Mrs. Gabrielle Bertrand (Brome-Missisquoi):

Mr. Speaker, I am sure that you, as a history buff, would be interested to know that in a day or two we will be celebrating an important 200th anniversary in the history of my riding and my region.

It was on February 7, 1792 that Sir Alured Clarke, Lieutenant Governor of Lower Canada, launched his now famous proclamation on behalf of the King of England, addressed to all those wishing to settle on Crown lands in the Province of Lower Canada. This proclamation granted concessions and letters patent to thousands of Loyalist settlers from the United States.

This led to the founding of a number of townships named Brome, Sutton, Famham, Bolton, Potton, Stan-bridge, Magog, and so forth, names that still designate a number of municipalities in my riding, which together form what we call the Eastern Townships.

I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the descendants of those Loyalists, those pioneers who gave my part of Quebec the distinctiveness it still has today.

Mrs. Gabrielle Bertrand (Brome-Missisquoi):

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport.

We already know that CN and CP Rail must dispose of certain abandoned rail lines. Several non-profit organizations wish to obtain them to make into bicycle paths for the enjoyment of thousands of cyclists.

Can the minister explain the federal government's position on the disposal of CN properties between Famham and Granby? Also, can the minister intercede with the authorities of Canadian National so that the current moratorium on the sale of these properties can be extended for a few months?

Mrs. Gabrielle Bertrand (Brome-Missisquoi):

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague from St. Albert just said in English, I would like to remind this House that December 10 has been declared International Human Rights Day and today is the 43rd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations.

Exactly 43 years ago, the UN General Assembly adopted this universal declaration, this document which was to give all people everywhere the same basic rights and freedoms. This does not mean that injustice and intolerance have completely disappeared from the face of the earth. Unfortunately in some countries these rights and freedoms are not respected. Canada has adopted its own Charter of Rights and Freedoms, but much remains to be done. We want to give all Canadians, without exception, a chance to participate fully in our society.

International Human Rights Day is an opportunity to reflect but also to act. We should take this opportunity to ask ourselves how we as Canadians can build a fairer, more tolerant country, a country where everyone can contribute to the best of their ability.

Mrs. Gabrielle Bertrand (Brome-Missisquoi):

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, the French ambassador to Canada, Mr. Francois Bujon de l'Estang, left this country after a posting of more than two years. The ambassador told a reporter from Le Droit what his feelings were upon leaving this country, and I quote: "I leave with very positive feelings about a friendly country with tremendous potential. But I am surprised to see Canadians wallow in pessimism and self-pity, without realizing how lucky they are". The ambassador went on to say: "Canada is a rich country; it has plenty of space, a wealth of natural resources, an abundance of cheap energy, a determined and tolerant people and solid democratic traditions. Canada is a kinder, less harsh and more tolerant America".

In a nutshell, the ambassador told us we have a country that complains without realizing how lucky it is.

Mrs. Gabrielle Bertrand (Brome - Missisquoi):

Mr. Speaker, this government recently distributed to all Canadian households a brochure entitled "A Personal Message to All Canadians-An Invitation to Help Build A new Canada".

Several days later, on the floor of the House of Commons, the hon. member for Shefford criticized this message and launched some cheap shots at the principal originators of this important document, the Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for Constitutional Affairs, the Hon. Joe Clark.

A Granby daily, La voix de I'Est, in an editorial under the headline "Joe Clark was right, whatever Jean La-pierre says", said that Mr. Clark was to be commended for his message to Canadians and especially to Quebecers.

Subsequently, editorial writer Valere Audy, who has known Mr. Lapierre for some time, severely criticized the attitude taken by the hon. member for Shefford. Mr. Audy writes: "The M.P. for Shefford can keep this up if he wishes, but except for a few people who are prepared to laugh at his jokes, his audience is dwindling rapidly. In other words, Mr. Lapierre, when you make fun of others, there comes a time when the joke is on you!"