Hon. Michel Cote (Minister of Supply and Services):

Mr. Speaker, again, I believe the Minister already answered the question yesterday, and perhaps I may continue along those lines. Initially, the land redistribution decision was made and implemented by this Government, and as I said before, all the steps taken by the Government were aimed at ensuring these activities were justified and would be followed up. I repeat that in his report, the Auditor General commented on the excellent performance of this Government, and we are convinced, as I said before, that the Department and the Government have done everything to ensure the situation was dealt with satisfactorily.

Hon. Michel Cote (Minister of Supply and Services):

Mr. Speaker, perhaps I could comment here. I think the Auditor General's report mentioned this Government's excellent management performance. He even said he was very optimistic about the Government's future record, Mr. Speaker, and I believe that this is more than he could have said about the previous government.

Oral Questions

Hon. Michel Cote (Minister of Supply and Services):

Mr. Speaker, first of all, the Hon. Member ought to know that an investigation is now under way and that the results bring out the truth about this matter. I may also remind the Hon. Member that most, if not all, advertising contracts were

Oral Questions

awarded on a very competitive basis and that there was never any compromise on the quality, price and delivery date agreed upon.

Hon. Michel Cote (Minister of Supply and Services):

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, a number of proposals are now being assessed and considered by Cabinet. When a decision is reached, as to the contractor and sub-contractor, as the case may be, such decision will be announced.

Hon. Michel Cote (Minister of Supply and Services):

First of all, Mr. Speaker, if the Hon. Member wants to be frank, we shall be frank. In 1984, when we inherited a disastrous economic situation, especially in Canada's shipyards, this Government was certainly not responsible for that situation. Seventy-four Members from Quebec had neglected to defend the interests of Quebec's shipyards.

Mr. Speaker, consider initiatives like Bill C-22, which they have the nerve to turn down, and all in the interests of Quebec taxpayers, Mr. Speaker!