House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1997, with 60% of the vote.
The Economy November 26th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the governor of the Bank of Canada increased the bank rate 25 basis points, allegedly for the purpose of propping up Canada's dollar.
The last time I looked this morning, the Canadian dollar was either where it was or actually lower than it was before the increase in interest rates.
Could the Minister of Finance explain to Canadians what it is exactly that he is trying to accomplish? What is wrong with his economic policies then if the dollar did not increase in value?
Drug Patents November 20th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the minister today is confirming the doubts we had, because his answer is unclear. He speaks of the 20-year period, but he leaves the door wide open when it comes to the regulations.
The Prime Minister knows how important this bill is for Quebec and for investments. Can the Prime Minister tell us clearly today that he will not be changing the regulations to do through the back door what he cannot do through the front door?
Drug Patents November 20th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, next Tuesday, in the Town of Fleurimont, a Pharmacology Research Centre will be inaugurated at the University of Sherbrooke.
This project would not have been possible without Bill C-91, which was passed in this House. I would like today to ask the Prime Minister to clarify his government's position on this legislation.
Does the government intend, yes or no, to amend this act or its regulations? This was not made clear by the answers provided yesterday by one of his ministers?
The Environment November 18th, 1997
Without Quebec.
Canada Pension Plan November 18th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister, once again, is trying to evade the question. I am talking about his government's taxes, not those of the provincial governments.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has already affirmed now and stated that this increase in CPP premiums will cost a firm that employs 10 people about $7,000 a year. This will cost jobs for students, two to three summer jobs.
How could the Prime Minister accept this? How is it that he will not offer tax relief to Canadians to offset this increase in CPP premiums?
Canada Pension Plan November 18th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we welcome the Prime Minister back to Canada, but I am sorry to inform him that in his absence the unemployment rate under his government went up once again to 9.1%.
Notwithstanding, the government will increase CPP premiums, a job killer, by 70%. I would like to know today whether he continues to refuse any tax relief to Canadians.
Furthermore I would like to know, given this increase in premiums, whether he will make public today studies on the impact this increase in premiums will have on the jobs of Canadians.
Points Of Order November 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. You will remember that in the exchange I had with the Minister of Finance during question period the Minister of Finance stated that the question I raised had been raised a month before in the House of Commons.
I have checked the record of Hansard and found this not to be the case.
Canada Pension Plan November 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the minister for his answer today. However, I am sorry to say that it is as bad today as it was a month ago.
I would like to follow up with another question about the way this board will operate and ask him why the Auditor General of Canada is not going to examine the board's operation and make a value judgment. Why is it that the auditor general will not report on this board's operations to the House of Commons?
Canada Pension Plan November 17th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we have been told by the office of the information commissioner that Bill C-2, the legislation setting up the Canada pension plan investment board, does not subject the board to the Access to Information Act.
I would like to know from the Minister of Finance whether this is an oversight in the legislation or whether this is a deliberate decision taken from the government to avoid the board's having to put up with the scrutiny of the Canadian public.
Employment November 7th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, the Deputy Prime Minister's answer is exactly what is wrong with the government.
When will the government grow up and stop blaming others for the unemployment situation? When will it stop saying that the dog ate its homework? When will it stop gouging Canadians by increasing EI premiums, as well as by increasing premiums for CPP? When will it give Canadians a break and put the money back into their pockets and allow jobs to be created in this economy?