House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2019, with 34% of the vote.
Canadian Wheat Board June 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I have indicated repeatedly that the issue to which the hon. member is referring is a matter that should properly be referred to the directors of the Canadian Wheat Board.
There are 15 members, 10 of which are farmers elected by farmers. Obviously the testimony given by farmers today will be taken very seriously.
Canadian Wheat Board June 7th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I will examine very carefully the testimony of the producers that appeared today. I will make sure that testimony is drawn to the attention of the duly elected producer-directors of the Canadian Wheat Board.
Nuclear Industry May 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the hon. gentleman's knowledge of cabinet agendas is obviously a bit faulty.
In respect of the project, as the member will know from the government's red book three platform and also from the Speech from the Throne, it is our intention over the next 10 years to more than double Canadian investment in research and development to make sure that the country stays on the cutting edge of knowledge, research and innovation, not just in Canada but in the world. We will make the appropriate decisions to make that investment, which is critically important to the nation.
Nuclear Industry May 30th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I am not in the position to project timeframes with respect to a decision.
The hon. gentleman is right in identifying the importance of this big science project. He has also raised on other occasions the severe challenge that all governments face in dealing with the complexity of big science decisions.
The government is proceeding to consider all the relevant options and will make its decision as quickly as it can based upon sound science, due diligence and fiscal responsibility.
Agriculture May 29th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the statistics show that since 1985, through various initiatives of the Government of Canada, there has been something over $30 billion invested in a variety of farm support programs across the country of which about one-third or so would have flowed into the province of Saskatchewan. Those are the historic statistics.
This year, through a variety of safety net measures, more than $2.6 billion is being provided to Canadian farmers through a variety of programs in co-operation with the provinces, and the amount flowing into Saskatchewan is over $700 million.
Canadian Wheat Board May 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, independent surveys among our foreign customers have indicated that with respect to timeliness, reliability, consistency, contract execution and before and after market services, the Canadian Wheat Board ranks ahead of the United States, the Europeans, Australia and Argentina. It in fact ranks number one in the world.
Canadian Wheat Board May 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, during the course of the crop year, the Canadian Wheat Board obviously makes arrangements to bring into the marketing system the maximum amount of grain possible at the maximum available price. It is doing so in this case.
In some years there are carry overs from one marketing season to the next. I have every confidence that the Canadian Wheat Board will do everything possible in the context of world market conditions to make sure Canadian farmers can sell their grain at the highest possible price.
Forestry Industry May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, Natural Resources Canada already conducts a considerable amount of research that is used by western provinces in the management and control of the mountain pine beetle.
Obviously the hon. member has identified a serious pest problem in our core sector and I am certainly anxious to pursue every reasonable means by which the Government of Canada could help our forest sector find a solution.
Canadian Wheat Board May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the fact is that when wheat or barley are exported from Canada, wherever in Canada they come from, they require the appropriate export permits.
In the case of Mr. Schmidt and others, their concerns have been drawn to the attention of the Canadian Wheat Board. It seems to me that decisions respecting the operations of the board are better made in the hands of farmers than by politicians in the House of Commons, on this side or on that side.
Canadian Wheat Board May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, once again let me say that the power and authority of the Canadian Wheat Board is vested in the hands of its board of directors. The board of directors consists of 15 people, 10 of whom are duly elected by farmers themselves.
The hon. gentleman talks about freedom and choice. What is wrong with democratic elections among farmers who choose their own directors to make their own decisions?