Ethics Counsellor  Mr. Speaker, I think we have to assess the premise of the hon. member's question for its factualness and its context. Generally when we check these things we find something missing in terms of language and in terms of context. It is very important to repeat what that the ethics counsellor told the Globe and Mail yesterday.

Business Development Bank Of Canada  Mr. Speaker, I do not accept the premise of my hon. friend's question that the loan went through with lightning speed. I have been informed, however, that this loan was approved and participated in by the local caisse populaire and the Fonds des travailleurs du Quebec, both bodies not connected with the federal government nor with the Prime Minister, and their judgment was that the loan was a valid commercial transaction.

Business Development Bank Of Canada  Mr. Speaker, I reject completely the unwarranted premise of the hon. member's question. He really has a lot of nerve lecturing me about the law. Which law school did he ever graduate from?

Ethics Counsellor  As I understand it, what was done to settle the debt in question was done in full consultation and with the agreement of the ethics counsellor. The hon. member's premise, as always, is totally wrong. He should do the House and the Canadian people a favour and withdraw his insinuations. Why not raise some questions of real interest to Canadians? Why is he not concerned about health?

Human Rights  Mr. Speaker, the assertions of the hon. member in his premise are absolutely wrong. The Prime Minister has spoken out vigorously on human rights in China during his current visit in his meetings with the Chinese premier. He will continue to do so and maintain this dialogue throughout his visit.

Ethics Counsellor  Mr. Speaker, I have to reject the premise of the hon. member's question. As I understand it, the ethics commissioner, Mr. Wilson, made some proposals, only, to the Prime Minister for his consideration. The Prime Minister has joined with business people from all over Canada on the team Canada mission to China.

Ethics Counsellor  Wilson, so there is no basis for that unwarranted slur on him now just because he has not turned into a tame tabby cat for the opposition. The premise of the question is wrong. The ethics counsellor did not find that the Prime Minister did anything wrong. It was just the opposite. He said the Prime Minister was doing what other people do as MPs in carrying out their jobs.

Lumber Industry  Speaker, I was not questioning any of my colleagues, I was questioning the Leader of the Opposition. I think I should do so again for the mistaken premise of his question. There is no threat or action on countervail against Canada on this matter. He is well ahead of himself on this subject. We are going to have useful and constructive discussions.

Cinar  Mr. Speaker, I categorically reject the ridiculous premises of the hon. member. The government is assuming its responsibilities in this situation, but the rules of parliament prevent us from commenting on an individual tax file.

Government Grants  Mr. Speaker, there is an inaccurate and misleading premise to the question. The Prime Minister has no shares in the company in question. As the ethics commissioner told the parliamentary committee, “This is a done deal. It was over. There are no connections and no financial connections regarding the Prime Minister in either the auberge or the golf course”.

Minister Of Industry  I think the Alliance ought to have some modesty in trying to raise these kinds of questions without sound premises. By the way, so far the official opposition members have given the government a vote of confidence on its economic record and its economic policies, because they have not asked one question about the provisions of the economic update of the Minister of Finance.

Auditor General's Report  Mr. Speaker, I reject completely the totally unfounded premise of the hon. member's question. When it is a matter of trust, I suggest that whenever Canadians are asked to make their judgment at the ballot box they will agree that this government has earned the trust of Canadians, not only on its good record but its forward looking plan to bring Canadians successfully into the 21st century and not move them backward in a mean-spirited way as the Alliance would do in the unlikely event it was given the chance.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency  Mr. Speaker, as usual the premise to the hon. member's question is wrong. The minister is doing a terrific job for all Canadians. Why does the hon. member not explain that when his leader was a minister in the Alberta government he funnelled $8 million in assistance to businesses in his hometown of Red Deer over the last 10 years, including $55,000 for a muffin shop, $29,000 for a hair salon and nail service, and get this, $100,000 for an ice cream parlour.

Health  Mr. Speaker, I reject the premise and the innuendo of the hon. member's questions. They are both wrong. Speaking of taxpayers' money, taxpayers seem to be willing to pay for the nonsense the member expresses in her questions by paying her salary.

Aboriginal Affairs  Mr. Speaker, from my knowledge of the matter, the premise of the hon. leader's question is not accurate. I have been told that in at least 70% or more of the cases, the claimants are suing not just the federal government but they are also suing various churches directly.