Lawrence Cannon

[Transport, October 23rd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian government and the Department of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities are always seeking better ways not only to conduct business, but also to develop links to our trade partners.

I would like the leader of the Bloc Québécois, who seems to have found a new calling yesterday, to table his economic study. He quoted it when he said that the study found that the project would be cost-effective.

[Transport, October 23rd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the Quebec government has had the opportunity to discuss this file with the New York state government. I would remind the House that the provincial premier and the state governor held a meeting.

Studies were conducted, but there was no follow-up because the results suggested that the project would not be viable.

Yet, the leader of the Bloc Québécois has mentioned the project's economic viability. I am waiting for my colleague to table his documents.

[Transport, October 20th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, if I have understood my hon. colleague's question, he is referring to the Montréal-Trudeau Airport. No action will be taken against the individuals involved.

[Transport, October 20th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his two part question. The first part concerns the recent report by a journalist. We investigated the matter and found that no immediate action is required. We also discovered that some of the report's allegations were unfounded.

Second, with regard to the port of Montreal, this is an internal matter.

[The Environment, October 20th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question. This provides the perfect opportunity to remind the House of the previous government's failure to act on climate change. That government went to Quebec City, loudly proclaiming that it was going to negotiate an agreement with the Quebec government. Of course, there was no agreement. Nothing was ever signed, nothing was done. We are going to do something.

[Older Workers, October 20th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, once again, it seems the hon. members of the Bloc Québécois have forgotten that there is a problem in Quebec and in Canada. We have addressed it.

In my riding, Pontiac, the forest industry has fallen victim to difficulties brought on not only by the global economy, but also by the Liberals, who left very little behind. I would invite my colleague to visit my riding to explain why my constituents should not get this money.

[Older Workers, October 20th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I am always amazed by the kind of remarks coming from the Bloc Québécois, especially the kind that says, “the alleged program announced this week”. The program has been announced; it is therefore not an alleged program. Facts have been stated.

What did the CPQ have to say on that? It said:

Between being given a fish and learning to fish, the choice is clear. We have to help the affected workers retrain in different areas, and the sooner the better.

That is what employers want, and that is what we are delivering.

[Older Workers, October 20th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague failed to mention that with the program we have put in place come very concrete measures, particularly for industry workers and for workers between the ages of 55 and 64.

These people will be able to take advantage of the government support provided through this program, one which, I repeat, is Canada-wide. This program is essential for our affected communities and regions.

[Atlantic Canada Economy, October 18th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the member of the opposition is absolutely right in underlining the tremendous work that was undertaken by my colleague in announcing last week with the Prime Minister and the premier of the province of British Columbia the gateway and the corridors.

We are also committed to the other initiatives in this country. As a matter of fact, we have already initiated some funding so that we can see this program and this project go forward.

[Transport, October 18th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report to the House and all the members that on October 16, Mr. Tassé submitted his report on the findings of the Toronto Port Authority. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank Mr. Tassé for his extensive work in preparing this report.

I will be reviewing the report and on completion of this review, I will be in a position to comment more fully. I can assure all Canadians that the government is open, accountable and transparent and will therefore make the report public, once I have reviewed the findings thoroughly.