Marcel Proulx

[Criminal Code, January 27th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to respond to my colleague, speaking for the first time in my capacity of parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Transport.

In response to the question by the hon. member for Acadie—Bathurst regarding funding for highways 11 and 17, I would like to say that the federal government has over the years made significant investments in New Brunswick highways.

I will provide a brief historical overview, which I trust will satisfy my colleague's curiosity and provide him with some useful information for an understanding of this complex matter.

Since 1993, Transport Canada has had four different highway programs with the province of New Brunswick. Through these programs, the federal government has committed $525 million toward improvements to the highway system in that province. Approximately $39.7 million in federal-provincial funding has already been spent on various projects in the Acadian peninsula through these cost-shared agreements.

The province's priority, as well as the federal government's, is to complete the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway. On August 14, 2002, the Prime Minister of Canada and Premier Lord of New Brunswick announced their commitment to complete the twinning of the highway in New Brunswick at an estimated cost of $400 million. The Prime Minister of Canada also announced an initial $135 million towards the federal share of this project.

Further, on September 13, 2002, the Minister of Transport signed with New Brunswick the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program agreement providing an additional $29 million in joint funding to the province's national highway system.

Unfortunately, routes 11 and 17 are not part of the national highway system and therefore are not eligible for funding under this agreement. The only other program that remains is the highway improvement program, which was signed in 1987. At the end of this fiscal year, approximately $40 million will remain in this program.

Under this agreement, the province is responsible for submitting projects for funding. However, the province has already put forward other priorities for the remaining funds. Should the province wish to reallocate these funds to routes 11 and 17, Transport Canada would be prepared to consider its request.

I would also like to stress that highways are a provincial responsibility. Therefore, there is nothing stopping the province from improving highways 11 and 17.

With the two new announcements last year by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport, the federal government has now committed almost three-quarters of a billion dollars towards the highway infrastructure in New Brunswick since 1993.

Clearly the federal government is doing its share towards the improvement of highways in New Brunswick.

[Question No. 79, January 27th, 2003]

The question asked concerns emergency response to an oil spill for which the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is the lead department. DFO is responsible for developing emergency procedures to deal with such disasters, through the Canadian Coast Guard (http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/rser-ssie/er-ie/main_e.htm).

Transport Canada's role lies more with the prevention of such incidents through regulatory and inspection programs. Although we would not take the lead in a response to such a disaster, our expertise in ships and shipping matters makes us a critical resource department.

With respect to other departments, depending upon the size and location of such a spill, many agencies, departments and even other governments would be involved, as established in national and regional contingency plans. However, DFO is the lead department for these initiatives.

On the responsibility for ensuring that adequate resources are available, this also falls with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Their last report to Parliament on this issue should be of interest (http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/rser-ssie/er-ie/rtp/main_e.htm).

[Amateur Sport, December 13th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, this morning, the Journal de Montreal had a report on the questionable comments made by coach Dave Johnson about Jennifer Carroll and other members of the Swimming Canada team.

What does the Secretary of State for Amateur Sport intend to do to protect our athletes?

[Big Brothers and Big Sisters, December 13th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, on December 6, along with the representative from the Quebec chapter of the association of federal Liberal assistants, I had the honour of delivering a cheque for $1,000 to the Grands Frères et Grandes Soeurs de l'Outaouais.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters runs a program that pairs an adult with a child to foster the personal and psychosocial growth of children between the ages of 6 and 14. The child and volunteer participate in sports and recreational or cultural activities together in order to get to know one another and to develop a meaningful friendship.

This donation is one of four $1,000 donations given to non-profit organizations in Quebec. I would like to thank the Quebec chapter of the association of federal Liberal assistants for this generous initiative.

I wish all the assistants of ministers, members, and senators, and the residents of the great riding of Hull—Aylmer, a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

[Hon. Member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, December 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I was dumbfounded upon reading the householder of the hon. member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, entitled “The Communicator-Fall 2002”.

In a message that defies comprehension, she had the audacity to invite her francophone voters to obtain a French version of her householder. I will not repeat the content of the message, but I would like to express to my hon. colleagues my indignation over this type of behaviour.

