House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2019, with 34% of the vote.
The Environment March 29th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, we regret Quebec's departure from the meeting a couple of days ago. We appreciate its desire to be proactive, but we all really need to work hard together as a team on this issue.
I might caution the Quebec government against embracing the European model as it did at the meeting. That model would mean, for example, a massive increase in costs in Quebec for truckers, farmers and consumers, directly contrary to the representations made two minutes ago by the member for Témiscamingue.
Gasoline Pricing March 22nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I will quote from the Regina Leader Post of yesterday:
One of the industry's most persistent critics (the hon. member for Regina who has just spoken) praised the announcement by his Liberal counterpart. “The study is a good idea. I think there's some value in it”.
He called upon us to proceed with it right away. The member is talking out of both sides of his mouth at the same time.
Gasoline Prices March 15th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, just to clarify the record, the Minister of Labour communicated with the Minister of Finance with respect to raising the fiscal question.
I should point out to the hon. gentleman that the excise tax on gasoline is about 10 cents a litre. The excise tax on diesel is about 4 cents a litre, and particularly with diesel where the concern is concentrated, that tax has not changed since we have been in government.
The Environment March 13th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, federal, provincial and territorial ministers of energy and the environment will begin meetings later this month. They will continue with meetings through this year on a national implementation strategy with respect to climate change.
We hope by the end of this year to have made very real progress in getting that strategy into place. What it might include could be greater measures for energy efficiency, energy conservation, energy diversification, more alternative and renewable fuels, co-generation, district energy systems and cleaner industrial processes. Underlying all of that is new technology. Our budget most recently put $600 million into that very important effort.
Gasoline Prices March 13th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, with respect to the issue of gasoline pricing, obviously any issue related to taxation would need to be referred to the Minister of Finance.
I think it would be important for the petroleum industry to take note of the level of public concern and to be very transparent in its pricing practices including the price of crude oil, the price for refining, processing, wholesaling, retailing and taxes. I think the public is entitled to know when those prices change, exactly by how much and why.
Voluntary Challenge And Registry Program March 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the voluntary challenge and registry was created by my department in partnership with the private sector a number of years ago. It is now entirely under private leadership.
By proactive, voluntary means, it shows exactly how to marry strong environmental stewardship with strong economic success. It is saving energy. It is saving greenhouse gas emissions. It is saving money.
In the budget recently we have added another $600 million to our search for climate change solutions. Tonight, the Minister of the Environment and I will award the 1999 awards to the VCR champions from all across Canada.
Questions On The Order Paper February 29th, 2000
Pursuant to a decision by its directors, two-thirds of whom are directly elected by prairie producers, the Canadian Wheat Board held a total of 61 meetings across the prairies in order to consult with farmers on grain transportation issues. The total cost of holding and attending these meetings was $53,000.00.
Question No. 36—
Plutonium Shipments February 28th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate once again that this movement of MOX fuel was fully consistent with all the requirements of the Atomic Energy Control Board. It was fully consistent with all the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization and fully consistent with all the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency. It was completely in line with the transport and packaging of radioactive materials regulations of the Department of Transport.
Gasoline Prices February 25th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, as I have explained in response to a previous question from a member of the same party, the excise tax on diesel was a tax invented by the Conservative Party. It was increased by the Conservative Party.
It was four cents a litre when we came into office. It remains at four cents a litre today. If the hon. member would like to know the source of this problem, she might look in the mirror.
Gasoline Prices February 25th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the federal government's jurisdiction in this matter relates to two areas. First, the competition policy, as the Minister of Industry has already explained, has been investigated and in appropriate circumstances the proper action has been taken. Second, there are cases of national emergency, threatened national security, but we are obviously not at that point. Matters relating to the regulation of consumer prices are entirely within provincial jurisdiction.