Rogers Cable  Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Canadian Heritage. Recently, it came to our attention that Rogers Cable television will no longer provide its suscribers with access to three French language channels. What is the government's position on access to French language programming for all Canadians?

The Economy  Would the Minister of Finance admit that by merely coasting along on our economic recovery instead of stimulating job creation as he should have done, he has heightened the lack of confidence in the financial community which no longer believes his promises to reduce the deficit?

Communications Security Establishment  As a result, the federal government has initiated discussions with the industry to develop a longer term vision.

Communications Security Establishment  We will continue to make information available to the public throughout the process. Let me emphasize again that our programs are outdated, costly, and no longer meet the needs of today's labour market. As recent polls have shown, the Canadian people believe there are problems with our social programs and that changes are required: 96 per cent of the people believe there are at least some problems with social programs requiring either minor changes, 17 per cent; major changes, 53 per cent; or a complete overhaul, 26 per cent.

Communications Security Establishment  The bus service is much less than that by half. We have been asked why VIA's newly constructed station in Saint John will no longer be used. Perhaps the member should ask her former Conservative government. When the station was constructed CP was already negotiating the sale of the entire Sherbrooke to Saint John line.

Communications Security Establishment  We are told all this snooping is done to protect national security. Well the Diefenbunker is no longer a secret and we are about to mothball some CF-18s. There is no obvious external threat, so why so much resistance from the government to outside scrutiny? While I am no big fan of SIRC, it is as good as anything we have for this purpose.

Communications Security Establishment  These appointments were made on the basis of recommendations by the Liberals, the Conservatives and the New Democrats. I agree with my Bloc Quebecois colleagues who feel that some SIRC members no longer have a legitimate right to sit on the committee, since their presence does not reflect the will of Canadians, as expressed during the last federal election. Indeed, these members essentially represent political parties which were democratically rejected by voters.

Department Of Public Works And Government Services Act  That country enjoyed a government monopoly and had economies of scale in every sector. But look at what happened to the U.S.S.R.: it no longer exists. The basic problem is that the government does not understand that the public and private sectors each have a specific role to play. When you mix the two together, particularly if the federal government starts to compete with the private sector, the whole system becomes skewed, because the federal government can hide all sorts of costs.

Department Of Public Works And Government Services Act  So, in a spirit of transparency and goodwill in administering public assets, you, the Liberal government, hold a majority of seats. If ridicule kills, that is why the Conservative government no longer exists. And if you continue to be wasteful with respect to contracting-out and privatization, your days are numbered, gentlemen.

Employment Equity Act  The private sector incurs large administrative costs. In addition there are the costs of lost efficiency. Goods and services will no longer be produced using the lowest cost. In the United States affirmative action has been estimated to result in lost output equal to 4 per cent of national income. Since Canada may be assumed never to want to lag behind the U.S. in such social legislation for long, we may soon expect at least such cost.

Regional Development  Last week the minister responsible for ACOA was such a hero for announcing that his pork barrel agency will no longer hand out free money. Canadians can rest easy knowing that ACOA intends on following in western economic diversification's footsteps. Never mind the fact that WED wrote off nearly $12 million of taxpayers' money last year.

Employment Equity Act  By the year 2000, when Canada will experience a skill shortage caused by an aging population, two-thirds of newcomers to the workforce will be women, visible minorities, aboriginal people and persons with disabilities. Canadian employers cannot afford to overlook this vast labour pool any longer. All Canadians will benefit as a result of this legislation, because its purpose is to ensure that all Canadians will have equal access to employment opportunities and advancement. The bill before the House today states that workers are to be hired and promoted on the basis of ability.

Employment Equity Act  If it is good enough for the private sector it is good enough for the public sector. The member should applaud what this bill does. It precisely says that there is no longer one legislation for the private sector and another for the public sector. We are all going to live by the same rules with respect to employment equity. The legislation on employment equity has been in place since 1987.

Pictou Landing Indian Agreement Act  At a future date if Canada and the First Nation agree the moneys in the community development trust fund are no longer needed for that purpose the funds will be applied for other First Nation purposes. Both sides have to agree first. In signing this agreement the Pictou Landing Micmac Band released Canada from responsibility and liability for past, present and future effects related to the Boat Harbour effluent treatment system.

Petitions  In this petition the petitioners are calling upon Parliament to strengthen existing laws regarding guns, to implement longer and mandatory sentences for people convicted of crimes involving the use of guns and finally that the flow of illegal weapons coming into Canada be halted.