If the hon. member needs help translating her messages to her voters, which seems evident, the House of Commons has an excellent translation service available to all members. Perhaps the hon. member is simply unaware that this service exists or perhaps it is her lack of regard for her francophone voters that led to her communicating with them in a manner unworthy of our fundamental Canadian values.

The hon. member's behaviour is indicative of the despicable views of Alliance members toward francophones outside Quebec. I hope the hon. member will apologize to this House and to her voters in the next issue of her householder.

[Member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik, December 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we learned that our colleague, the hon. member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik, was hospitalized.

It seems that he experienced some cardiac discomfort early yesterday morning. We are waiting to hear more about his health, after the various tests that he is undergoing at Hull's CHVO. Knowing the competence and dedication of the staff at this hospital, I am confident that our colleague is receiving high quality care.

On behalf of all the members of the Liberal caucus, I wish him a quick recovery. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in offering our full support to him, to his wife Diane and to their daughter Sonya Kim.

I paid a brief visit to the hon. member for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik yesterday evening and, after seeing his determination, I know that he will soon be with us again.

[Lac-Saint-Jean—Saguenay Byelection, December 6th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, something interesting is happening in the riding of Lac-Saint-Jean—Saguenay: the Bloc Quebecois's popularity is declining.

Militant separatists, such as Bernard Pilote, admit “People place less trust in our party's candidate than in the other party's candidate”. Jacques Brassard has almost conceded victory in the byelection to the Liberal candidate. He says “They could win”.

The Bloc has accomplished surprisingly little. They have been representing the riding for more than ten years, yet they have nothing to show for it. One chair is all the Bloc brought back to Lac-Saint-Jean from Ottawa. One chair does not create jobs nor ensure regional development.

It is obvious, Liberal candidate Gilbert Tremblay can make a difference in the region. Next Monday, the Bloc will get the message. The riding of Lac-Saint-Jean—Saguenay will be a winner.

[United Way, November 22nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we already knew how generous federal public service employees are. Today, we have proof again. Contributions by public servants to the United Way of Ottawa campaign account for over one third of all the money collected. They have contributed more than $7 million of the $20 million collected.

Also, public servants exceeded their objective for Centraide Outaouais, contributing $2.2 million, or 50% of all the money collected.

The reasons for giving so generously are many. The common thread, however, is the desire to help Canadians. In their everyday work, our public servants help people in one way or another. Their contribution to United Way/Centraide is a visible extension of their generosity.

I want to congratulate all public service employees for their great generosity, and especially the organizers and many volunteers who give their time and energy to help improve the lives of many people in need. Too often we take for granted the professionalism of our public service.

Today, I would like us to acknowledge their great generosity.

[National Seniors Safety Week, November 8th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the week of November 6 to 12 is National Seniors Safety Week.

Seniors place a high value on their independence, and that means living in their own home for as long as possible. Unfortunately, independence can be greatly impaired by a simple fall.

Adaptations can be made to seniors' homes to prevent falls. It is important to limit risks, particularly in stairways and bathrooms. Help is available from various health and safety services in our communities. Seniors must not hesitate to contact them.

Given that the Canadian population is aging, our society must get in touch with the concerns of our seniors.

I therefore urge Canadians to ensure that the seniors around them are safe.

[Commander Hendry and Lieutenant Bélair, October 30th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, this past August 17, the Canadian navy's HMCS Ottawa returned from a six-month mission abroad as part of the fight against terrorism.

The ship's crew included Commander Paul Hendry and Lieutenant Sylvain Bélair. Commander Hendry hails from Arnprior, Ontario, and Lieutenant Bélair from my riding of Hull—Aylmer.

I must congratulate them on their accomplishments, ranging from intercepting and inspecting vessels in the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, to seeking out contraband oil, banned goods, and al-Qaeda leaders and Taliban on the run.

Today Commander Hendry and Lieutenant Bélair are sharing their wealth of experiences with the people of the National Capital Region. They are visiting schools in particular, including Philemon Wright in Hull, in order to share their experiences in Afghanistan with the students.

We salute and thank Commander Hendry and Lieutenant Bélair.