Criminal Code  Furthermore when judges do recognize a breach of trust it is not always evident that they have given it appropriate weight in determining the offender's sentence. This bill will begin to rectify that situation by giving judges clear directives about what constitutes a breach of trust. The reformed Criminal Code will be better equipped to deal with this form of sexual abuse. This provision will also send a message to individuals in a position of power.

Infrastructure Program  Speaker, I already explained publicly that there was an internal misunderstanding which was cleared up; not only am I prepared to publish the list of projects that have not been approved, I am also prepared to tell you right away that all the projects announced by the Liberal Government of Quebec comply with the regulations established by the President of the Treasury Board.

Infrastructure Program  Speaker, there was an administrative error in my office which was discovered very quickly thereafter and the matter was cleared up. Now that there has been a change of government in Quebec I would hope the new government would proceed with the same degree of dedication and hard work as the previous government in making the infrastructure program the tremendous success that it has been.

Tainted Blood  Mr. Speaker, can the minister explain to me why she did not send a clear directive to the other Red Cross centres when she had in hand the American agency's report?

Public Finances  Mr. Speaker, I was very clear when I tabled the budget last February. I said at that time that I would issue an update on the country's financial situation. I said in the budget, and I quote: "Next fall [-]the government will release a comprehensive statement that will clearly lay out changes in the economic and fiscal outlook since the last budget".

Fisheries  There are 115,000 early Stuart sockeye missing from the Fraser River system. A report prepared by staff at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans makes it clear that DFO mismanagement and lack of enforcement are responsible. Further, the report confirms that the minister ignored the advice of his staff and chose not to close the fishery even though there were inadequate numbers of sockeye returning.

Haiti  Speaker, it will be a pleasure to answer the hon. member's question, and I want to make it quite clear that the purpose of this UN initiative is to bring President Aristide back to his country so that he can take up his duties as president. I believe that what has taken place during the last few hours is an indication that the process to return President Aristide to his country is well under way and is irreversible.

Referendum On Quebec Sovereignty  There was never any question of postponing the referendum, and it is much better that way, since Quebecers want to settle the referendum issue once and for all. However, despite Mr. Parizeau's clear commitment, one wonders, in the light of a recent statement by the Leader of the Official Opposition, who speaks for the Government of Quebec? Is it the Leader of the Official Opposition, who in his recent statement on the referendum explained that what counts is winning, never mind when the election is held, or is it Mr.

Criminal Code  So that might have been a nervous tic I noticed. In addition, this would allow the courts of each province to clear thousands of minor cases or summary proceedings through admissions of guilt, thus sparing the taxpayer enormous legal costs. This is a laudable attempt to reduce public expenditure and contribute to administrative efficiency and I congratulate the Minister of Justice.

Corrections And Conditional Release Act  I want to commend the Solicitor General for referring this bill at this stage to the committee so that we can, as individual members, provide input and make additional changes. Certainly where it is clear and obvious that changes ought to be made the government has made those changes but it is allowing the opportunity for further changes, for further amendment, as the bill moves along.

Corrections And Conditional Release Act  When we do members from across the floor dismiss our arguments as irrelevant because they are exemplified by anecdotes. However, we do not trot out examples to whip up public sympathy but to demonstrate in clear, understandable human terms what the real life implications are for Canadians when the justice system goes wrong and fails to protect the victims. Today I will share with the House the real life tragic story of a woman and her family who live in fear.

Corrections And Conditional Release Act  Bill C-45 introduces amendments to key pieces of legislation resulting in a criminal justice system which is more consistent with Canadian values. The protection of our children must be our primary concern in the justice system. It is clear that more needs to be done in this area. The statistics are staggering. Fifty-three per cent of females and 31 per cent of males are the victims of unwanted sexual acts. Eighty per cent of these assaults occur when they are children or youths.

Immigration Act  Speaker, briefly I would offer congratulations to both members for being promoted. The minister is going through this series of consultations and it is clear that there is some concern about numbers. The numbers are being looked at. Again as I said in my speech it is marvellous to have immigrants, but we also have to give them a future and we have to give a future to their children.

Immigration Act  Of course we do need to be tough on abuse and those who manipulate our system and the intent of our laws. We must send a clear message that those who violate our laws will have to pay a price. We are not a government that will punish the innocent just to get at the guilty. We have no intention of making people who really deserve Canada's protection pay for the actions of a small criminal element.

Immigration Act  However, as nothing is ever perfect, we will reserve our judgment for now on the means chosen by the government for reaching that goal. Many issues are not quite clear to us yet. For example, we wonder about the seriousness of criminality and the link between crime and the immigration process. We also question the motivation behind government's actions.