Paul Martin

[National Defence, October 8th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member has just pointed out, the Chicoutimi is now being towed toward Scotland. We have been informed that although things on board are not very comfortable, all is well. I should also say that the two injured sailors in hospital are in stable condition. As the hon. member undoubtedly knows, one of them is in fairly serious condition.

I can also report that plans for returning Lieutenant Saunders' remains are being finalized. In accordance with his family's wishes, there will be a military funeral. We expect the body to arrive on Sunday.

[Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply, October 7th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, we on the government side are prepared to give our consent to the changes made to the amendment to the amendment, as set out by the leader of the Bloc Quebecois.

[Canadian Heritage, October 7th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Scherrer accepted the invitation in early January 2004, or in other words well before the election call. The festival took place in June. Ms. Scherrer gave a speech. No partisan event was held.

[Municipalities, October 7th, 2004]

Again, Mr. Speaker, let me assure the hon. member that the government fully intends to live up to its commitment made during the election campaign. I made that very clear. It is in the Speech from the Throne and it was in my speech.

I also fully expect that the government will be able to retire debt. I think that it is our responsibility to those who live in the cities of tomorrow not to be burdened with a huge national debt.

[Municipalities, October 7th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I had a very good meeting with a number of mayors and the FCM. I can assure the hon. leader of the NDP that it is the government's intention to fully live up to the commitments it made during the election campaign.

[Speech from the Throne, October 7th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc's amendment to an amendment is asking members of Parliament to vote in favour of Parliament's totally abdicating its responsibilities with respect to public finances. We are not prepared to do that. We are going to assume our responsibilities in this place.

[Speech from the Throne, October 7th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I can almost quote from the speech I made yesterday. I made it very clear that we had no intention of infringing or interfering in provincial jurisdictions.

[National Defence, October 7th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate very much once again the sentiments that have been expressed by the Leader of the Opposition. I would like to inform the House that I have ordered that the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower and all federal buildings and establishments fly at half-mast immediately in honour of the late Lieutenant Chris Saunders.

I have ordered the national flag of Canada to be flown at half-mast on the Peace Tower in Ottawa and on all government buildings and establishments, effective immediately until further notice, in honour of the late Lieutenant Christopher Saunders.

The information that we have is that one of the two who have been taken off the submarine is in a more difficult health situation than the other. We have been told that the other six are in reasonable condition. Again, I would inform the hon. member that because communications are difficult the information is evolving. I am sure the Minister of National Defence, in response to the next question, will take over.

[Code for Public Office Holders, October 7th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, a revised copy of the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders, pursuant to section 72.062 of the Parliament of Canada Act.

I do not know if it is parliamentary but I would also like to congratulate the new officers.

[National Defence, October 6th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of National Defence has been advised by the chief of defence staff of the tragic death of Lieutenant Saunders while he was being transferred from the HMCS Chicoutimi for medical assistance. The circumstances of his death have yet to be determined, but I know all of us in the House will want to pass on our condolences and those of our country to his wife, Gwen, and his two children. He gave his life serving his country and we pay him our profound respects and his family our deepest condolences.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask you, on behalf of all of the House and on behalf of all Canadians, if at the end of the tributes by the other leaders in the House we could have a moment of silence.