House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
Regional Economic Development November 22nd, 2006
Maybe he eats too many marshmallows.
Maybe we should call this the Blackburn plan because we have created six new tools to support regional economic development. These tools have been designed to meet the specific needs of Quebec's vulnerable regions and RCMs that are having problems. I would encourage the member to read the Blackburn plan.
Regional Economic Development November 22nd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, it is not a marshmallow plan at all; it is an excellent plan. Maybe the member is having some problems.
Regional Economic Development November 22nd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I was merely being humble. General George Marshall had $14 billion and launched a massive initiative in Europe.
Compare that to the annual budget for the department responsible for regional economic development, which is $200 million. We have been creative enough to implement six new tools to support regional economic development. We started by targeting vulnerable regions. The plan has been very well received in the regions.
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec November 10th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, they are asking us for a million dollars over two years. After that, they will be asking for another $30 million.
When we consider building infrastructure like this—if that is the right term—we have to think about subsequent stages. Nevertheless, we are very interested in this issue. We are working hard and we hope to be in a position to make an announcement soon.
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec November 10th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, in answer to my hon. colleague, my colleagues discussed Boîte à science extensively during the election campaign. This file is currently going forward. Naturally, we are interested in trying to make progress on this file. We want the Government of Quebec to get involved too. When the time comes, when things have progressed further, I will share that information with the House.
Infrastructure November 3rd, 2006
Mr. Speaker, those in charge of the Oka Abbey project have applied for funding under the infrastructure funding program. Quebec holds one key for this program and we hold the second. Each party provides one third of the funding.
The application had been submitted, but the Quebec government decided that it would not keep it in the same program and changed it. In that case, we will not intervene. However, the project was resubmitted to Economic Development Canada. We have analysed the application and with regard to the purchase of the land, unfortunately, we are unable to provide funding at present. We will only be able to intervene in respect of the second request concerning—
Business of Supply November 1st, 2006
Mr. Chair, I am pleased to confirm to the hon. member that, indeed, the budget provides $32.2 million for that purpose, for the years 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
So, $32.2 million is indeed allocated to that purpose. In fact, $28.7 million will be used to pay employees who lose their jobs following a bankruptcy, while $3.5 million will be used to manage the program.
Business of Supply November 1st, 2006
Mr. Chair, I cannot foresee or control the votes in this House. Decisions are made by a majority of parliamentarians. After the vote, if the bill is passed, it will go to the Senate, and we will see what happens next.
Business of Supply November 1st, 2006
Mr. Chair, I will reiterate my comments. I hope that, in committee, all parliamentarians will listen to the representatives of both employers and unions in order to be in a position to properly assess the advantages and disadvantages of implementing an anti-scab bill in Canada.
In my opinion, if we listen carefully to the arguments, we will ascertain that, in 1999, when parliamentarians changed the law, it was balanced—
Business of Supply November 1st, 2006
Mr.Chair, my question for my honourable colleague is this:
Will the members of the opposition take the time to call a number of experts from both sides to hear the employers' arguments about why there should not be anti-scab legislation in Canada and the other side's arguments in favour?
I think this is important. We have to have a balance.