House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 54% of the vote.
Collège Militaire Royal De Saint-Jean March 21st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the military college in Saint-Jean will not be closed until the end of the next school year. Therefore, we have over one year to find a use for these facilities which are extremely valuable.
We are currently discussing with Quebec government officials to find a way to put this facility to good use and we are prepared to provide assistance. The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs is currently conducting the discussions in this regard.
Tariffs March 21st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I said that the two cannot be bargained one against the other.
Egg, milk and butter producers in Canada are protected by the GATT rules. We have changed the rules and the proposed tariffication that exists today has been established under the rules of the GATT. We insist that we are following the international rules.
The question of the Americans importing more wheat for their market is another question. There was an increase in the export of wheat to the United States over the last few years. One part was caused by the flood there and the second was because we produce better wheat than it does when we talk about durum wheat. There is a conflict within American society: those who want good pasta want Canadian wheat and we are on their side.
Tariffs March 21st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have already discussed the problem with the American authorities. I have mentioned it to the President of the United States.
In the case of the products covered by article XI of the GATT, we know the proposed tariffication levels are protected by the GATT rules. There is no concession to be received from the Americans. We are just playing by the rules of the GATT.
On the question of the level of imports in the United States of Canadian wheat, this is something that is being discussed. There will be no tradeoff between one part of the farming community against the other.
Mil Davie Shipyards March 21st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, everyone knows full well that these problems are discussed in Cabinet and that we are committed to the workers in Quebec as we are to those in the rest of the country. Now, in this particular case, we must determine first whether or not we really need a new ferry and second, if the price is right. That is precisely what the Minister of Transport is doing now. Once his decision is known, the House will be informed.
Ginn Publishing March 21st, 1994
Mr. Speaker I do not know if there is a source like that. Senior staff in my office talk to me but nobody has talked to me about this problem.
If that so-called very close source is one of mine, I would like to know the name. If the member has the name I ask him to give it to me. What is a source? I need a name.
I would be surprised if somebody is afraid to talk to me but will talk to the press. If there is such a person I would like to have the name. He will have a lot of occasions to talk to the press for the rest of his life.
Employment March 21st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, we clearly stated that this government's priority was job creation. We adapted our budget policies accordingly. In the past few months, we have already seen the situation improve. It will take some time, but I am convinced that the finance minister's budget has put the country on the right track for job creation.
Members Of Parliament March 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult for me to reprimand somebody who is quoting Hansard when a member of Parliament said proudly that he was a redneck.
When the word was mentioned today, the hon. member stood up in his place and bowed to all of us. As long as it is on the record and he is proud to be a redneck, I will honour him in calling him a redneck. That is what he wants to be.
Members Of Parliament March 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult for me to blame the minister of Indian affairs for quoting the member of the Reform Party.
The hon. member said that he was proud to be a redneck. He got up and said that a few minutes ago. Maybe he wants to withdraw what he said in the House. I never used that term myself. I invite the member from Edmonton and everyone else to be very generous with the diversity of this country.
When I was in Edmonton, I knew it would not be a popular statement on his part but the premier of Alberta said that he believed it is a good thing for Canada to have a policy on bilingualism. To me it is not imputing motives to people who do not subscribe to that but I have been in public life for 30 years. The fact that we have two official languages in Canada is a good thing. I can see some progress because some members of the Reform Party apparently are taking French lessons. I am very happy about that.
Goods And Services Tax March 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, there will be no old GST and no new GST.
Goods And Services Tax March 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the answer is no.