House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 60% of the vote.
Questions on the Order Paper December 7th, 2009
With regard to government advertising, how much money did the government spend on television and radio advertising between February 1 and 28, 2009 inclusive, giving particulars of (i) how much each department or agency of government spent on such advertising, (ii) the subject and nature of each advertisement, (iii) the broadcast outlet on which each ad was broadcast, giving the name and location of the station, (iv) the dates on which the advertisements aired?
Questions on the Order Paper December 7th, 2009
With regard to government advertising, how much money did the government spend on television and radio advertising between March 1 and 31, 2009 inclusive, giving particulars of (i) how much each department or agency of government spent on such advertising, (ii) the subject and nature of each advertisement, (iii) the broadcast outlet on which each ad was broadcast, giving the name and location of the station, (iv) the dates on which the advertisements aired?
Questions on the Order Paper December 7th, 2009
With regard to government advertising, how much money did the government spend on television and radio advertising between April 1 and 30, 2009 inclusive, giving particulars of (i) how much each department or agency of government spent on such advertising, (ii) the subject and nature of each advertisement, (iii) the broadcast outlet on which each ad was broadcast, giving the name and location of the station, (iv) the dates on which the advertisements aired?
Montreal Canadiens December 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago today, the Montreal Canadiens hockey club was born. This great team has provoked dreams, laughter, singing, celebrations and sometimes frustration for millions of Quebeckers, and for Canadians across the country.
Since the club's inception, 776 players have worn the Canadiens jersey with pride. Among them were Maurice Richard, Dickie Moore, ”Boom Boom” Geoffrion, Jean Béliveau, Guy Lafleur and, of course, Ken Dryden.
I still remember those evenings with my father, watching TV, shouting and cheering for the Habs. I remember my first hockey game at the Montreal Forum. It was magical. I will never forget those moments.
I can still hear René Lecavalier describing Lafleur deking through the defence and finishing with, “He shoots. He scores.”
They have won not 1, not 5, not 10, but 24 Stanley Cups. And the next one is coming soon.
But the Habs are about more than winning the cup or winning games. They are part of our history and national pride and that is what we are celebrating today.
Happy birthday—Joyeux anniversaire—to the Montreal Canadiens.
Gilles Carle November 30th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, last Friday we lost one of the pioneers of Quebec cinema.
Gilles Carle devoted his entire life to his passion and left behind a body of work that resonated with entire generations. He began making movies in the early 1960s and his work includes dozens of feature films which celebrated and paid tribute to some of his favourite themes, including rural life and the lives of everyday people.
He received many awards and distinctions, including the Prix Albert-Tessier for his contribution to film and the Governor General's Award.
His talent and reputation know no boundaries. He was a giant among giants.
Gilles Carle suffered from Parkinson's disease for a number of years. His partner, Chloé Sainte-Marie, was by his side throughout his long battle. She showed extraordinary courage and devotion. We offer our most sincere condolences to Ms. Sainte-Marie and their family. Farewell Gilles Carle, you will be missed.
Community Adjustment Fund November 18th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, that is a load of bull. What happened was that 15% of the ridings received 54% of the funding just because they voted for the Conservative Party. Clearly, the Conservatives believe there are two kinds of ridings: good ones, which voted for them; and bad ones, which voted for other parties. They believe there are good voters and bad ones. In other words, they are sending the message that they will help people who voted for them and ignore everyone else.
Do we have two classes of citizens now? Is the government telling workers and the unemployed, families and children who do not live in a Conservative riding that they deserve nothing?
Community Adjustment Fund November 18th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the government is still using the fund for partisan purposes. What it did in Quebec was shameless and totally inappropriate.
The community adjustment fund has a budget of $1 billion over two years. It targets regions that have lost a lot of jobs, regions that are in need. Let me repeat that: the money is supposed to help regions in need, not help Conservative members get themselves elected. Let us look at the numbers. The Conservatives hold 15% of the seats in Quebec, and their ridings received 54% of the funding. That is 54%.
Does the government realize that this violates all of the rules of ethics, fairness and impartiality?
Museums November 17th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, either the Conservatives do not understand culture or they do not care. It is one or the other. Employees of two national museums have been on strike for eight weeks. The government has been completely invisible on this file, and the Minister of Labour must explain why.
I will make it very simple for her. I will offer her a choice of answers: she chose to do nothing; she tried something but failed; she does not even know what I am talking about.
Museums November 17th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the employees of the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum have been on strike for eight weeks. We are talking about eight weeks. These employees play a crucial role in protecting and interpreting our heritage, but that is not important to the Conservatives. Many events have been cancelled and programs set aside, but that, too, is unimportant. There is no agreement in sight. The parties are deadlocked, and the government is doing nothing.
Is the government doing nothing because it does not understand the importance of culture or because it could not care less about it?
Olympic Winter Games November 6th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the Olympic flame is a symbol. It represents healthy competition, camaraderie and people coming together. It is anything but a partisan tool.
Unfortunately, today, some questions have been raised about the flame's journey. Among the events that have been planned across the country, only 12% are being held in Liberal ridings, 13% in NDP ridings, 10% in Bloc ridings and 62% in Conservative ridings. I repeat, 62%.
One has to wonder if these are the Conservatives' Olympic Games or Canada's Olympic Games.