House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
Water Contamination February 16th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, this new cover-up puts us in mind of certain military investigations in the past, where the truth was buried. In this case the residents of Shannon could see their health endangered, to the complete lack of concern of the Liberal member for Portneuf.
What about the fine promises of the election campaign, the idea that the mere election of a Liberal member was supposed to be the solution to all the ills of the planet?
Water Contamination February 16th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, after the water problem in the Sept-Îles beaches area, a second case of contaminated drinking water has come to light. In the first case raised by the member for Manicouagan, the federal Department of Transport was involved. This time, responsibility lies with the Department of National Defence, in Shannon, a community in the Quebec City area.
We now know that authorities on the Valcartier military base kept news of the water's contamination from the residents of Shannon. How can the Minister of National Defence justify his refusal to share the information he had with the municipalities concerned, as recommended by a report submitted to his own department? The blame should not be shifted to others.
Supply February 15th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I just want to indicate that throughout the day, until the end of this debate tonight, the members of the Bloc Quebecois will be splitting their time and keeping their speeches to 10 minutes.
Auditor General February 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the government House leader should know that, for each of the names he has given us, we can name him at least 50 partisan appointments each.
According to the 1993 red book, a Liberal government would ensure that appointments reflected abilities when filling still vacant positions.
How does the Prime Minister explain this lack of ability in his appointments, he, who promised a return to healthier practices more in keeping with the principles of good management?
Auditor General February 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the auditor general is criticizing the government for the partisan nature of appointments to the boards of crown corporations. He points out a total lack of expertise in business management. In short, the auditor general confirms that it is “buddies” first and foremost. As for ability, it is a plus if there is some.
Has the Prime Minister not taken partisanship too far when he puts the management of $129 billion of public money at risk?
David Iftody February 6th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, it is with consternation and sadness that we learned yesterday of the passing, at age 44, of our former colleague, David Iftody, who, when parliament was dissolved on October 22, was the member for Provencher, in Manitoba.
Mr. Iftody was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993 and re-elected in 1997. He was the chairman of the rural caucus of the Liberal Party, a member of the Standing Committee on Industry and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
Born on June 15, 1956, in Winnipeg, Mr. Iftody studied at the University of Manitoba where he received a B.A. in social services and a masters degree in public administration. We will remember our colleague as a strong person dedicated to social justice, to which he devoted several years of his life.
I join all my colleagues in presenting to his family and friends our most sincere condolences.
Income Tax Act February 5th, 2001
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-222, an act to amend the Income Tax Act (deduction of expenses incurred by a mechanic for tools required in employment).
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this bill is to permit mechanics to deduct the cost of providing tools for their employment.
For the benefit of my colleagues, I should point out that during the previous parliament, this bill passed second reading, members supported it by a vote of 180 against only 11. So, my purpose today is to ensure that this bill is deemed adopted immediately, if possible.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Mélanie Turgeon February 5th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, Quebec is taking the world by storm. The ability of its enterprises to outdistance their competitors and the talent of its artists and athletes have put it on the map as never before.
Recently, we scored another international success: I am referring to the achievement of the most well known resident of Beauport, skier Mélanie Turgeon.
We were familiar with her strength of character, her determination and her talent. And now so is the rest of the world. This year has been Mélanie's best yet on the world cup circuit.
She began the second half of the season by setting a new record: two medals in one day. Since then, each competition has confirmed her place among world-class athletes.
In my riding, which includes Mont Sainte-Anne, the loveliest mountain in eastern North America, skiing is an important part of our social and sports life. Because of Mélanie, the whole community takes a more than ordinary interest in this sport.
Mélanie will be in the starting gate in Austria again tomorrow. On behalf of the Bloc Quebecois, I wish her good luck. Whether she wins or not, she will still be a champion.
Parliamentary Reform February 2nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, perhaps we should look at the participation rate across Canada.
With its reform, is the government not setting the stage for imposing, without any debate, those intrusions into Quebec's jurisdictions that are contained in the throne speech? The government should have the courage to admit that this is the main reason for being in such a hurry.
Parliamentary Reform February 2nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the low participation rate in the last federal election clearly shows the public's lack of interest in the political process.
Will the government's determination to further gag the opposition not have the effect of increasing this loss of interest, since gagging the opposition is tantamount to gagging the public?