Ralph Goodale

[Devco, June 9th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, let me repeat again that what we have put together in respect of Devco is a package that totals more than $500 million. It specifically includes $111 million for human resources including pensions and severance arrangements, $68 million for economic development, plus $80 million from the programming of ACOA, plus another $140 million from the programming of HRDC.

The Government of Canada has put together a very responsible package to deal with a very difficult situation.

[Taxation, June 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of the follow-up process after Kyoto the provinces and the federal government agreed that there should be an open, inclusive, transparent process involving all Canadians in which all options would be reviewed and the costs and the benefits analysed so that all governments, not just the Government of Canada but the provinces, the municipalities, the private sector and all Canadians, could have a full and rational assessment of all the costs and all the benefits.

[Natural Resources, June 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, judging by the hon. gentleman's news releases, which contain the most intemperate and insulting language, I doubt that he really expects a serious answer to what should be a serious question for the people of Atlantic Canada.

In fact, the development of offshore resources holds huge potential for the people of Atlantic Canada. This government has helped to foster those resources.

In terms of the development of laterals within the boundaries of a province, that obviously falls within provincial jurisdiction. It may also be of interest to regional development agencies. As far as the Department of Natural Resources is concerned, the economics—

[Natural Resources, May 31st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the development of oil and gas resources off our east coast is a very welcome phenomenon that I think all Canadians celebrate as we see these new resources coming onstream. They provide many new business and job opportunities for Atlantic Canadians.

In terms of the construction of lateral pipelines, that is something that needs to be conducted on a commercial basis. Where the market exists for the gas to service a particular region or a particular commercial enterprise, then obviously the laterals will be constructed on a businesslike basis.

[Devco, May 28th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the specific point the hon. gentleman refers to, I will have to double check that proposition to determine exactly the truth of that matter.

I can assure him that all factors were very carefully taken into account by the government in arranging the final package with respect to the Devco situation. It includes very generous provisions with respect to human resources issues as well as a further package for regional economic development to find alternatives in the area.

[Customs Act, May 28th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, if the hon. gentleman would care to give me the specifics of the cases he is referring to I will refer them to the Minister of Justice for a complete answer.

[Customs Act, May 28th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, to be certain of the facts as alleged by the hon. gentleman I would need to check the course of the various legal proceedings.

I can assure the hon. gentleman that this government in no way interferes in the appropriate administration of justice. That is entirely an arm's length process and is administered without any involvement by me or any other minister of this government.

[Taxation, May 7th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has addressed this question. The Minister of Finance has addressed this question. The Minister of the Environment has addressed this question. The former Minister of Natural Resources has addressed this question. I have addressed this question. Every answer, every time, has been “no carbon tax”.

[Forestry, May 7th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. gentleman knows, there has been considerable discussion ongoing involving the Department of National Revenue with respect to interpretive bulletins it issues from time to time. These discussions have included woodlot owners who have expressed taxation concerns in the past.

I understand that that work has gone forward very successfully. We can anticipate in the next short while some adjustments in those interpretive bulletins that will be favourable to the woodlot owners.

[Aboriginal Affairs, May 6th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I have already had an opportunity to meet with the Primrose Lake air weapons range committee. I have also corresponded with the president of the committee, Mr. Durocher, and the president of the Metis nation of Saskatchewan, Mr. Chartier, to indicate my keen interest in working out a solution to this matter.

I am indeed very interested in working with the Metis people and the Government of Saskatchewan to identify appropriate economic development and other opportunities for Metis communities in the northwestern part of Saskatchewan.