Marcel Proulx

[Daniel Richer, May 4th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, last week, the 20 best town criers in the world were in Bermuda to compete in the tournament held by the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

It is with much pride that I pay tribute today to Daniel Richer dit Laflèche, a resident of Aylmer, who won the title of best town crier in the world, thus becoming the first francophone to achieve this prestigious international distinction.

Mr. Richer won the praise of members of the jury and fellow challengers during his last cry, a ringing tribute to unity and rapprochement at the beginning of the third millennium. A wonderful ambassador for his region, his province and his country, the senior crier for Quebec and Ontario, Daniel Richer represents us proudly wherever his voice takes him.

Congratulations to his wife Sylvie, who won the title of most elegant escort at the same competition, as well as their two sons, because of whom the Richer family were able—

[Réfap Gala Excellence, May 1st, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, on April 15, the Réseau des femmes d'affaires et professionnelles de l'Outaouais celebrated the vitality of its members at its Gala Excellence 2000.

This first major celebration of the millennium for the RÉFAP provided an opportunity to honour the efforts and determination of two important women in the Outaouais, Ginette Chassé-Séguin, who was recognized as businesswoman of the year, and France Gagnon, recognized as professional woman of the year.

More than ever, their success in undeniable proof of the place and growing vitality of Outaouais women. Such examples of success can only encourage more women to take an active part in our community.

I take this opportunity to congratulate once again Ms. Chassé-Séguin and Ms. Gagnon and to wish them good luck in their future endeavours.

[National Volunteer Week, April 14th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday night, as part of National Volunteer Week, Centraide Outaouais handed out its Bénévolat 2000 award, honouring the commitment and devotion of a volunteer in one of its member organizations.

I would like to congratulate this year's winner, Michel Guimond, a volunteer with Grands-Frères et Grandes-Soeurs de l'Outaouais.

Mr. Guimond has been a Big Brother to Nicholas for eight years, and also headed the organization's board from 1995 to 1998.

Despite heavy job pressures, he has also been a provincial and national board member of Big Brothers and Sisters, as well as a volunteer member of the campaign board for Centraide Outaouais.

May I take this opportunity to salute the commitment, not only of Michel Guimond, but also of all the volunteers who make a contribution to improving the quality of life in the Outaouais.

[Health, April 7th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health.

For some days now, the Bloc Quebecois has been accusing the Minister of Health of interfering in areas of provincial jurisdiction as far as health care is concerned, particularly in relation to nurses and health insurance.

Can the minister tell the House whether he intends to respect provincial jurisdictions in relation to health care?

[Grands Prix Tourism Awards Gala, April 3rd, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to the winners of tourism awards at the 15th Grands Prix du tourisme de l'Outaouais gala, and more particularly to Jean Gauthier, who was named Person of the Year.

Mr. Gauthier was singled out for his exceptional efforts to turn the steam train that runs from Hull to Wakefield through Chelsea and back into a top tourist attraction in the Outaouais.

All the other winners make the region a very popular tourist destination as well. They are: the Buckingham en fête festival, Café Henry Burger, the Au Charme de la montagne bed and breakfast, the Maison des merisiers inn, the Château Cartier, Esprit Rafting, Maestro Limousine, the Laurier sur Montcalm, Baccara and Ferme rouge restaurants, Gatineau Park, the Keskinada Loppet, and the Casino de Hull fireworks display.

These award recipients are proof of the joie de vivre and exuberance of the greater Outaouais region. I congratulate the Outaouais Tourist Association for its excellent work.

And to everyone at the Grands Prix du tourisme Québécois, Quebec's tourism awards gala, I offer my warmest congratulations and best wishes for good luck.

[Canadian Economy, March 31st, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, good economic news keeps reaching us.

This morning Statistics Canada announced that tourism spending by Canadians and foreign visitors totalled $10 billion in Canada between the months of October and December. This is the fourth quarter in which tourism spending reaches a record level.

This statistical figure should be looked at in a broader context. The good news that we have been hearing for some time now is the result of our government's sound economic and financial management.

Indeed, the Liberal government was able to generate a climate of confidence in spite of having to make some difficult decisions at times. I should remind the House that our country now occupies a special place on the international scene.

[Raymond Brunet, March 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my words of homage to those expressed by many business people in my riding earlier this week to Mr. Raymond Brunet.

Raymond Brunet is the head of Ed Brunet et associés, a Hull family business dating back nearly a century. He deserves recognition for far more than his qualities as a businessman, however, as he is totally devoted to the Outaouais community.

Raymond Brunet's construction company has made a name for itself over close to four generations, and the community has benefited greatly from the family's store of knowledge.

The Outaouais chamber of commerce and industry has named him Personality of the Year for 1999. This recognition by his peers is mirrored by that of the community as a whole.

My most sincere congratulations to Mr. Brunet.

[Prime Minister Of Canada, March 16th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I will congratulate our Prime Minister, if I may, for his determination to work on behalf of the interests of Canadians.

The bill on clarity in a way confirmed the supreme court opinion that, unequivocally, a question on the future of Quebec had to be clear, as did its results.

The Canadian government had to face up to its responsibilities, and that is precisely what we are doing. What we are dealing with here is our country, its future, and our determination to preserve and improve it. That was the challenge faced by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Today I wish to salute the courage and determination, and the worthwhile accomplishments, of our Prime Minister, who is the leader of a strong government, a team with the future of our country, Canada, at heart.

[Groupe D'Imprimerie Saint-Joseph, March 3rd, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, almost three years ago now, the Corporation Saint-Joseph acquired the former Queen's Printer, Canada Communication Group.

Today, this former government agency in Hull has a new name: the Groupe d'imprimerie Saint-Joseph. There is more than just a simple name change involved. It is one more step in the move to the private sector.

After its acquisition, the Groupe d'imprimerie Saint-Joseph was restructured, and the head office invested in the latest technology in order to expand its potential.

After 130 years of service to the Government of Canada, the new Groupe d'imprimerie Saint-Joseph has made remarkable progress to become a competitive business. With three divisions and over 500 employees, the Groupe d'imprimerie Saint-Joseph is considered the largest supplier of printing and related services in the Hull—Ottawa region.

The new name marks changes in a historic institution. May the Groupe d'imprimerie Saint-Joseph and its employees enjoy a long life.

[Health Budget, March 2nd, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, Minister Bernard Landry has confirmed that his government deprived the people of Quebec of $841 million in the health system.

According to Mr. Landry, the problem in the health system would appear not to be financial. What a scandalous statement.

Let Mr. Landry try that explanation on for size with the people travelling to the United States for medical care.

Let Mr. Landry try that on for size with the people backed up in emergency department waiting rooms.

Let Mr. Landry try that on for size with the people in the Outaouais region of Quebec who have just lost some of their physicians.

Once again, this is a real scandal.