House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 35% of the vote.
Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Act April 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I apologize for interrupting the hon. member for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, but I would like you to check with the Table, because I believe we had reached the turn of the hon. member for Drummond, who rose at the same time as the member for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell.
Budget Implementation Act, 2004 April 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, members of the Bloc Quebecois vote yes on this motion. I would ask you to add to the list of members in favour of the motion, the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie and the member for Terrebonne—Blainville.
Employment Insurance April 20th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, in Forestville, I took part in a march by over 2,000 people from the Upper North Shore, Charlevoix and Manicouagan.
In solidarity, most of the businesses had closed for two hours to once again ask the Liberal government to amend the unfair employment insurance system, particularly with regard to workers in seasonal industries.
Not a single Liberal member of Parliament had the courage to represent the government at this demonstration of solidarity. For months now, attempts have been made to meet with the minister responsible, who systematically refuses to meet with the victims of this government's mismanagement.
I invite the Liberal government, which likes to create endless committees and task forces, to stop beating around the bush and implement a real universal employment insurance system. For the men and women of Charlevoix and the Upper North Shore, this is first and foremost a matter of respect, dignity and survival.
The solutions are obvious. The Liberal government must stop campaigning for votes, and this injustice must be resolved before the next federal election. The people of the North Shore and Charlevoix want the legislation changed now.
Older Adult Justice Act March 31st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I wish to point out that, because of this interruption, we were delayed for the last vote, which we are voting on now. This vote was interrupted by another 15 minute bell when we should have voted immediately after the motion on seasonal workers. That is the point I wished to raise.
Older Adult Justice Act March 31st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. My colleagues from the Bloc Quebecois and I would like to express our indignation over a procedural incident that occurred earlier.
When an important vote was being held on the motion to truly recognize seasonal workers with respect to the employment insurance system, the vote was interrupted by a message delivered by the Usher of the Black Rod from the Senate, an institution we absolutely do not recognize. It is completely unacceptable to have stopped such an important vote.
Employment Insurance March 31st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister had a lot more to say at Baie-Saint-Paul on June 11, 2003. Now he does not want to stand up.
My question is for this heartless government, which has done everything possible to impoverish workers. Does it realize that seasonal workers are spiralling into poverty and one of the ways to put an end to that process is to acknowledge their specific status by voting in favour of the motion of the hon. member for Charlevoix?
Employment Insurance March 31st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Charlevoix has introduced a motion to establish specific status for seasonal workers, regardless of the economic region in which they live. Many promises have been made to workers in the past. For instance, the Prime Minister got front page coverage of his visit to Baie-Saint-Paul on June 11, 2003, for his reported commitment to solve the problem of the Sans-chemise.
In order to avoid leaving these workers high and dry with unfulfilled promises, does the Prime Minister intend to vote in favour of the motion on which we are going to vote this afternoon?
Business of the House March 30th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would like you to know that you can continue to speak quickly, even in English. That is why we have highly skilled interpreters in this House.
Petitions March 29th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table a petition from the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, specifically from the federal riding of Témiscamingue, in which the petitioners ask Parliament to put pressure on the federal government so that it ends the transitional measures, raises benefits for workers and adopts a real, universal employment insurance plan.
We must be particularly sensitive to workers in the softwood lumber industry, who have been seriously affected by the measures imposed by the Americans, and also workers in seasonal industries.
Employment Insurance Program March 25th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I may not have understood your comment on when the division will take place, but an agreement was reached between all the parties, that division take place next Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at 3 p.m. Our agreement is for the division to be held at the same time as the one on the budget and on the ways and means motions.