Mr. Speaker, no, indeed, this is not recycled. This is incremental and we fully expect the cash to begin to flow in April.
House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2019, with 34% of the vote.
Agriculture March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, no, indeed, this is not recycled. This is incremental and we fully expect the cash to begin to flow in April.
Agriculture March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I saw the reaction this morning of the president of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. I saw the reaction this morning of the president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. I saw the reaction of the president of the Canadian Beef Export Federation.
They did not consider it a photo op. They appreciate the $1 billion. They are also working with the government on the other front, which is to get the border open.
The Prime Minister March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the hon. gentleman is drawing an awfully long bow in trying to tar the Prime Minister. That is obviously the strategy of the opposition.
What the record shows is that on the very first day the Prime Minister took office he cancelled the sponsorship program. Within five minutes of the publication of the Auditor General's report he expedited the work of the public accounts committee, he called a public inquiry and he appointed a counsel to recover money.
Since then he has taken action to deal with the crown corporations. He has taken action to change the appointment process. He has reduced the advertising budget and has established a whole new set of rules.
The Prime Minister is acting--
The Prime Minister March 22nd, 2004
They ask where he is. Today he is in Alberta announcing $1 billion for Canadian farmers. That is where he is.
The Prime Minister March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, again I say to the hon. gentleman that the Prime Minister is absolutely determined to deal with this issue. He has dealt with it in the most open, comprehensive and transparent way. He has not been in a bubble hiding away from Canadians. He has been confronting the issue directly and squarely.
Sponsorship Program March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has informed the House that he made the appropriate inquiries of all his ministers and all the ministers informed the Prime Minister that there is no cause for concern.
Sponsorship Program March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned in reply to other questions, there are detailed investigative procedures underway to allow all of the people who have evidence or comments to make with respect to this issue to bring that evidence forward.
It will be decided in due course in terms of the proper reaction in response to that.
Sponsorship Program March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, to paraphrase the Prime Minister the other day, these matters will be thoroughly ventilated come hell or high water.
Sponsorship Program March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of the quotation to which the hon. gentleman refers, but I want to assure him that this government is taking this matter very seriously. That is obvious by the actions we have already taken, the most elaborate and detailed investigation ever conducted.
Sponsorship Program March 22nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would point out to the hon. Leader of the Opposition that both process and substance are important. This government has put in place the steps through a very detailed series of investigative measures that will make sure that first of all, process is followed, and second and equally important, that Canadians receive all of the answers that they are anxious to have.