Aboriginal Affairs  Several days ago the minister of Indian affairs announced that the government was formally proceeding to establish a new order of aboriginal self-government starting in Manitoba. The government has yet to provide this House with a clear definition of this new order of government. Recognizing the minister's long experience in the field of intergovernmental relations, how is the federal government defining aboriginal self-government in the case of Manitoba's aboriginals?

Aboriginal Affairs  Speaker, if the government committed itself to establishing a new order of government in Manitoba surely this question must have been discussed at cabinet. Surely no cabinet minister would have committed to this concept without having a clear definition in law and legislation of what this concept is. We got nowhere asking this question of the minister of Indian affairs. I thought perhaps we would with the intergovernmental affairs minister.

Government Spending  How can one decently defend a bill of $160,000 or maybe even $700,000, as the newspapers report, to allow him and his wife to go and take a rest? The answer is clear: it is an indefensible, immoral decision.

Canada Oil And Gas Operations Act  We believe that it is crucial that in an increasingly competitive world we must provide Canadians and foreign investors with a clear regulatory framework in which to operate. The federal government must demonstrate a commitment to establish a regulatory environment that minimizes the burden on those who will ultimately create the opportunities and jobs to which this government is firmly committed.

Customs Tariff  I would invite the minister to reflect upon this point, and I would also ask him to be sensitive to the fact that-and this has been clear from the beginning of this debate-the General Preferential Tariff can have a major influence on our international relations. That is why we are asking the government today to consult members of Parliament on this issue.

Customs Tariff  The question I am asking myself is whether we should consider South Korea or Singapore as less developed countries or as developing countries. Of course, the answer is crystal clear and self-explanatory: Singapore and South Korea are no longer developing countries, but newly industrialized countries. I would have two short questions for the minister concerning what he told us earlier.

The Budget  It is a small business. High technology, small business. That is where this budget rings with a clear pure note. Out with the old, in with the new. The large corporations no longer have the lion's share of research and development. Technological innovation is going to come from the little companies, not the big ones.

The Budget  This budget reflects the concerns of people. It addresses deficit reduction today and sets us on a clear path of further deficit reduction in the future. This budget saves $300 million in unemployment insurance premiums. That $300 million can be reinvested by small businesses to create new jobs.

The Budget  How am I going to explain to the people of the riding of Frontenac that this budget does not contain any measures to stimulate economic growth or any measures regarding job creation, in view of the fact that this governement has been elected on a platform that proclaimed loudly and clearly its strong commitment to the creation of good jobs to restore dignity and hope? Yet, Canadians, in particular Quebecers, have two clear and well defined objectives. First, they want a gouvernment that creates jobs and at the same time a government that has a broad plan towards employment. Second, they want the governement to be more responsible in its management of taxpayers money, especially in these times of recession.

The Budget  He told us that if there was a merger between CN and CP, they would examine it. But why does the minister not make a merger mandatory and provide clear guidelines on maintaining essential services, cutting costs and making railway services competitive? Why is the minister waiting for CN and CP to come up with proposals, when today we are told this will take at least another year.

The Budget  In this context, the budget calls on me, as Minister of Transport, to discuss with my provincial colleagues the development of a highly-effective, integrated, affordable, surface freight transportation system, and the redirection of subsidies to improve the efficiency of that system. For example, it has become clear that the national highway system in this country needs to be upgraded. The provincial and federal transport ministers have agreed on what has to be done. Now, the finance ministers must find a way to pay for it.

Presence Of Canadian Troops In Former Yugoslavia  We have an obligation to continue supporting the efforts being made by the international community under the direction of the United Nations in order to consolidate what has been accomplished in the past few weeks and clear the way for more progress in implementing the ceasefires and agreements. Canadian troops will be used more and more to carry out their traditional role as peacekeepers and will continue the task of helping ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the area.

Privilege  That does not negate the chance of the hon. member appearing before that committee at some future date to plead his case. At this point it is clear to me that I would rule there is no question of privilege, that the report has been accepted and that it cannot and will not be reversed by the Chair. I would like to put this question of privilege to one side.

Taxation  I want to congratulate him on his comment which has certainly elevated the debate in this House. The answer to his question is very clear. He indicates the degree of interest we have in building fairness into the system. As he knows there are some people who did not pay taxes because they had business losses or interest on loans.

Old Age Security  We are not talking about cutting the budgets now. We are not talking about affecting universality. The budget makes that very clear. We are talking about an open consultation with all kinds of Canadians so that we can have a full discussion about the future security of Canadians, how we use the pension funds to invest in Canada, how we make sure there is a proper CPP, and that we have a proper system of payment.