House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
Hog Industry February 1st, 2007
Mr. Speaker, we cannot remain indifferent when faced with the possible layoff of 1,100 individuals by an important company such as Olymel.
We hope that the two parties will go back to the table. Such job losses have a huge economic impact in a region and we believe that the parties can find a solution and come to an agreement.
Fisheries and Oceans January 30th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the Economic Development Agency is particularly sensitive to the needs of the Quebec regions, especially the so-called more vulnerable areas with declining populations.
As for the fishing sector, we know that there are fewer fish in Gaspésie at this time. Aquaculture is one of the key prospects for that region.
I was in that very area two weeks ago, confirming to the people there the launch of four aquaculture programs, totaling approximately $981,000.
Science and Technology December 13th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, maybe we are too close to Christmas and things are not being understood very well. I will repeat what I said.
The Boîte à science project is currently under review. It is asking for $500,000. If we move forward with this, that money will be used for a feasibility study for the construction of a building that will cost $30 million. This will be followed by funding.
What I am saying is that the study will have to show that the Boîte à science could be viable without funding from the CED for its operating costs.
Bankruptcy and Insolvency December 12th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the member is referring to Bill C-55, which enables employees to collect lost wages in case of bankruptcy. The House unanimously supported this bill under the previous government. That is why there is now a notice of ways and means with respect to the bill.
If this House wishes to move forward this afternoon or later, tomorrow, we could pass it on first, second and third reading, then refer it to the Senate for thorough study.
Science and Technology December 12th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, this matter is part of the program of my department, Canada Economic Development. Again, we are currently being asked for $500,000, with Quebec and other private partners. If we move forward, this means another $30 million later and there is talk of operating costs to the tune of $7 million annually. Hon. members will understand that before spending a future $30 million, we have to make sure the project is viable.
Science and Technology December 12th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, during the last election campaign, the hon. member did not support the Boîte à science project very strongly and now, all of sudden, she wants to talk about it.
That said, the agency is currently asking for a $500,000 contribution from us to get going, if you will, on their feasibility studies for this $30 million project.
One thing will be clear: if we go ahead with the study, if the Boîte à science is built following a decision in the future, it will have to be viable and not continually subsidized by Canada Economic Development year after year.
Status of Women December 11th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, we have decided to act immediately on pay equity instead of waiting for new legislation that would take months and months and months.
We have asked our inspectors to go out into the field and visit businesses to make sure they have a pay equity program for women.
We feel that by being proactive, we will truly help the cause of women, and that is the approach we will take.
Ways and Means December 8th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Labour responsible for the Wage Earner Protection Program Act and pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I have the honour to table a notice of ways and means motion to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Wage Earner Protection Program Act and Chapter 47 of the Statutes of Canada.
I ask that an order of the day be designated to debate the motion.
Economic Development December 7th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, this file was indeed submitted to the department and was analyzed. I must inform this House that it is not within the mandate of my agency to finance capital expenditures on assets to be used for property management, nor to finance the operations of an organization in the retail sector. In this context, I can understand that these people are be disappointed, but we must abide by our operating rules. We are here to promote the diversification of regional economic activity and to support entrepreneurs who wish to start new businesses, and not to assist in the purchase of assets.
Canada Labour Code December 7th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind members of the important changes that were made to the legislation in 1999, just seven years ago.
It is extremely important to maintain a balance. It is maintained with that bill, which was adopted in 1999 and allows the use of replacement workers. However, they must not be used to undermine the union's representational capacity. In addition, on returning to work, striking employees go back to where they previously worked in the company.