Marlene Jennings

[Election Campaign In Quebec, October 29th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the members of the Bloc Quebecois are nervous these days. Since yesterday, we know where the sovereignists stand. If the Parti Quebecois is reelected, there will be a referendum on the future of Quebec.

That is what it boils down to, despite the Quebec premier's hesitations and backtracking on whether or not he would hold a referendum. The Leader of the Bloc Quebecois, for his part, could not have made it clearer. Yes, if a sovereignist government is elected, Quebeckers will once again be called upon to decide their future in a referendum.

Now we know, and so do the people of Quebec: a vote for the PQ is a vote for a referendum.

[Employment Insurance, October 27th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House of Commons to speak about a town hall meeting I held this past Sunday afternoon in my riding of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine.

Given the overwhelming attention that the opposition parties have been paying to the issue of employment insurance surplus and the abuse which has been heaped on the government over the past few weeks concerning this surplus, I chose this issue as the theme for discussion with my constituents, along with that of the heralded supreme court judgment on the unilateral declaration of independence.

My town hall meeting was well attended. I was pleasantly surprised that the entire discussion centred on the employment insurance surplus. My learned colleagues on the other side of the House should listen up. Lo and behold, my constituents want the government to invest any employment insurance surplus in health, in paying down our national debt and in lowering taxes.

I can safely state that my riding supports this—

[Accueil Bonneau, October 21st, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, there are some occasions where agreement among all political parties is readily forthcoming, one example being the rebuilding of Accueil Bonneau.

Every year, the extraordinary team of volunteers at Accueil Bonneau serves 250,000 meals and snacks. Accueil Bonneau is a wonderful example of people working together in the fight against poverty right here in our community.

The solidarity and almost superhuman effort of those who rolled up their sleeves last June and have now rebuilt this welcoming shelter deserves our admiration.

Bravo to the many volunteers and to all politicians in Montreal. We thank them, and mention in passing that our government was also involved in this profoundly humane gesture of solidarity.

[United Nations Secretary General, October 9th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the hon. member for Beauharnois—Salaberry selectively quoted United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on the matter of secession.

In fact, what the secretary general said was: If the supreme court judgement requires a clear majority, if the majority of Quebeckers opt for secession, and if your constitution recognizes their right to do so, we too will have to grant that recognition.

The secretary general is therefore referring to a clear majority of Quebeckers on secession, and not a vague notion like sovereignty-association. He is referring to a secession negotiated within the framework of the Canadian Constitution, not unilateral secession.

In fact, he is saying exactly the same thing as the Government of Canada has been saying over and over again for the past two and one-half years. He added—

[Tv5 International Network, October 8th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the ministers responsible for TV5, including the Minister for Canadian Heritage, met yesterday in Quebec City to discuss issues relating to the future of this very important television network.

Founded in 1984, TV5 is one of the world's leading satellite broadcasting networks and can reach nearly 68 million homes.

This year, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of TV5 Québec Canada. More than a mere celebration, it is the realization that TV5 Québec Canada is becoming more and more important not only across this continent but also throughout the Francophonie.

TV5 is a new milestone in the cultural development of French-speaking countries and one of the Francophonie's greatest accomplishments. The Government of Canada supports the crucial role that our international network, TV5, plays and must continue to play.

[Maison Parent-Roback, September 29th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I take great pride in reporting that the Maison Parent-Roback was officially opened last Sunday in Montreal.

It groups together 12 provincial women's groups working to improve the conditions of women in such varied areas as the economy, culture, health and the campaign to eradicate violence against women.

It is also worthy of mention that the secretary of state responsible for the status of women has contributed a total of $795,000 since last April to 9 of these 12 provincial women's groups.

The corporation selected the name Parent-Roback for the building in order to pay tribute to the work and friendship of two pioneers in the women's movement, Madeleine Parent and Léa Roback.

We are very proud of this government for its support of this type of project for the women of Quebec and Canada.

[President Of South Africa, September 23rd, 1998]

Nevertheless, Mr. Speaker, my question is harmless enough.

As all members of Parliament already know, the President of South Africa is arriving today for an official visit. I would like to know what Canada intends to do to mark the exceptional contribution made by Mr. Mandela to equality and democracy.

[President Of South Africa, September 23rd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, as all members of Parliament are already aware, the President of South Africa is arriving today for an official visit.

I would like to know what Canada intends to do to mark—

[Supply, September 22nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I have listened to the debate here today with some interest. I have to say, coming from Quebec, that I think all members know that the overwhelming majority of people in Quebec are not only in favour of the gun control act which was already adopted, but also with registration.

One of the reasons is that there are studies that have shown that deaths caused by suicide or accidents can be reduced by limiting access. One of the ways that we limit access is to take control and register guns.

People who are law-abiding will register their guns. Those who are not will suffer whatever the consequences are in the legislation. I think that is perfectly fair. There are a lot of people who know how to drive, but do not get behind the wheel because their licence has been suspended, because they have lost merit points—

[Swissair Crash, September 21st, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, on September 2, a terrible plane crash in Nova Scotia killed 227 people, that is 213 passengers and 14 crew members.

Yves de Roussan, a Quebecker working for UNICEF, was among the victims.

On behalf of my colleagues, I wish to extend my most heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of the victims. This tragedy demands that we as a community take measures to provide maximum safety to those who use the various modes of transportation.

But for the time being, my thoughts are with those closest to the victims. I share their overwhelming grief.