House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2019, with 34% of the vote.
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?
Energy May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the largest factor driving consumer oil prices at the present time is the international price of crude, over which Canadians have very little control. The influence of OPEC is obviously a very serious factor.
To the extent that action can be taken within Canada, we have indicated the kind of action that is already on the books in terms of the home heating fuel rebate of last winter. The Minister of Finance has indicated that he is prepared to revisit the tax question if the provinces are willing to come to the table and participate.
Energy May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, obviously we will put the needs and priorities of Canadians first. That is the fundamental obligation of the Government of Canada and it will be honoured by the government.
With respect to climate change, we have already indicated that we intend to fulfil our obligations under the Kyoto protocol. We have made substantial investments to that end already. I am pleased with the degree of engagement that we are now achieving from the provinces. From Canada's point of view, the Kyoto obligations are critical. We intend to make sure that Canada abides by the undertakings that we have made.
The Environment May 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we have indicated that we disagree with the United States position with respect to climate change. The Americans have indicated that they do not intend to implement the Kyoto protocol. From the Canadian point of view, we remain committed to the objectives in the Kyoto protocol. We have already invested $1.1 billion toward that end and that will take us one-third of the way toward our goal.
From our point of view, climate change is a serious global issue and it will be treated seriously by the Government of Canada and by all Canadians.