Marcel Proulx

[Committees of the House, February 27th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the designation of Bill C-450 as a non-votable item.

[Forum for Young Canadians, February 26th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the Forum for Young Canadians, a non-political organization that teaches young Canadians about the processes of government, among other things, is holding one of four annual sessions this week.

One of the students, Josiane Gosselin-Dubois, made a statement while taking part in the parliamentary simulation. She condemned the working conditions in numerous factories and plants in underdeveloped countries, especially Haiti.

In addition, she finds it unacceptable that children work in such places. She is demanding a legislative amendment regarding clothes labelling to inform consumers about the origin of the products they buy.

I want to congratulate this young Canada for her thoughts on a current trade and humanitarian issue, as well as for her approach.

I want to take this opportunity to say that Canada is aware of the problem and is committed to helping the least developed countries, including Haiti.

[Citizenship and Immigration, February 20th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, in the Speech from the Throne the government promised to do its part to ensure speedier recognition of foreign credentials.

All of us have heard of medical doctors who have no choice but to drive taxis and Ph.D.s and engineers who are working in bars and restaurants. This is not a new problem.

What different approach will the government take to finally address this escalating problem?

[Montreal High Lights Festival, February 20th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to acknowledge the opening of the 5th edition of the Montreal High Lights Festival.

Yesterday afternoon, Montrealers embarked upon the 11-day winter festival of Quebec's largest city with a flurry of free activities and top-quality performances.

This celebration of the winter season is much like Winterlude, which we celebrate every year in the national capital region.

Montreal High Lights is offering a variety of activities for the young and the not so young until the end of the month.

This year's program is made up of three festivals in one: wining and dining, performing arts, and the celebration of light.

I wish Montrealers a happy Montreal High Lights Festival.

[Keskinada Loppet, February 12th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, thousands of cross-country skiers from around the world will be gathering in the Outaouais from February 13 to 15 for the Keskinada Loppet.

The Keskinada is one of 14 major cross-country ski races that make up the international Worldloppet circuit. Entrants include elite skiers and entire families.

Participants in this 26th edition include Beckie Scott, who earned a gold medal at the Salt Lake City Olympic Games in 2002.

This world-class event will bring together over 3,000 skiers, representing more than 22 countries, from the four corners of the globe.

The Keskinada Loppet is the largest Canadian cross-country ski event and represents a great opportunity for cross-country enthusiasts of all levels and ages. It is a great winter tradition, a truly Canadian experience.

I invite my hon. colleagues, and all Canadians, to come and have fun outside, celebrating our beautiful Canadian winter in the Outaouais.

[National Capital Commission, February 9th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, thousands of Canadians from all regions are sharpening their skates to glide along the world's longest skating rink or take part in Winterlude's many activities.

Last Thursday, members of the national capital region caucus publicly affirmed their support for the National Capital Commission and its chairperson.

Could the Minister of Canadian Heritage indicate to this House whether she supports the actions of her colleagues to ensure that the National Capital Commission can continue its mandate to make the capital region a symbol of unity and pride?

[Claude Ryan, February 9th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to express my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Claude Ryan, one of Quebec's great political minds who helped shape the province's free and modern society of today.

We will remember Mr. Ryan as the leader of the provincial Liberals in Quebec from 1978 to 1982, but also especially as the leader of the “no” forces that defeated the 1980 referendum on Quebec sovereignty.

He stepped down as Liberal leader in 1982, but remained in government as a provincial cabinet minister from 1985 to his retirement in 1994.

Claude Ryan was a committed Canadian with an unshakeable faith in his country. He believed in a strong Quebec within a collaborative Canadian federation. He was always at the centre of great dialogues on ways to improve federal-provincial relations to the benefit of Quebeckers. For this, he has the appreciation of all Quebeckers and of their fellow citizens across the country.

[Heart Month, February 6th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, in this first week of the month, I would like to remind the House that February is Heart Month.

Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of far too many Canadians. I invite my colleagues and the general public to participate in activities organized by their local Heart and Stroke Foundation and to support the various campaigns to raise money for research into these diseases.

Our government has made significant efforts in the past to support the work of researchers, who are doing their best to relieve the suffering of Canadians with heart disease.

These past efforts, and our firm commitment to continue working on this, clearly show that the government definitely has its heart in the right place.

[Petitions, November 7th, 2003]

Madam Speaker, I would like to lay upon the table this petition from constituents in my riding.

The petitioners pray that Parliament pass legislation to recognize the institution of marriage in federal law as being a lifetime union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others.

[Highway Infrastructure, October 31st, 2003]

If the hon. member bears with me and listens to the answer, perhaps she will not have to ask the question again.

The agreement was signed over the summer by the Prime Minister and the Premier of Quebec at the time. The agreement states that the costs will be shared 50-50 by the federal and provincial governments. I remind hon. members that the costs are estimated at $525 million—