Gerry Byrne

[Government Contracts, October 10th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of good interests being taken care of. Let me read a little piece of correspondence that was sent to several stakeholders. It reads:

--let me acknowledge my pleasure that provincially owned lands transferred to the Federal Government are now part of the National Park system, and that development is occurring to provide the public the opportunity to interpret and appreciate the unique aspects of this landscape.

It goes on to say “we support the federal government”.

It is signed by the Progressive Conservative premier of P.E.I., the hon. Pat Binns.

[Government Contracts, October 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, while the hon. member is trying to create some news, we will just clarify.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts is an incredibly important project. In fact, everybody in the House understands extremely well the value and credibility of it. It was all done in proper order.

[Government Contracts, October 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, when the hon. member refers to the minister's brother's college, he should point out this as well. It is news to the 14 member board of governors of Holland College that it is owned or has been sold to a Mr. Alex MacAulay. That is news to the 14 member board of governors. It is also news to the provincial legislature because Holland College was created by a statute of the provincial government legislature. It is news to the minister of education. I am also sure that it is news to the premier of the province. I am sure it is also news to the maritime provinces' higher education commission.

If the member wants to start--

[Speech from the Throne, September 30th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is very clear to me that the hon. member from Winnipeg must be a very effective member because she is certainly attracting a lot of attention from the opposition members. They are trying to throw her off her speech but she is handling these questions like a real pro. Well done. All the attention is because she has the answers, but she also contributed to the answers.

I would like the hon. member to comment as to whether she feels that the Speech from the Throne will make a positive impact in her community, in her city, in her province and in her region. There are many elements to the Speech from the Throne. What impacts positively on her region?

[Acoa, June 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Beauséjour—Petitcodiac is very right to be proud of the performance of Atlantic Canada.

While the Canadian Alliance is spreading a tale of defeatism about Atlantic Canada, myself, the four Atlantic premiers and 65 business people were in New York City. We talked to New York City business people who were looking to invest in Atlantic Canada. Those people told us that Atlantic Canada had one of the most entrepreneurial climates that they had ever seen. They are very proud of Atlantic Canada.

We are carrying on that winning relationship. It has been reinforced that Atlantic Canada is a fabulous place to do business.

[Government Contracts, June 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the problem with the member's preamble is that he does not include the fact that, following extensive community consultations, Parks Canada established management guidelines for the development of the Greenwich facilities which, among other things, called for the use of public-private partnerships in the establishment of the interpretation centre.

There were consultations with community groups. Everyone was very well aware of the development path for the Greenwich properties and of course there were many prospective businesses that were involved in that project. APM was ultimately involved and of course it was done--

[Government Contracts, June 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member quite rightly points out that there was information tabled in this very House by the auditor general about that project, providing constructive advice to my department. We are following that advice. As well there are statutes in the House that the hon. member can receive additional information under the Access to Information Act.

I would, however, point out that if the hon. member would like to continue, he can either simply say that it is not so or say it outside, because he continues to make scurrilous accusations against a member of the P.E.I. business community, which I quite frankly find--

[Greenwich Development Inc., June 5th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is attempting to defeat a very sound project in Prince Edward Island. In fact he is trying to defeat a very sound economic opportunity. His words sound so similar to those of the members of the Canadian Alliance I think he may show up at the next Canadian Alliance convention.

Notwithstanding all of that, the auditor general has reviewed the files of GDI and has given constructive criticism of which ACOA, my agency, is responding to and has done very well in so doing.

[Mining Industry, June 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, on all arrangements on the Voisey's Bay project, first and foremost there must be a lease agreement from the province to Inco. On all federal support to the program it is absolutely contingent on that lease agreement being in place before any funding is put into place. We are making sure there are strong regional s and national benefits associated with the project.

[Government Contracts, June 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has, on several occasions, drawn reference to problems that are occurring in Atlantic Canada. He seems to be agreeing with the Canadian Alliance on a regular basis.

Tim Banks is a private businessman who was involved with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency long before he was ever involved with the Liberal Party, and his repayment record on all his loans has been impeccable.