we understand. We have an independent organization that has the responsibility of regulating and supervising our broadcasting and production industries. The CRTC knows what its regulations are. The industry knows what regulations it serves under. I am confident the CRTC will act on behalf of all Canadians and for the government.