House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 54% of the vote.
Bosnia February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, what the Minister of Foreign Affairs said last week is the position of the government.
As a country we have the third largest contingent there. We have been at every peacekeeping mission around the world. Some countries have nobody there and it is a good occasion to send some people. If more countries are involved it is better for the world. Canada has always been quite generous, but others should take their share of the load too.
Bosnia February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the decision made ten days or so ago respecting the ultimatum and the siege of Sarajevo produced the expected results. So, for the time being, should we pursue this course of action? I think that the actions taken so far have been successful and that the ideal solution would be for the warring factions to end this distressing situation.
Bosnia February 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, no decision has been made concerning central Bosnia following France's proposal with regard to the status of the city of Sarajevo. This is a very interesting proposal, but we are not through consulting with other countries before making a decision.
As for the presence of Canadian troops in Bosnia, a final decision will be made by the end of the mission slated to end in late March or early April.
Underground Economy February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, we said we wanted to reduce the deficit to 3 per cent of the GNP. I do not think I can add to what the Minister of Finance will have the pleasure of giving as his plan for this fiscal year, Tuesday next. The hon. member has only to be a bit more patient and he will have his answer.
Underground Economy February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member had listened to the announcement I made in the House of Commons last week, he would know we referred to the fact that the task of the RCMP was not to act only against cigarette smuggling but also against the smuggling of alcohol, drugs and armaments. That is the mandate of the RCMP and the Department of National Revenue.
In order to succeed we have to spend more money. We gave more money to the RCMP and the Department of National Revenue to be well equipped to do the job.
Physician Assisted Suicide February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, we will be in Parliament for four and a half years. During that time we might have 25 questions for the people of Canada. Because members of the Reform Party have no platform and no direction from anybody they want to ask their electors rather than having the guts to have a program and get elected on it.
Physician Assisted Suicide February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I would like the hon. member to check something. What was the cost of the last referendum? They are always talking about who is spending too much money. Is the hon. member saying that whenever members are traumatized and cannot make up their minds, they should spend half a billion dollars to help them do it?
We will use our best judgment and the people will have the occasion to judge us at the next election. I know we will win it.
Members Of Parliament February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, there was a referendum in Canada about a year and a half ago. It can be used once in a while but it cannot be used as a formula to run Parliament. That is not the way to do it. We were elected under a program.
There have been free votes in the House in the past. I must tell the hon. member I voted against capital punishment and abortion twice. This was not what my electors preferred but they continued to vote for me because I used my experience and judgment in those cases. It was a matter of conscience for me. I took my responsibilities and I went back to them. The hon. member will be facing the same thing.
Democracy is using your judgment and if the people are not happy they will vote against you.
Members Of Parliament February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I said yesterday-it is very simple-that this notion we should be replaced by polling is revolting to me. I repeat it today. We have been elected to use our judgment. Members of this party use their judgment knowing they belong to a party which was elected with a program which was distributed across the country. This is what a political party is.
The hon. member should be more worried about the way her party votes than the way the Liberal Party does.
Members Of Parliament February 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, that is democracy. Canadians read the red book and they voted for the Liberal Party. That is democracy at its best.