House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 54% of the vote.
Ethics June 3rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, we have questions from a party that does not want to have a committee of this House of Commons to look into conflict of interest for everybody in the House of Commons, including members and ministers and Senators.
They do not want that. The Leader of the Opposition does not want to reveal anything of his last campaign. He has argued time and time again that nothing should ever be revealed of political contributions.
Ethics June 3rd, 2002
Yes, we did proceed fast on Sunday because we were advised that it was very important that the decision be made before the market opened. It was handled in such a way that it was today rather--
Ethics June 3rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, all the facts are well known. I made the letter following the exchanges between myself and the former Minister of Finance. We came to that conclusion.
He gave an indication Friday that he wanted to leave. He concluded that he was not comfortable in his position and by Sunday he concluded--
Government Grants June 3rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I would like to quote someone who is not a member of my party, Premier Binns, who said:
I don't see a conflict here.... The Justice Institute at Holland College has been recognized as a justice training centre for Atlantic Canada for over 20 years, long before Alex MacAulay was president--
He went on to say it was long before the solicitor general was a member of parliament or a minister. When I quote the Conservative premier of P.E.I., I feel very comfortable.
Government Contracts June 3rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, neither part of the question is true I have nothing to add.
Government Contracts June 3rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, frankly, I have said about 20 times that if money was stolen by those who got money, the guilty will have to face the courts. Can we ask for more than that? If people stole money, they will be taken to court. They will pay fines or go to jail.
It is very clear. The auditor general is working on this, and so is the police. If money was stolen, the guilty parties will pay for what they have done.
Government Contracts June 3rd, 2002
I never said that, Mr. Speaker. However, I did say that now that there is political stability in Quebec, the country is benefiting greatly. This is why Moody's in New York has given us the highest credit rating we have had in years, because of our very strong economic performance, they said. As well, there is now political stability in Quebec, like in Canada.
Government Contracts June 3rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I never said that ministers or members of the House were involved in the theft of money. I said that if money was stolen, those who stole it would be prosecuted.
This is very clear. The Minister of Public Works and Government Services suspended the sponsorship program. Together with the auditor general, public works has immediately referred any questionable cases to the RCMP for any necessary investigations.
Government Contracts June 3rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the most ironic of all is that the minister of public works decided to suspend the sponsorship program for a while.
Only a few days ago, the leader of the Bloc Quebecois wrote the minister of public works to recommend sponsorships, probably for some of his friends.
Government Contracts June 3rd, 2002
Mr. Speaker, at the request of the opposition, we have asked the auditor general to look at these files. The auditor general referred some cases and the department referred some cases to the police for inquiries. If money was taken and a crime was committed, they will have to face the system of justice in Canada.