Raynald Blais

[Employment Insurance Act, September 17th, 2009]

Madam Speaker, I do not know if I can put as much passion into it as my colleague just did but at the very least I will say this: with regard to the 190,000 eligible people, when it was time for questions the member for Chambly—Borduas asked the Conservatives where they are. With respect to Gaspésie and Îles-de-la-Madeleine, one of the Quebec regions, I have a great deal of difficulty finding unemployed workers who might be part of this group of 190,000.

Is it possible that this figure of 190,000 has been exaggerated just like so many other things presented by the government? I believe that the member who just spoke, the Bloc Québécois whip, is surely very aware of the fact that the figures mentioned by the Conservative government are, for the most part, wrong.

[Fisheries and Oceans, June 18th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the decision to impose a moratorium on cod fishing in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence is hurting Quebec fishers and putting many of them on the verge of bankruptcy.

The minister has done nothing to ensure an income for our fishers or the industry to help them through the crisis in the fisheries sector.

Will the minister commit today to announcing a plan to buy back licences and provide immediate financial assistance to people in the industry who have been affected by the moratorium?

[Lobster Industry, June 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the announcements made yesterday by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to help the lobster industry do not cut it. Lobster fishers are saying the plan is vague and ill-suited to their needs. Furthermore, it provides one-time assistance only. There was no mention of how much of the money will go to fishers in Quebec or of any adjustments to the EI system.

Can the minister tell us if she will take into account the efforts already made by lobster fishers in Quebec to conserve the resource, and ensure that assistance measures will be appropriate, adequate and stable for Quebec?

[World Oceans Day, June 8th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, June 8, 2009 is World Oceans Day. The theme “one ocean, one climate, one future” focuses on the role of oceans in regulating climate.

Little is known about our oceans. Climate change has resulted in dramatic changes, and will continue to do so, for marine life. The diversity, richness and complexity of these vast expanses of water deserve special attention considering their fragility and role in the earth's ecosystem.

Hopefully, on this day, governments will finally realize the importance of our oceans and dedicate the necessary resources to better understand the impact of global warming and climate change. It is important for this government to show leadership and actively participate in global consultations on ocean issues in order to contribute to the Copenhagen climate change conference.

[Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement Act, June 1st, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I listened very carefully to what the hon. member for La Pointe-de-l'Île had to say.

I would like to ask her if I am right or wrong. We just discussed a free trade agreement with Colombia and now Peru. It seems to me that the negotiations were not open or transparent enough to believe that these agreements are in the best interest of the people of Colombia, Peru or Canada. I am left with the impression that only the resources matter. It is as though we are seeing a new colonialism and returning to imperialism, which is a form of colonialism. That is my impression. Does the hon. member feel the same? Can she comment on that?

[Business of Supply, May 28th, 2009]

Mr. Chair, I do not know if we have the authority to dismiss people who say such things, but that makes no sense. It makes no sense to think that it is better to take a smaller lobster rather than a bigger one. Why have the scientists have told us that fishing a lobster whose carapace is 70 mm is less harmful in terms of conservation than fishing a lobster whose carapace is 82 mm?

[Business of Supply, May 28th, 2009]

Mr. Chair, I would like to come back to the lobster crisis. I would like to hear the minister's comments on the numbers, which are striking.

The carapace size of lobsters that can be caught varies from one province to the next. The minimum size is 70 mm in Prince Edward Island, 72 mm in New Brunswick and 82 mm in Quebec. That is where the conflict concerning the size lobsters comes from.

Does the minister believe it is normal that lobster is fished not only in different ways, but also with size restrictions that vary from one province to the next?

[Business of Supply, May 28th, 2009]

Mr. Chair, for the benefit of those watching us this evening, and I am sure there are a great many, I would like to know who will participate in the advisory committee and when the meeting will take place.

[Business of Supply, May 28th, 2009]

Mr. Chair, I thought the way the formula worked, if my question was 60 seconds long, the answer could not exceed 60 seconds. I think there may have been a moment of deviation from that, but it is no big deal.

Returning to the seal hunting issue, we have heard a lot about it in recent days, mainly thanks to the Governor General, whom I congratulate incidentally. I would like to know whether the minister has plans, in the next few weeks or by the end of the summer, to meet with all stakeholders in the seal hunt in order to re-address the matter so that there can be a true plan of action to deal with the present situation.

[Business of Supply, May 28th, 2009]

Mr. Chair, I will continue with my questioning, not my torture, as I do not want to impose that on the minister. In fact, I think that this formula of quick questions and answers is easier and allows me to hit on a few more topics. I do not want to play that game.

As far as the seal hunt is concerned, what is the amount that has been invested by the Government of Canada in the European information campaign and what is the amount the Government of Canada has invested in the U.S. campaign?