Paul Martin

[Canada-U.S. Relations, November 3rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, at this very important juncture in history it would be far better for the Leader of the Opposition to join with the government that has been unequivocal in its fight against global terrorism.

We have made it very clear, whether it be on the strength of our borders or the ability of our borders, and at meetings that the Deputy Prime Minister has had with Secretary Ridge, that we will stand side by side with the Americans to make sure that those who would inflict terrorism upon the world will be found and punished.

[Canada-U.S. Relations, November 3rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I already have expressed my congratulations to President Bush on his re-election, as I have expressed to Senator Kerry my congratulations for his campaign. I also said that publicly after caucus this morning.

I also said that I look forward to sitting down with the President to deal with very important issues, from mad cow to softwood lumber to wheat, that we in this country have with the United States. I look forward to doing that forthwith.

[Parental Leave, November 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Bloc must know that we appealed because the scope of the decision goes far beyond simple negotiations on parental leave between governments. That is why the government appealed, because the scope goes much farther than the discussions between the two governments.

[Natural Resources, November 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, one of the great contributions that Newfoundland and Labrador has made to public life in Canada is the men and women it has sent to the House of Commons. I am very proud to stand in the House, refer to the hon. member and say that the contribution he is making as the minister of energy and the contribution that he is making in terms of his broader vision is not only benefiting Canada, but it is of direct benefit to Newfoundland and Labrador.

[Natural Resources, November 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to live up to the undertakings that I made under these circumstances and fully intend to do so.

It is somewhat ironic that the member of Parliament, who has condemned Atlantic Canada to defeatism, would stand up here now and try to defend Atlantic Canada when his entire public service record has been against Atlantic Canada.

[Natural Resources, November 2nd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I will not get into disagreeing with the terms of the deal. I am prepared to stand behind my undertakings on this, and I want to because I believe this is very important for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Fundamentally, in terms of why the reply, it simply occurred. I said to the premier that because we would be having the health conference with the premiers, this was where the principal focus had to lie. Immediately after that we began the discussion on this.

[Natural Resources, October 28th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, as I have already stated in this House, those remarks were unfortunate. The director of communications has apologized for them, and I have discussed it with the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

[Natural Resources, October 28th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the hon. member that what I said to the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador is exactly the commitment that I am prepared to carry through with and have set out.

[Sponsorship Program, October 28th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, once again, this shows that we should not comment here, in the House, on day to day testimony before the Gomery commission.

Today, Mrs. Larose's testimony clearly indicated that there was no interference or intervention on the part of a minister in this issue.

[Sponsorship Program, October 28th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, what the Leader of the Opposition is stating was said is simply not the case. This demonstrates once again the folly of commenting on day to day testimony or things that occur in the Gomery commission. He stood up yesterday and said that there had been interference in the allocation of a contract. Testimony this morning proved that there was no such interference. What that demonstrates is that the Gomery commission should be allowed to do its work and the Leader of the Opposition should not attempt to subvert it.