Ralph Goodale

[Uranium Mining, February 5th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, there are significant environmental issues to be resolved with respect to these previous mining locations in northern Saskatchewan. I agree with the hon. gentleman that there may be some positive spin-off benefits in terms of economic activity, training and job creation potential.

The issue in terms of the source of funds that is necessary because we are essentially dealing with abandoned sites is presently under discussion between the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada.

[Foreign Affairs, February 4th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, any activity that would be undertaken in a Canadian facility, such as the testing labs of AECL at Chalk River, has to be licensed in advance by the Atomic Energy Control Board.

In terms of the requirement with U.S. law, that is a matter of international obligation that it is the responsibility of the United States to comply with it.

[Foreign Affairs, February 4th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. gentleman may be confusing two things. One is a procedure with respect to very limited testing of the feasibility of certain fuels. The other is the more broad question of whether any large scale project would be undertaken.

The rules are very clear. Activity can be undertaken in Canada for that which is duly licensed in advance, following upon all of the necessary environmental, health and safety requirements of the Atomic Energy Control Board.

[Economic Development, February 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I have indicated repeatedly long before today that any economic development package would need to be developed in very close collaboration with the local community, including Mayor Muise and others in the Cape Breton community who have vital input to make into the entire package. This one needs to be built from the ground up and shaped by Cape Bretoners.

In addition to the $68 million referred to in the question, there is $80 million to be invested by ACOA and Enterprise Cape Breton over the next three to four years.

[Devco, February 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I invite the hon. gentleman to look at the terms of the human resources package with great care, particularly after the corporation has had the opportunity to discuss some of the details with the unions. The unions may have some suggestions to make for modifications.

He will find that the average severance payment in this case will be in the neighbourhood of $70,000 per person plus training allowances on top of that. In comparison to other situations in Atlantic Canada this package compares very favourably.

[Devco, February 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, Devco has already undertaken to discuss with the unions the human resources development package. I believe some of those discussions have already taken place.

With respect to community development and economic development, those discussions began last Thursday night led by the Hon. Al Graham and along with Senator Sister Peggy Butts. Indeed the community will be intimately involved in the development of these plans and strategies.

[Devco, February 1st, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to outline the package.

There have been $69 million written off in previous Devco obligations; $41 billion to allow Devco to operate to March 31, 1999; $40 million to allow Devco to operate through to the end of the year 2000; $111 million for human resources planning, including pensions, severance arrangements and training; $68 million for economic development; $80 million over the next few years through ACOA and the Cape Breton Enterprise Corporation; and $140 million over the next four years through the normal active measures of Human Resources Development Canada, for a total of $550 million.

[Atomic Energy Canada Limited, December 9th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, in the very difficult process of program review, the government's support for AECL has been reduced from $174 million a year to $100 million a year. That is a massive reduction.

There may be some cashflow variations or cash profiling variations from year to year. At the end of the program review process, the number will be no more than $100 million.

[Atomic Energy Canada Limited, December 9th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I believe the question related to the AECL, but in all the racket I may have missed a portion of it and I would welcome a repeat.

In terms of the business plan with respect to the AECL, it is before the proper authorities now for consideration and as soon as that consideration is complete it will be dealt with in the appropriate manner.

[Devco, December 8th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, what we want is a solution that works.

In the first instance there are concerns about short term cash flow problems at Devco through the balance of this fiscal year. People may be assured that those issues, if they arise, will be addressed in such a way that the workers for example have no need to be concerned about their salary situation. For the longer term we are working with all interested parties to get a solution that does work and to alleviate the uncertainty for the people of Cape Breton.