House Of Commons Standing Orders  We in the Reform Party are fundamentally committed to changing the way business is conducted in Parliament so the people of Canada and the members of Parliament who represent them can gain some influence over the policy making process. In our party platform, devised long before the call of the last election, we made it clear we did not believe this place was functioning in a way that best served the people. We proposed in our platform changes which we believe would give members some influence over the policy making process of government.

Crown Liability And Proceedings Act  In the last Parliament we listened to lawyers and experts from across Canada who had the view, as did many members, that the issue of water was not clear. In fact they could have access to our water either through the free trade agreement or the NAFTA. Many of us were very concerned about that. I give credit to the minister of trade who went the extra distance to cite water specifically.

Department Of National Revenue Act  As national revenue minister, the hon. minister has said that the role of customs is essential to the social and economic well being of the country. As I mentioned earlier, Revenue Canada customs will continue to have a clear mandate to enforce Canadian law and sovereignty at the border by preventing the entry of criminals, illegal immigrants, pornographic material, prohibited goods and weapons. As well, a mandate to protect Canadian business and industry by administering international trade agreements.

Tobacco Products  Second, I hope that every member of this House has a conscience and when it comes to making decisions around cabinet, caucus, party or government policy that we do not park our consciences at the door. The Prime Minister has made it very clear that when it comes to matters involving taxation, the government must have the confidence of the House of Commons to proceed with initiatives. It is not simply a case of saying on every tough issue that it is a matter for an individual; on a tough issue which involves several departmental initiatives, such as health issues, criminal and enforcement issues, or tax issues, obviously we intend and need to have a united front as the Government of Canada.

Tobacco Products  Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has made it quite clear that on issues that involve the spending of taxpayers' dollars, the government has to have the confidence of the House to be able to carry out those measures. When the question relates to the budget or major initiatives on excise taxes, the government needs the confidence of its members to be able to proceed with money measures.

Taxation  During the election campaign, on October 1st, 1993, to be more precise, in an interview he gave to Le Téléjournal , the Prime Minister was asked if he would commit himself not to increase taxes for the next two years. The Prime Minister replied, and I quote: ``So, I want to be quite clear on this. There will be no tax increases''. Can the Minister of Finance reaffirm the commitment made by the Prime Minister not to increase taxes for the next two years?

Agriculture  Speaker, I appreciate the minister updating the House on this particular dispute. Would the minister give us a clear answer on the broader question as to whether his department responsible for agriculture-whether your department and you as the minister favour legislating-

Immigration  In fact, we have been welcoming people from every part of the world and from every socio-economic background for over 300 years; they have contributed greatly to our collective wealth and helped make our country what it is. However, we want to make it clear that we will keep an eye on the government to make sure that it does not weaken the principles of the 1978 Couture-Cullen agreement, which were reinforced by the 1990 Gagnon-Tremblay-McDougall agreement-

Department Of National Revenue Act  For that reason the government is committed to a strong and visible customs program and presence at the border. Revenue Canada customs will continue also to have a clear mandate to enforce Canadian law and sovereignty at the border by preventing the entry of criminals, illegal immigrants, pornographic material, prohibited goods and weapons. As well, a mandate to protect Canadian business and industry by administering international trade agreements.

Social Security System  The broadcasting industry is undergoing massive changes, and it was imperative that we appoint a president capable of dealing with the financial problems of the Corporation and of reasserting loud and clear the role of the CBC as a public broadcaster serving the Canadian public. That is exactly what we have done, and an announcement on this issue was made this morning.

Social Security System  It is dated February 1. I am sure when he receives it he will look at it and make it very clear to the Americans that unless we can negotiate a deal we do intend to keep these tariffs on ice cream and yogurt. In fact, we will fight as hard as we can to make sure that we have a continued supply management system in this country and a viable agriculture sector.

Social Security System  Need we recall why action is urgently needed; and why illiteracy is a scourge? First of all, illiteracy cuts people off from their culture. That is clear. Knowing how to read and write is the key everyone needs to open that door, and the illiterate person who does not have that key cannot enter that world. Second, there are the practical requirements of daily life in our society which include a minimum knowledge of reading and writing.

Social Security System  We score points on each other by trying to say that this is what we are going to be doing and what we are not going to be doing. The motion is clear. It asks for our co-operation and our commitment to looking at how we change our system. It asks no more than that. It is a promise that the Liberal government made. It is a promise in the red book.

Cigarette Smuggling  I told the House yesterday that I had to engage in further discussions with some of the premiers. I am planning to speak to them early next week. And we have given very clear instructions to the police to take all necessary measures to ensure that all Canadians in all regions of the country obey the law.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation  He knows the CBC's nuts and bolts and is ready to act. Under him, the CBC will be able to regain control and reassert loud and clear its role as a public broadcaster. We want to wish the best of luck to the new president, Mr. Manera, and to the CBC.